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Politics & Government

Meet Jackie Bishop, AmeriCorps VISTA Worker

"I am working on expanding service learning programs that are career oriented."

I met Jackie Bishop while on assignment for Manchester Patch at the on the campus of Manchester Community College where she is one of the market managers. When Jackie told me who she worked for, Ronald Reagan's quote about “a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth” came to mind. I had not heard any mention of VISTA – short for Volunteers in Service to America – since the days of LBJ's “Great Society” programs of the 1960s and I also hadn't heard much about AmeriCorps since Bill Clinton's State of the Union Speech in the 1990s. I was surprised that the program still existed and I asked Jackie to talk about her work here in Manchester.

Timothy Becker: Jackie where did you grow up and what is your educational background?

Jackie Bishop: I graduated in May from Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in History and Social Sciences. I grew up in Newington.

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Timothy Becker: Where did you first hear about AmeriCorps VISTA?

Jackie Bishop: I worked at the Eastern Connecticut Community Engagement Office and met two VISTA workers there. I was interested and was able to apply online for a specific position and location. The position is for one year and it is possible to apply for an additional year of service.

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Timothy Becker: How does AmeriCorps VISTA operate?

Jackie Bishop: AmeriCorps is a division of the Corporation for National and Community Service that acts like a foundation to support service and volunteering.

Timothy Becker: What are the goals of AmeriCorps VISTA?

Jackie Bishop: The purpose is poverty reduction. We work to fight illiteracy, improve health and social services, and strengthen the community.

Timothy Becker: What are the benefits of being a VISTA worker?

Jackie Bishop: We are paid at the poverty level for our area, which is about $12,000 per year. The idea is that you are to experience the same income level as the people that you are helping. When you complete your year of service you can choose to receive a $1,500 stipend or a $5,500 grant toward current or future student loans. You have up to seven years to use the funds. That is why there is a limit of two years of service.

Timothy Becker: What are your duties here at Manchester Community College?

Jackie Bishop: I am based at MCC and part of the Connecticut Campus Compact. My supervisor is Sociology Professor Tim Woods. He designed the VISTA assignment description that defines the goals and activities for my year of service. He also handles the reporting.

Timothy Becker: What are your plans for the year?

Jackie Bishop: I am working on expanding service learning programs that are career oriented. Service learning is something that you learn in the classroom and actually perform in the community. We are currently working on a program called “cooking matters.” Culinary Arts Professor Sandra Jenkins is heading up the program.

Timothy Becker: What is the cooking program about?

Jackie Bishop: We are having elementary students from Nathan Hale Elementary School in Manchester's after school program called “Neighbors for Kids” come to MCC on Tuesday afternoons for six weeks. The children will learn how to eat healthy and basic cooking skills. The MCC culinary arts students under the professor's direction are teaching the younger students. I ride the bus with the Nathan Hale students and attend all the classes.

Timothy Becker: What other service learning programs are you planning to work on?

Jackie Bishop: We are working with the MCC Art Department and Art Club to bring art projects to Nathan Hale students. I am working on the logistics. I am hoping to hold the program at the renovated fire house across the street from Nathan Hale School on Spruce Street.

Timothy Becker: What other ideas are you working on?

Jackie Bishop: I am spreading the word to the other professors at MCC. We are listing numerous ideas for programs such as tutoring, book drives, literacy programs. We are also working with the Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Council to set up sites for service learning.

Timothy Becker: What is next for you after you complete your service?

Jackie Bishop: I want to use the experience to figure out what area of study to pursue my master's degree. It could be social work, higher education or community outreach.

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