What are VISTAs?

We have moved forward from a “Neighborhood” service delivery model to a “VISTA” model. VISTA stands for Volunteer Information Support Training Areas. Illinois Crossroads Council ( www.ilcrossroads.org ) has a proven model that we are referencing.

There are several reasons for the structural change:

  • To assist struggling Neighborhoods that can not fill key leadership positions and to spread the work load among more volunteers

  • To empower volunteers

  • To improve customer service

  • To follow the GSUSA Strategic priorities and include the area of Governance and Organizational Structuring

  • To create a strong foundation for realignment (realigning with 3 other councils in 2008; will encompass most of Oregon and part of SW Washington)

  • Use our resources more wisely

  • To serve more girls (Illinois Crossroads serves 1 in 4 girls; we serve 1 in 14 and are down 7,000 girls!)

To start the process, a half plan was created.

Here is the work we have done so far:

  • The new service delivery model was initiated September 1, 2007

  • New VISTA boundaries were drawn

  • Each VISTA now meets together for Service Team/Leader meetings

  • Service Team positions were drafted to help with logistics; Nine of these are considered CORE (must be filled in order to ensure successful VISTA); staff interview and appoint Service Team members; all volunteer positions will be tied to specific staff positions (better customer service)

  • Each VISTA now has a website to assist with internal communication.

  • Each VISTA has specific goals (membership, cookie, family giving, etc.)

Volunteers have been responsible for developing the other half of the plan.

A VISTA Advisory Committee has created a very informative Q&A piece to answer volunteer questions & concerns.

Eighteen of twenty two VISTAs had representation on the VISTA Advisory Committee. The volunteer’s commitment to the process was highly commendable. Using questions from the Strategy Cafés, the website and from other sources, the committee developed FAQ, guidelines and best practices to aid with the transition into VISTAs.

Are you interested in being on the VISTA Service Team?
Let us know by filling out the VISTA Position Interest Form. We'll set up a time to meet with you to learn more about your skills and answer your questions about VISTAs. Please let us know you’re interested now so we can consider you for a position that matches your passion & interests! Volunteers are the heart of our organization and we can’t do it without you. We hope you'll consider being part of the Service Tam to help us inspire volunteers and girls!

For more information - see the Service Team Position Descriptions. All positions are one year terms.