UP2US VISTA
Step 2: Create an Application and Apply to the Opportunity Listing
Log into the My AmeriCorps Portal at https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do. Click “Applicant Home” in the upper left-hand corner.
Once you click “Applicant Home,” the sidebar should be red. Click the second option on the upper left-hand side, “Applications.”
Click the button that says “Create Application.” The application has eight parts. You need to complete each section, but you do not have to complete all eight sections in one sitting. Just make sure to save your work as you go.
Important Application Components:
Motivational Statement: Please write a thoughtful essay about why you are passionate about national service. Your motivational statement is similar to a cover letter. Be sure to include the following information:
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Why you would like to give back to your community
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Why you think sports and community engagement/service is important
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Your past experience and what makes you a good candidate
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What you hope to gain from the experience and how it aligns with your professional goals
​Example:
Since I was little, I have always been invested in helping others, giving back to the community, and exploring new experiences. I previously served as a City Year AmeriCorps member. As a tutor and mentor to elementary-age students in New York City, I witnessed first-hand the poverty and trauma experienced by youth in the community. I believe a lot more work needs to be done to address these challenging issues. Specifically, I would like to become a VISTA member to be a part of a team that wants to reduce poverty, so it is less of a barrier at school. The mission of Up2Us Sports stands out to me because I believe coaches can positively impact students both emotionally and academically. Sports were a huge part of my childhood and I was able to see how a great coach can make a difference to so many young people. I hope to support this cause and gain valuable experience serving in a non-profit space.
Skills and Experience: Similar to a resume! Highlight your experiences and provide specific examples of the skills you will bring to the organization.
Education: Some positions have no education requirements, but many VISTA programs ask that candidates have a college degree or at least three years of work experience.
Community Service: A resume for volunteer work! Use this section to share experiences you have volunteering or serving your community, especially if you are a student or young professional and don’t have a lot of work experience yet. Think creatively about times you’ve given back to the community, even if it wasn’t a formal volunteer position.
References: You must enter the contact information for two references. References can be supervisors, coaches, professors, co-workers, and mentors. Friends and family members cannot be references. Your application isn’t considered complete until both of your references have completed this form. Please make sure your references submit the form in a timely manner to prevent any delays in the selection process.
Once you have completed your application, your Applicant Home page should look like this:
Click “Search Listings” on the left-hand side. In the “Program Name” box search for the organization and VISTA position you are applying for.
Click on the correct job description. Click the red “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the page.
Select the application you would like to submit, and then certify your application (you must select all four boxes) and click “Submit.”
Congratulations! You have successfully applied to be an Up2Us Sports VISTA. If you are selected for service, you will need to log back into your account to accept the position.