Supporting community technology center (CTC) AmeriCorps*VISTA members

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Abstract

There are about 75 AmeriCorps*VISTA members serving in 35 community technology centers (CTCs) across the country (2002). The CTC VISTA project is a collaboration between AmeriCorps*VISTA, the Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet), and the College of Public and Community Service at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. This effective practice outlines recruitment, training, and support methods for AmeriCorps*VISTA members with this multi-site project.

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Issue

This project presents several challenges in the area of multi-site management.

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Action

The CTC VISTA project is a collaboration between AmeriCorps*VISTA, the Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet), and the College of Public and Community Service at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Effective practices in the areas of recruitment, training, and support of AmeriCorps*VISTA members who serve in community technology centers include:

Recruitment

  • Work of the CTC VISTA project is publicized nationally in the The Community Technology Review, which is produced by CTCNet and is available online at the CTCNet website. The Winter-Spring 2002 issue features reports on Project Leader Matt Crichton's work with the CTC VISTA Project in developing the program's website and presentations.
  • Work of CTC VISTA members is also highlighted in VISTA Source and National Service News, both published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
  • Articles such as these help recruit new AmeriCorps*VISTA members to work at community technology centers.Potential members can sign up using the AmeriCorps online recruiting system.

Training

  • Each new AmeriCorps*VISTA member is provided with a copy of his/her work plan, expectations and objectives, and Member Assignment Description.
  • AmeriCorps*VISTA members are trained to perform all necessary duties as listed in the work plan if they do not already possess these abilities and skills.
  • The project provides Pre-Service Orientation Programs (PSOs). These programs provide special AmeriCorps*VISTA and CTC VISTA Project orientation and support, including an introduction to its local and national online support system and the related resources of CTCNet.
  • AmeriCorps*VISTA Project members are required to attend CTCNet's national conference held each June. 
  • The project ensures that community technology support services are tied to the development of the University of Massachusetts at Boston CPCS Community Media and Technology Program by offering the program's "Media, Technology, and Community Organizing" course to CTC VISTA project members.

Support

  • Supervisors hold regular meetings with AmeriCorps*VISTA members and assist them with problem solving.
  • Supervisors assist AmeriCorps*VISTA members with career planning.

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Context

The CTC VISTA Project is a collaboration between AmeriCorps*VISTA, the Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet), and the College of Public and Community Service at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. The CTC VISTA MetroBoston Project began in the fall of 2000 and serves as the pilot resource for the national project component that began in February 2001. The MetroBoston area AmeriCorps*VISTA members not only started the project but, because they are able to meet monthly and in some cases even more frequently, provide much of the project's leadership.

CTCNet is the largest association of community technology centers, surpassing the number of member centers with PowerUp and specialty networks such as the Computer Clubhouse, Hud NeighborhoodNetworks, and SeniorNet. CTCNet grew out of Playing to Win, the community computing center that was founded in a public housing basement in east Harlem in 1983 and the Playing to Win Network which began informally in the late 80s and was awarded a pilot grant in 1991 by the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF awarded a second grant for national expansion of the project in 1994 to the Education Development Center to support CTCNet.

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Outcome

Collaborative efforts between AmeriCorps*VISTA and CTCNet in recruiting, training, and supporting AmeriCorps*VISTA members who serve with the community technology centers help contribute to a successful program.

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Posted On

June 3, 2002

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For More Information

Peter Miller
The CTC VISTA Project, College of Public and Community Service, UMass, Boston
Director
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125-3393
Phone: (617) 287-7371
Fax: (617) 287-7274

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Related Practices

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Related sites

Community Technology Centers' Network

AmeriCorps*VISTA

Topic Areas

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