Each year, we have two retreats for VISTAs. During our spring retreat (this year’s happened on May 5), we talk about wrapping up VISTA tasks and passing projects on to staff or incoming VISTAs, and we also talk about what our VISTA members will be doing once their service terms are up.
This year, we wanted to make sure that most of the day was taken up with conversation among VISTA members, instead of presenters. It was great to hear our VISTAs sharing ideas, connecting with each other, and discussing how to strongly finish t
heir terms in a productive manner throughout the entire morning.
Our VISTA members hear from us a LOT (we tell them about upcoming professional development opportunities, we discuss their project related progress throughout their terms, etc.), so we wanted to provide an opportunity for them to hear from other professionals and have the chance to ask them questions. That’s why we welcomed presenters for two afternoon panels. Our first panel included nonprofit professionals and AmeriCorps alumni who discussed best practices and insights to securing and being successful in nonprofit careers. Our second panel included admissions staff members of three local graduate programs (Dominican University’s Masters of Social Work, North Park University, and the University of Chicago’s Social Service Administration) and one practicing attorney from John Marshall Law School, and they spoke to their specific programs’ benefits and curriculum.
Both panels were filled with great questions from VISTA members, keen insights from the panelists, and exciting opportunities that our VISTAs can take advantage of when they finish their service years.
Thanks to all of the 2016 – 2017s for a great Spring Retreat!
— Willie Heineke, Outreach Associate at Housing Action Illinois
