AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country, including as the opportunity of choice for the largest number of SU grads entering the world of work. Learn about great options for short-term post-grad work experience via three different programs earn you experience, educational awards and a stipend while letting you make a difference.

As a sociology major and communications minor, Charlotte Law ’12 says she thought constantly during her time at Southwestern about how she could help give a voice to those who are systematically silenced. After graduation, she discovered the perfect opportunity to combine her skills and passions through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).

“I began my year of service in July of 2013 as the Development and Communications Coordinator for a wonderful nonprofit called H.A.N.D.,” Law explains. “For more than 40 years, H.A.N.D. has provided a network of support for seniors, people with disabilities, and paid caregivers in Travis County. I assist with fundraising efforts such as grant writing, coordinating appeals, securing donations, and events. My communications work revolves around messaging, copywriting, and public relations. I have also recently drafted a comprehensive, agency-wide communications/media strategy. I’ve been lucky to work in an environment where my opinions and expertise are valued and I am given the freedom to try new ideas.”

Being a VISTA has come with a variety of unanticipated challenges, however. Law reports that during the government shutdown in October 2013 her pay was suspended until further notice. Fortunately, the sequestration did not last long, and she received back-pay for the paycheck she had missed. “It was hard to not feel somewhat discouraged and let-down by the system I had sworn to uphold,” she admits. “The stipend for VISTA is low and you will experience what it is like to live in poverty (if you haven’t already). You may not live in the best neighborhood and there may be times when you don’t feel safe. However, that is as much part of the VISTA experience as the invaluable work you are doing for your community.”

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy conceptualized both VISTA and the Peace Corps programs. He wanted to engage and motivate Americans to fight the war on poverty both domestically and abroad. In 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson welcomed the very first cohort of VISTA’s to their year of service. He addressed the group saying, “Your pay will be low, and the conditions of your labor often will be difficult. But you will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their fellow man.”

“VISTA is not a job,” Law concludes. “It’s more than that. I can guarantee that your year of service will be challenging in more ways than you could possibly anticipate. However, at least for me, it has been the experience of a lifetime. After serving for six months I am already equipped with highly marketable professional skills while working every day to positively impact the lives of Austin’s most vulnerable. Being a VISTA takes an incredible amount of courage, confidence and drive. I recommend it to anyone looking to make a real difference while fostering a lifelong ethic of social justice.”