 We're live. We're here. It's 12 o'clock, rock. It's Thursday, of course. And what does that mean? It means Aloha United be stand. We should stand Aloha United anyway, but we do, in fact, stand Aloha United way at 12 noon on Thursday, and that's what we're here for. So today our show is about AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Avista. We're going to talk about those two organizations, their connection, and their presence in Hawaii. He's a VISTA team leader. Hi, Daniel. Thanks for coming down. Thank you for writing me. And we have Angie Chapman. She's been here before with Aloha United Way. She is the VISTA program coordinator for Aloha United Way. Welcome again. Thank you for having me. So let's talk about, you know, what is it? But my preference to this is what we were talking about before the show began is in the middle 70s Congress in its infinite decision process. I wouldn't say wisdom, decided that we weren't going to have a draft anymore. So everybody was relieved because they were really fatigued over Vietnam. And so everybody was happy about that. You didn't have to register anymore, and you didn't have any risk of being drafted into the Army or any service, and everybody felt good about that. But the long-term effect, not so good, because it's been, what, 30 years since then? 40? 40? 40? Sorry. I minored in history in college, and people don't go into the Army. Volunteers go for their own reasons, and the Army, all the military services try to recruit people and all that. But they don't have to go, and a lot of them don't go, and so the country becomes a little polarized over those who go and those don't go. And it would be better if you had to go, but not necessarily to war, but you could go and do national service. The important point is national service. And in fact, I think it's very interesting, and I didn't realize, I hadn't known this for a long time, I think I knew it once, that VISTA stands for volunteers, are you listening to this? Volunteers in service to America. So these people are serving America, that's the important point of it. And that ought to be, in my opinion, and I said it before on the show, on all these shows, that ought to be required. That ought to be mandatory, as it is in so many other places. And people would get along with that, to be okay. How about learning about this country by serving this country in one way or the other? And we need that. And you, the public needs that because that would connect you, that would connect people to the country, make them feel part of it. We are it, it is us. It's not some distant organization that we can dump on all the time. Not just that you have to pay taxes, it's that you serve the country, you're part of the country. Anyway, that is exactly what VISTA is, and I am pleased to have you on the show. Thanks for having us. Well, yeah, like you said, it's a great opportunity for young people to give back to their community. The mission for AmeriCorps VISTA is to alleviate poverty in our nation. So VISTAs go out to low income communities, and they can give back and serve. They make a commitment for full one year, full time commitment to either nonprofit organizations, public organizations, and help build their capacity to really solve problems instead of just patching them. So tell me the pathway of it. I wake up one morning, and maybe I called you anyway, but I wake up one morning and I decide that I want to be a member of VISTA, you're going to tell me the relationship of VISTA in AmeriCorps, but I decide I want to be part of this group of organizations. What happens to me? What happens to you? Well, there's a little, quite extensive application process online, and then you can look through all of the positions available across the nation, and a lot of VISTA members like to go somewhere new, because a lot of them are graduates, college graduates looking for an experience, getting networking, and so you can apply to a different state or within your home state, and then you would, if you have to relocate, you would be relocated, and then start your full year after your training. It's like a three-day training. Three weeks. Three days. Three-day training, and then you start with the organization for that one year. After that year, you then can choose between an educational stipend or a cash stipend. A lot of people choose the educational stipend. Is that money? Yep. It's $5,775, so that's why a lot of people go into it. They can put it towards their loan or future education. So the government gives this federal government, it gives me money to do to educate myself, and this is while in my one year of obligated service? Yeah. So they get paid modest living allowances. Supposed to match the type of income that the community is getting, that you're serving? So it's not big bucks? No. It's not big bucks? We're not talking about it. $50,000, $60,000, $70,000. Yeah. But you're paid through experience and education. How about my transportation and expenses? Transportation? If I pick, for example, Georgia, because I want to go to the back end of Georgia when I learn what goes on there. I want to see James Thickey's deliverance firsthand. I want to see what it's like at the back end of Georgia. I want to see the small towns, I want to see the people there. Or I go to Shenandoah Valley there and I want to see what the whole place is like. I want to learn about it and I want to bring whatever I have to them. I want to engage, pay my transportation. So the VISTA's upfront travel cost, CNCS then reimburses the VISTA member a few weeks after they start. That's how it works usually. Okay. And during my obligated service, what kind of money do I get? Do I get money to eat? Yes. Money to eat and have a place to stay. It does require the VISTA members to live frugally, but as I said before, it's a really great educational experience, so you're still getting paid. It's great opportunities for future employment. VISTA members have first choice for government positions, great on your resume. Federal government likes me because I've done my national service. Yeah, exactly. That makes sense. And then, yes, after the one year you can choose what kind of stipend you would like after you serve your one year. Well, the stipend comes after, and that's like a school grant kind of thing, help me do education after it, and that's nothing to do with the three-day training you talked about. No. Okay. So I can go to school, college. Yeah, you can. Or I can take anything, any trade, course, whatever. Exactly. Or pay off loans. Can I stay longer than a year? Yeah. Can I stay for many years? When I write books about what I do, what I find, who I talk to, and I take video, can I make a movie, a documentary? I mean, go ahead. You can. And that's a thing too. A lot of VISTA members, they'll make blogs about their experience, and they'll have a little short videos on YouTube about their experience as well. And you can serve up to five years in the VISTA program. So if you really feel, you know, you're making, I guess, an impact in the community, you know, you can spend more time there to make sure that you can kind of see it through. This program, well-funded, what I mean is, suppose there's not just me. Suppose there are 10,000 people just like me who all decide on a given Thursday they want to join VISTA, and they all want to go into the, you know, the red states, if you will. Right. They want to see the South. They want to see neighborhoods where there are a lot of people who are disadvantaged. I want to go there under a 10,000 of me. Will the government take me, or are there limitations? They're necessarily not limitations. The program is funded by Congress. And so... Oh, them? Yeah. Them. So they're funded by them, but it's more about the amount of nonprofits and public agencies that actually need the VISTAs. So right now, in Hawaii, what we're trying to do is figure out where's the need, what's the problem, where's the need, and how can a VISTA be able to come in and make an impact on that. So it's just providing... There's a lot of nonprofits and public agencies don't know about VISTA, and so they're missing out on an opportunity for that resource, government resource, to them that they can use. And so that's what we're trying to do here at the Loha United Way in Hawaii and the VISTAs here in Hawaii. So at the Loha United Way, what role do they play? Is it sort of a designated agency to conduct or coordinate the program? Is that what it is? So we're acting as an intermediary agent. We're the second intermediary organization for CNCS in Hawaii. Who's the first? Hawaiian community assets. So as an intermediary agent, we work with Corporation for National Community Service, which is what AmeriCorps VISTA is under. And then we work with the nonprofits where the VISTAs are placing. You get the money and distribute the money? Do you act as a sort of intermediary in the funding? Not for their pay. But we do... They get that directly from the federal government. There is a cost share between us and CNCS. We put in some money, and then they put in some money, and then they directly pay the VISTA members. As far as the administrative things that need to go on reporting, I kind of will do that for... We have 10 sites that we're working with, 10 different nonprofits in Hawaii that we're working with. So I kind of do the administrative, the hiring, I do a lot of that. You do the recruiting. So if I'm interested in one morning, well, which one are you guys? Both of you guys? So if I want to do this, I call either one. Yep. Kay, what do I call? Where's your website? If somebody watching this wants to get involved, where do they go? Who do they talk to? Tell them how to reach you. Basically what you want to do is, one, create a My AmeriCorps account at MyAmeriCorps.gov where you'll be able to create the application. My AmeriCorps, C-O-R-P-S, MyAmeriCorps.gov. That's correct. And you can go there and it'll show you basically all the positions we have in Hawaii, and you can apply directly to those. You just fill out this one application, and then you'll just click a button to select as many applications you want to apply to that you would like. And then we'll get the application review it and then call you. Okay. And so we're pretty new as far as this partnership with Corporation for National and Community Service. We're getting a tab up on Aloha Unitedways' website soon so that it'll have all our contact information on there, and you can get the links to apply. So it's a brand new, we're still recruiting right now. We've got about six out of the ten positions. They'll serve there one year and then we'll be recruiting for the next year. So there'll be lots of future opportunities. One more question before we take a break and that is, what is the relationship between AmeriCorps and VISTA? Basically, VISTA was established with Kennedy to give service back or to basically alleviate poverty within AmeriCorps or within America. AmeriCorps is basically the umbrella. So they came in and decided that we would like to serve the community more. And so they created Senior Corps, which are- That's true. Senior people. Exactly. And then they created AmeriCorps in CCC. This is basically young people, boots on the ground, helping out, mucking and gutting houses and been in disasters and things like that. And so AmeriCorps just decided to become the umbrella of VISTA. So AmeriCorps includes the VISTA program, the NCCCC, as well as FEMA Corps and Senior Corps. You've been with this organization for a while then, Daniel. Yeah. I was in the organization last year as a FEMA Corps team leader for the Baltimore campus. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the one that did New Orleans, so to say. Yeah. Yeah. And what I found out, too, with being in FEMA, like more you get in, is that FEMA is actually necessary. It's a reimbursement organization. So the city pays for the damages, and then FEMA comes and reimburses them from the money. But FEMA can't do anything until the governor has state emergency and the president signs it. Yeah. What about you? I mean, are you a career? I mean, you're certainly dedicated to this, and you're dedicated to the mission of serving the country. I really like that. Are you a career employee? No. I'm also a part of the Amira Corps program as well as Avista. And my passion is more helping people develop them as leaders. And so that's what I find like being a team leader helps them to develop them as leaders so they can't serve the community. And that's what I've found to be my passion so far. Are you a federal employee? Is that what you are? I am not a federal employee. I'm more of a volunteer. So all of the FEMA Corps, the Amira Corps, all of Amira Corps, all volunteers for the government to serve. Yeah. But they can all say the same thing. They're in service to America. That's right. I love that. Like when I was in the service, you know, I was in court marshals because I was the military, you know, and I would stand up in front of the judge in the court marshall and say, May it please the court. My name is Jay Fidel, and I represent the United States of America. It always turned me on. Let's take a break now. We'll be right back in one minute. Aloha. It's summertime in Honolulu, Hawaii. My name is Steven Phillip Katz. I'm your host for Shrink Rap Hawaii. We're on every Tuesday at three o'clock and we talk about mental health and general health. Join us. Thank you. Hi. My name is Justini Spiritu. This is my co-host Matthew Johnson. Every Thursday at 4 p.m., we host the Hawaii Food and Farmers series. This is the place you can come to for insight on the perspective and history and passions of Hawaii's farmers and all folks involved in Hawaii's local food system. What kind of folks do we have on? So we have everyone from local farmers. We have foodies, chefs. We also have journalists, researchers, anyone who's actually working to help make Hawaii's local food system that much better. So join us every Thursday and tweet in us and ask us some questions and leave your comments as well. Thank you. We are Aloha United We Stand, which refers to Aloha United Way. And we have here today two very, much shall I say, big-feeling people, deeply engaged in trying to make life better in Hawaii. Daniel Jones, he's a VISTA team leader and Angie Chapman. She is the VISTA program coordinator for Aloha United Way. Talking about AmeriCorps VISTA in Hawaii. So I'd like to get an idea about how the VISTA volunteers engage on the outer islands and in Oahu, what they do, how they help, and their challenges. So tell me about the life of somebody who is committed to helping through VISTA. Okay. So VISTA is all about helping to build the capacity of nonprofits and public organizations. We have nine VISTAs that are going to be placed on Oahu. A VISTA is a person. A VISTA is a member. I'm sorry, yeah. You wear a shirt like Daniel, look at that. Yeah. Or she, yeah. We have nine on Oahu and one that will be placed on the outer island of Kauai. And the type of activities that they do is all non-direct capacity building. So they're not necessarily working directly with clients, directly with homelessness, or the children themselves, but they develop systems and processes to help the nonprofit work better. The idea is that an organization will have a VISTA for three years. It will change each year as they'll get a new VISTA. And within those three years, the VISTA is trying to work themselves out of a job so that they're not needed and that they can create systems and processes that will be sustainable and help the nonprofit give back to the community. Example of a system or process. So Aloha United Way has focused with our partner agencies that have a VISTA. We ask that their VISTA be doing activities such as data collection and program evaluation. That's important. That's our focus for our 10 VISTAs in our project. Tell you to handle who's out there. Yeah. And get identities and numbers. Yes. So as a fundraiser at Aloha United Way, we saw that need as numbers are very important for donors, us and other donors' reports. So this can be whatever agency, whatever kind of data they're collecting, how many meals were served, how many children were given universal screenings, how many homeless people need healthcare. So the nonprofits, they're working hard to provide services for their clients, but they don't necessarily have the funds, the resources, the staff, to be doing all this data collection. So the VISTAs help the nonprofits that are out there. Is that what it is? Yeah. So... You assign them to a nonprofit. You tell them what their responsibility is, visa, be one nonprofit or another. So the 10 nonprofits that we have on board with us, they have applied to get, receive a VISTA. And through their application, they specified the type of duties that they would like the VISTA to do. And if it aligned with what we wanted, as far as the data collection and program evaluation, that's how we selected the sites that the VISTAs would be at. Okay, and they report back to you, Angie? The VISTA members. So the supervisors for the VISTA would be at whatever agency they're with. Okay. Yeah. So they're attached to a given nonprofit. And they help the nonprofit. And then the nonprofit, which in, I guess, many or most cases would be one of your beneficiaries. Right? Am I right? 9 out of 10 are. No, that's what I would have assumed. Yeah. Okay, so one big happy group there. So these are the guys that go back and forth between the organizations and sort of help out in terms of creating a database, creating records, helping out, the relationship between that agency and you. Yeah, so whatever agency the VISTA member is placed at, they are treated as a staff member there. Of that agency. Mm-hmm. And then, yeah, they report to this group. The agency does not pay for them. No. Okay. You pay for them, or the federal government pays. The federal government pays their stipends, yeah. So it's a great resource for them. Are they gonna be at the soup kitchen? Are they gonna be helping? Are they gonna be... Well, that's one of the things that I'm here for is because I know that being part of AmeriCorps last year, it really helped to be a part of something that you can put your hands in and you can touch and feel. And so what we're trying to do is create those opportunities for the VISTAs to be able to, yeah, you're doing indirect service, you're creating systems and data collection, but we're also here to help and to, you know... Kitchen. Exactly. You know, give in and, you know, help people. So what we're trying to do is create opportunities at least once a month or more to say, hey, we have this volunteer service opportunity you can come to, or even we have this professional development to help you with your, you know, next step in your career or with your job. And so we're more or less coordinating those opportunities for them. So in the space of that year of service, is there a track where you just put them out there? I mean, do they go through, you know, a beginning, middle, and an end of that one year, or is it just do what you're told? Basically, I guess they have what is called VAD. That's our talk for basically your job description and within that job description, you have specific dates that they want you to accomplish these certain objectives. And that brings me out the whole year. So there's a program involved. And there is a beginning, middle, and an end. Yeah. That's correct. Yeah. So who are the people who are serving on this, or who will serve? Are they young kids? Could older people do it? What are your target demographics? Most of our applicants are college graduates. You don't necessarily need to be a college graduate. You just need to be a US citizen, 18 years or older, and pass the background check. But we are searching for college graduates. We have had some applicants who are retired or who are just kind of wanting to give back now that they've served or they've been in a career for 20 years now and they just want to give back. So it's really open to anybody. So but you're looking for people, I guess, who are dedicated to helping people. Yes, definitely. That's a big factor. We look at, if they have volunteer experience in the past, is it, do they want to really give back and help the community? That's an important thing we look for. So now there's a, you know, depends on who you talk to, but there's upward of 15,000 homeless in the state, I think, more. Would you ever consider using a home, taking a homeless person in to the program and having a homeless person help agencies that help the homeless? Hmm, that's an interesting question. I think that for our VISTAs, we do see that they have, how can I say it? I mean, I suppose if the homeless person did have education, we do look at experience and everything. You want the highest qualified. We do want really qualified VISTA members who we can be sure will complete that one year. That's really important. We need that full-time one year service. But, I mean, like, that's okay. Do they always work out? I mean, in the human condition, things don't always work out. What happens? Well, that's funny you mentioned, because there are, at least with my campus, we had seven teams and out of the seven. You said campus, didn't you? Yeah, campus. So for us, it was more of like a militaristic style. So we had combat boots and things like that with FEMA. Okay. Yeah. Not two of them. Right, so we had seven teams within our unit and out of those seven teams, my team was the only one that kept all their members together because it does get difficult. It does get hard. There are other opportunities that may be offered to them. And in that case, if there are other opportunities offered to them, let's say a career job, AmeriCorps applauds them because that's what we're working towards. They're working towards better themselves, the community and also to create a better future. So if that does happen, yeah, but also sometimes it does get hard. People get homesick and things of that nature. And so as the visiting leaders, my job to kind of weigh them through that and kind of help them get through that. But sometimes it doesn't work out. And so, you know, we offer our best, but if they go home, we still offer the support for them too. Well, we're in a closing minute or two of our program and I wanted to explore one other thing with you. You know, when Kennedy thought this idea up, it was really a beautiful idea. It was a mirror image of the Peace Corps out offshore. And now it still exists after all these years. It sounds like the funding is not great. It sounds like there's a lot of dedicated people who help. And I wonder this, based on your experience so far with this program, what would you like to see it evolve into, you know, and mind you, I believe that there ought to be mandatory, you know, national service. This is a kind of a good candidate for that. We need this, but what would you like to see happen to Vista, happen to AmeriCorps, happen to FEMA Corps for that matter, to make this kind of service for, well, I say young people, but it's really everyone, a bigger part of the national connection. Well, I know for me, I agree with you, I would like people to definitely, you know, make sure they serve either a year or two and it's really helpful in appreciating the country. What I would like to see, I guess, if you, I don't want to make people do anything, you know, but maybe right after high school before they go to college, you know, create more of an effort to recruit there and so that way they already have more or less a year experience, they're able to explore what is it they want to do while giving back to the community. Take a year off and do this. Exactly, and that way when you go back to college, you're not wasting money trying to figure out what major you want to do or where you want to go in life, you're giving two people to help you. That's what I would like to see. And I know for Hawaii, I would like more local candidates to be applying for this opportunity. I think it's a really good learning opportunity. You get a lot of networking. And then I would like to see more people in Hawaii just get involved in our government and be an active citizen. Yeah, yeah. Well, everybody says we have a, you know, an imbalance, a disparity of income and circumstance and Vista is a connection. Vista sort of reaches out and it would be good for Hawaii to have people go out there and be involved that way. I hope that happens. I hope it happens under a Loha United Way. Good for you guys, for your service, serving the country. Thank you. It touches me. That's Daniel Jones, a Vista team leader and Angie Chapman, Vista program coordinator for the Loha United Way. We've been talking about AmeriCorps, Vista in Hawaii. Thank you so much, folks. Thank you. Thank you.