AmeriCorps VISTA – 50 Years of National Service

Abstract

“You have come from every part of this country, from every age group, from every background. You have come to serve the poor and the unfortunate of American society, and to open the door of American opportunity to all of our American people." Your pay will be low; the conditions of your labor will often be difficult. But you will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort, and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their fellow man.”[1] – Lyndon B. Johnson, December 12, 1964 For the 50th anniversary of VISTA, it is important for us to reflect back on the foundation the program was built upon. Fifty years ago, VISTA was created to be an antipoverty program. Histories of the program will explain that as time unfolded, the model changed to one of a national service program instead; in truth, however, VISTA still lives up to the potential of both types of programs—it thrives as a national service program focused on antipoverty efforts. This program, across the span of five decades, has garnered bipartisan support through its great successes and constant struggles. “VISTA has touched the lives of millions of Americans, and although VISTA most often toils quietly, its mark on the national landscape is undeniable.”[2]