AmeriCorps reviews

Some of the management staff are beyond poor. Lack of communication and direction till the last minute tends to be the norm. At which point the member has to work a miracle to accomplish a project. Pay is late in being sent out to those who are unable to pick it up at head quarters. The group is mainly twenty somethings ambling through life. Middle management never returns emails or answers questions until after two weeks if at all.

This is technically a volunteer position. While there is a living stipend, you will only be able to use it for just that - living. No matter how well you budget, there won't be enough to go to the movies, eat out with friends, go shopping, etc. In many ways this is a great aspect of the program, but it's worth it to seriously consider how you will feel working alongside (non Vista) co-workers who are doing the same job as you, but who are making 3 to 4 times as much. This is not a true "con" but it should definitely be a consideration. Before taking the job, be honest with yourself. And if you've already taken the job and think you want to back out because of money (or the lack of it) don't. It's only a year, and you'll feel pretty accomplished once you're done!