Iowa Civil & Human Rights VISTA Project



Iowa Human & Civil Rights VISTA Project

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VISTA Member Manual

Revised November 2008

Welcome to the Iowa Human & Civil Rights VISTA Project. On behalf of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, staff, and the State of Iowa, we thank you for your commitment to this project – giving of your time and talents to end discrimination and celebrate diversity in the state of Iowa. By eliminating discrimination, we work to remove obstacles that prevent people from moving out of poverty. Your work will help shine a light on the benefits of diversity – as important of a task today as ever before. By working together, we can better help Iowa fulfill its mission of guaranteeing the civil and human rights of all people.

Ralph Rosenberg, Crystal Schrader,

Project Director VISTA Leader

Table of Contents

I. Welcome p. 2

II. The Iowa Human & Civil Rights Project

a. History p. 4

b. Organization

c. Contact Information p. 6

d. Goal of the Project p. 7

e. Accomplishments

III. Project Partnerships

a. Iowa Civil Rights Commission p. 10

b. Local Commissions

c. The League of Iowa Human Rights Agencies, Inc.

d. Iowa Department of Human Rights

e. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

f. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development p. 11

IV. Orientation to the Project

a. Cycles of Activities p. 12

b. Pre-Service Orientation p. 13

c. On-Site Orientation and Training

d. Ongoing Trainings

e. Financial Expenses p. 14

f. Reports Required by AmeriCorps VISTA

g. Reports Required from VISTA Members and Local Sites p. 15

V. Resources

a. Websites p. 17

b. Listservs

c. Business Cards

VI. Regulations Concerning VISTA Members

a. Full-time VISTA Members p. 18

b. Summer Associates p. 20

VII. Personnel Policies

a. VISTA Leave Polices p. 21

b. Local Office Rules p. 22

c. Educational Courses p. 23

d. VISTA Grievance Policy p. 24

e. Non-Discrimination Policy p. 25

f. Transfer of VISTA Members

g. Removal of VISTA Members from Project p. 26

VIII. Appendix

a. Monthly Activity Report Template p. 27

b. Monthly Activity Report Sample p. 28

c. Monthly Outreach Report Sample p. 29

Iowa Human & Civil Rights VISTA Project

History

In 2006, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission applied to the Corporation for National and Community Service to become an AmeriCorps VISTA sponsor. The Corporation liked the idea of having VISTA members educate low-income people about their civil and human rights, which when deprived intensify the struggle to escape poverty. The Corporation granted 2 full-time VISTA positions to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) for its Iowa Human & Civil Rights Project, which seeks to equip and assist the state and local civil and human rights agencies in their goals of ending discrimination and celebrating diversity in the state of Iowa. Those two full-time positions based out of ICRC in 2006 grew by the summer of 2008 to 4 full-time positions at ICRC, 6 full-time positions at 5 local commissions and 7 Summer Associates stationed across the state in 5 locations. Currently at the end of 2008, a total of 16 VISTA members are serving at 3 state agencies and 5 local commissions. Due to the rapidly growing number of VISTA members, the Corporation granted the Commission a VISTA Leader. The VISTA Leader works with Ralph Rosenberg, the executive director of the VISTA Project, on ensuring the VISTA members have the resources needed to perform their duties and mediating problems that arise at the local sites.

Organization

AmeriCorps VISTA: A Program of the Corporation for National & Community Service

The Iowa Human & Civil Rights VISTA Project is one of more than a thousand AmeriCorps VISTA programs across the nation. AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years. AmeriCorps is one of the three national service programs run by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Funding for these programs comes from the Federal Government.

As for our specific program, we work with two offices: the National AmeriCorps VISTA Headquarters and the State Office of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The AmeriCorps VISTA Headquarters Office, based in Washington, D.C., in consultation with regional and state offices, determines goals, policy, administrative procedures and budgetary requirements for effective program operation. The office monitors progress toward achieving national program goals and priorities; allocates AmeriCorps VISTA resources among the states; ensures the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) staff and sponsoring organizations adhere to AmeriCorps VISTA policies and procedures; researches and shares effective program models; and develops and implements training, professional development and technical assistance for members, Leaders and sponsors. The role of the State Office of the CNCS is outreach, program development, technical assistance, monitoring and evaluation in support of the Corporation’s national service network, and AmeriCorps VISTA member support. The Corporation State Office supports the sponsoring organization in providing training, professional development, and technical assistance for the members. Moreover, the State Office is a resource for the sponsoring organization and the AmeriCorps VISTA members concerning AmeriCorps VISTA policy and procedure.

Iowa Human & Civil Rights Project

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC), as the sponsoring organization for the Iowa Human & Civil Rights Project, manages AmeriCorps VISTA resources and provides the necessary support and bureaucratic essentials to achieve project goals. ICRC is responsible for: quarterly progress reports, annual application; and projects plans; helps find resources for travel and conferences; and provides overall supervision of the whole project. In addition, ICRC works to ensure that all VISTA members and local supervisors receive the training required by AmeriCorps VISTA and provides ongoing training for the VISTA members. The Project Director, the Executive Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, receives assistance from the VISTA Leader.

AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders are assigned to projects to assist sponsoring organizations composed of a minimum of eight members to achieve program objectives and develop new project activities and sources of community support. They set an example of leadership for AmeriCorps VISTA members, ensure positive relations, facilitate the sharing of ideas, and mediate issues with the community, project, supervisors, and AmeriCorps VISTA members. Leaders also play a role in recruiting, mentoring, and coordinating AmeriCorps VISTA members. Leaders are not permitted to perform administrative or supervisory functions for their sponsoring organizations. Leaders provide support and coordination for members to increase the project’s impact.

Local sites assigned full-time VISTA members and/or Summer Associates provide supervision, guidance and training to the members assigned to them at the beginning and throughout the members’ tenures. In addition, local sites provide their VISTA members with office space, supplies, computers, phones and some travel costs as agreed to in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Local sites assist in the recruitment of applicants to become AmeriCorps VISTA members. Local sites cannot assign AmeriCorps VISTA members to activities that would result in the hiring of or result in the displacement of employed workers, or impair existing contracts for service. In addition, local sites may not accept or permit the acceptance of compensation for AmeriCorps VISTA members or from beneficiaries for the service of AmeriCorps VISTA members. Each local site has one primary supervisor who oversees the VISTA members assigned to that particular site. These supervisors should receive similar training and orientation as their VISTA members receive prior to their term of service.

As for the VISTA members, both full-time members and Summer Associates, they are not considered employees of the sponsoring organization or local site. AmeriCorps VISTA members make a full-time, one-year commitment, or an 8 to 10 week commitment for Summer Associates, to alleviate poverty in Iowa by ending discrimination, which often creates obstacles for low-income individuals to move out of poverty. VISTA members take an oath at the start of the term of service promising to serve 24/7, which means no outside employment or full-time education. AmeriCorps VISTA members fulfill the expectations expressed in their Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD) and submit monthly activity and outreach reports to the VISTA Leader.

Per AmeriCorps VISTA requirements, each VISTA Project must have an Advisory Council or Committee. Ideally this would be composed of people living in poverty or representatives of organizations serving people in poverty. For our Advisory Committee, we selected a mixture of executive directors, staff, and commissioners from some of the local commissions that benefit from the efforts of VISTA members. The seven members of the VISTA Advisory Committee represent diversity in terms of geography, gender and race. During quarterly conference calls, the committee members provide feedback on the work of the VISTA members and analyze the progress of the entire VISTA project.

Contact Information

Iowa Civil Rights Commission (please contact first)

Ralph Rosenberg, Executive Director

Ralph.Rosenberg@ (515) 242-6537

Crystal Schrader, VISTA Leader

Crystal.Schrader@ (515) 281-0367

Grimes State Office Building

400 E. 14th St.

Des Moines, IA 50319

Main Phone Number: (515) 281-4121

Toll-free Number: (800) 457-4416

FAX: (515) 242-5840

Corporation for National and Community Service (State Office)

Vicki Hover-Williamson: Director

VHover@ (515) 284-4819

Jancy LaFollette: Project Specialist (works with our project)

JLaFollette@ (515) 284-4817

Mark Cullen: Project Specialist

MCullen@ (515) 284-4818

Federal Building, Room 917

210 Walnut St.

Des Moines, IA 50309

Main Phone: (515) 284-4816

FAX: (515) 284-6640

Goal of the Project

Goal: to develop links, increase networking and collaboration, and build the capacity of state and local human rights and civil rights groups.

To accomplish this, VISTA members have worked to:

1. Establish an on-going web-based template for the League of Iowa Human Rights Agencies;

2. Conduct surveys of individual civil rights projects and programs across Iowa;

3. Serve as a capacity builder for 10-15 local human rights or civil rights organizations and the League of Iowa Human and Civil Rights Agencies;

4. Highlight, publish and distribute best practices of ending discrimination and promoting diversity;

5. Research and write grants;

6. Translate documents into Spanish; and

7. Survey, publish and distribute local, state and national civil rights and human rights trends.

VISTA members assigned to local commissions also will engage in activities to meet the specific goals of their sites.

Some of the Accomplishments of State and Local VISTA Members

1. Creation of a League website and updating/revamping of the ICRC and Des Moines Human Rights Commission websites;

2. Conducted multiple surveys at the local, state and national level on the topics of diversity logos, staffing and funding of local commissions, statute of limitations, subpoena power, hate crimes, immigration, best practices and the handcuffing of pregnant incarcerated women during transportation to hospitals;

3. Provided assistance and/or visited over 18 local commissions and increased the amount of communication within the League through the new website, regular emails, and newsletters;

4. Published over 10 best practices submitted by local and state commissions and VISTA members on both the ICRC and League websites;

5. Submitted a few grants and assisted with a handful of other grants for various local and state agencies;

6. Translated into Spanish a variety of brochures, fact sheets, questionnaires and complaint forms for local and state agencies;

7. Creation and presentation of a hate crimes prevention and response toolkit;

8. Facilitated 14 civil rights history presentations to junior high students across the state during the Iowa State Historical Building’s “Voices of the Civil War” week, reaching over 350 students and teachers;

9. Publication of civil rights articles in Latino newspapers across the state;

10. Coordination and the offering of an Immigration 101 training for League member agencies via conference call;

11. Fair housing outreach efforts in Dubuque and Des Moines that involved the creation of fair housing posters with tear-off sheets and the leafleting of Dubuque with those posters and fair housing flyers;

12. Mailing to all places of worship in Cedar Rapids and Marion to inform them of the work of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission and ICRC;

13. Assistance with and coordination of the Des Moines Human Rights Annual Fair Housing Symposium;

14. Creation of an archive book that documents the history and accomplishments of the Waterloo Commission on Human Rights; and

15. Creation and distribution of a Neighborhood Safety Watch toolkit during Fort Dodge’s National Night Out events

Project Partnerships

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) and local commissions work in partnership to enforce civil rights laws. Complaints are either processed locally or forwarded to ICRC depending upon the local commission’s size/staff and jurisdiction. ICRC contracts with almost half of local commissions to assist in resolving non-housing complaints. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Department of Housing and Urban Development contract with the state and local commissions to investigate allegations of employment and housing discrimination.

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC or the Commission)

state.ia.us/government/crc/

ICRC is a state agency that enforces the “Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965”. The Commission's major duty is to enforce state and federal statutes that prohibit discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, education and credit by investigating and litigating civil rights complaints. ICRC works to increase public awareness of civil rights and offers training throughout the state. ICRC provides conflict resolution services and mediation for civil rights cases. In addition to its role as an enforcer of civil rights laws, ICRC actively educates the public to promote appreciation of diverse and inclusive communities and to prevent discrimination, biased conduct, and stereotypes.

Local Commissions

The state of Iowa has twenty-eight local (city based, primarily—one county based) civil and human rights agencies. The “Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965” requires cities with a population of 29,000 or greater to maintain an independent local civil rights agency or commission. When a city establishes a civil rights agency, the ordinance must cover the protections named in the “Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965”, while local policy makers have the discretion of adding additional protections. The protected characteristics vary from city to city; local procedures vary as well.

Ames Human Relations Commission 515-239-5101

Ankeny Human Rights Commission* to be formed soon

Bettendorf Human Rights Commission 563-344-4470

Burlington Human Rights Commission 319-753-8178

Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission 319-268-5112

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission 319-286-5036

Clinton Human Rights Commission 563-242-3207

Coralville Human Rights Commission

Council Bluffs Civil Rights Commission 712-328-4618

Davenport Civil Rights Commission 563-326-7888

Decorah Human Rights Commission 563-382-3651

Des Moines Human Rights Commission 515-283-4284

Dubuque Human Rights Commission 563-589-4190

Fort Dodge Human Rights Commission 515-576-2201

Fort Madison Human Rights Commission 319-372-7700

Grinnell Human Rights Commission 641-236-2600

Indianola Human Relations Commission 515-961-9410

Iowa City Human Rights Commission 319-356-5022

Johnson County Human Rights Commission*

* not an actual commission but the county investigates complaints

Keokuk Human Rights Commission 319-524-2050

Marion Civil Rights Commission* to be formed soon

Marshalltown Human Rights Commission 641-754-5712

Mason City Human Rights Commission 641-421-3618

Mount Pleasant Human Rights Commission 319-385-1470

Muscatine Human Rights Commission 563-264-1550

Ottumwa Human Rights Commission 641-683-0600

Sioux City Human Rights Commission 712-279-6985

Urbandale Civil Rights Commission 515-331-6703

Waterloo Commission on Human Rights 319-291-4441

West Des Moines Human Rights Commission 515-273-0633

The League of Iowa Human and Civil Rights Agencies, Inc

iowacivilrights/

The League of Iowa Human and Civil Rights Agencies (the League) is a voluntary, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and advancement of human rights. Founded in the late 1970’s, the League is a coalition of local and the state civil and human rights agencies. While its member commissions are public entities, the League is a private, non-governmental organization. The League meets four times a year for trainings, networking and the sharing of ideas and successful practices. The League meets twice a year in Des Moines and uses the Iowa Communications Network for the other two times.

Iowa Department of Human Rights

state.ia.us/government/dhr/index.html

Created in 1986, the Iowa Department of Human Rights promotes equal access to work, services, and opportunities to enhance the well being of Iowa’s diverse populations. The Human Rights Department is comprised of nine commissions. Each commission advocates self-sufficiency of their constituency population by providing training, developing strong partnerships, advocacy, and maintaining a working relationship with a broad range of key decision makers.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)



The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has five commissioners and a General Counsel appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. EEOC is the federal agency charged with investigating employment discrimination. Commissioners are appointed for five-year, staggered terms. The term of the General Counsel is four years. The President designates a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Chair is the chief executive officer of the Commission. The five-member Commission makes equal employment opportunity policy and approves most litigation. The General Counsel is responsible for conducting EEOC enforcement litigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Equal Pay Act (EPA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development



The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. To fulfill this mission, HUD will embrace high standards of ethics, management and accountability and forge new partnerships--particularly with faith-based and community organizations--that leverage resources and improve HUD's ability to be effective on the community level.

Orientation to the Project

Full Time One-Year Cycle

|MONTH |EVENT |

|Pre-Service |* Trainees attend Pre-Service Orientation |

| |* Trainees elect end-of-service-benefit |

| |* Trainees take the Oath of Office |

| |* New members leave for their project sites |

|1 |* New members begin service at their sites |

| |* Member receive On-site Orientation and Training to introduce |

| |them to their sponsoring organization, their community and their role|

| |on the project |

|3 - 11 |* Members participate in Ongoing Member Training and Development |

|10 |* Last chance to switch from AmeriCorps Education Award to the |

| |end-of-service stipend * |

| |Members complete the Future Plans Form |

|12 |* Members end service |

Summer Associate: 8 Week Cycle

|WEEK |EVENT |

|1 |* Trainees attend Pre-Service Orientation |

| |* Trainees elect end-of-service-benefit |

| |* Trainees take the Oath of Office |

| |* New members begin service at their sites |

|2 - 7 |* Member receive On-site Orientation and Training to introduce |

| |them to their sponsoring organization, their community and their role|

| |on the project |

| |* Members participate in Ongoing Member Training and Development |

|4 |* Members submit mid-summer reports |

|8 |* Members end service |

Summer Associate: 10 Week Cycle

|WEEK |EVENT |

|1 |* Trainees attend Pre-Service Orientation |

| |* Trainees elect end-of-service-benefit |

| |* Trainees take the Oath of Office |

| |* New members begin service at their sites |

|2 - 9 |* Member receive On-site Orientation and Training to introduce |

| |them to their sponsoring organization, their community and their role|

| |on the project |

| |* Members participate in Ongoing Member Training and Development |

|5 |* Members submit mid-summer reports |

|10 |* Members end service |

Pre-Service Orientation

All full-time VISTA members complete a Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) prior to their year of service courtesy of the Corporation for National and Community Service. VISTA will cover the entire cost of the PSO. This training, that takes place before members take their Oath of Service, introduces VISTA members to the VISTA Program, explains the terms and conditions of the program, and offers initial trainings that will be relevant to their year of service. Local Projects with Summer Associates conduct their own in-house PSO and cover the expenses for the Summer Associates’ training.

On-Site Orientation and Training

On-Site Orientation and Training (OSOT) is an extension of Pre-Service Orientation. A general OSOT plan was developed by ICRC and approved by the State Office. The OSOT plan describes the responsibilities of the local sites, VISTA Leader and VISTA members. Local sites may expand upon this template to insure that VISTA members receive a full orientation to their local sites. The objectives of OSOT are to provide basic knowledge and understanding of the following:

• Mission of agency

• Background, purpose, goals and structure of the local site – see VAD

• Roles and responsibilities for your VISTA members and other staff — see VAD

• Roles and responsibilities of the supervisor that are related to AmeriCorps VISTA

• Job responsibilities of the supervisor other than those associated with AmeriCorps VISTA

• Personnel and attendance policies of the sponsoring organization, including use of equipment such as computers and the Internet — (ICRC version is provided later in manual)

• Specific member assignments and skills needed to accomplish tasks

• Evaluation of member performance by the sponsoring organization—build upon your VAD

• Key community stakeholders

• Nature of the low-income population served by the project

• Potential resources that can be applied to achieve project goals

Ongoing Training

In-Service Training

VISTA will work to provide full-time VISTA members with some an in-service training during their first year of service. The location, schedule and structure vary for the in-service trainings. Costs will be split between the Corporation and the Local Project. Topics that may be covered include leadership development, volunteer recruitment and fundraising.

Trainings Arranged by Iowa Civil Rights Commission

Within the first month of service, ICRC will arrange for all VISTA members to receive an introduction to the judicial process and the roles of local commissions by its Assistant Law Judge, Mary Cowdrey. This will take place by conference call and/or in person. It is also ICRC’s goal that within the first three months of service it will work with the local sites to arrange grant writing training for VISTA members.

Other Training Opportunities

Ongoing member training and development is follow-up training that provides the VISTA members the opportunity to develop specific knowledge and skills needed to perform their assignments. The principles of AmeriCorps VISTA member training and development are that the learning

1. Be timely and appropriate to the needs of the VISTA members

2. Develop skills required for the project

3. Be cost-effective

Mentoring and coaching by the local supervisor is also an important component of the VISTA members’ development and training. The sponsoring organization will inform you of possible trainings. All VISTA members are encouraged to attend League events. Expenses related to the different trainings will be the responsibility of the local sites, though some money may be available through the Supervision and Training Grant received by ICRC.

Financial Expenses

Depending upon available funding, ICRC will work with locals to reimburse local VISTAs for trainings required by AmeriCorps VISTA. ICRC will also strive, funding available, to assist with attendance at events related to the League of Iowa Human Rights Agencies or trainings by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. The VISTA Leader and finance personnel at ICRC will work with VISTA members for these events. Remaining reimbursement for VISTA members will be determined by the members’ local sites. Some additional funding may come from a small Supervision and Training Grant (S&T Grant) received by the VISTA Project. During the initial on-site orientation, local sites should explain how reimbursement will work with their VISTA members.

Reports Required by AmeriCorps VISTA

Progress Reports

Every five or six months, VISTA requires ICRC as the sponsoring organization to submit electronic progress reports on eGrants in order to maintain funding. These reports focus on the development of members and supervisors, progress on the goals in the project plan, challenges faced, recruitment efforts, training/technical assistance needs, partnership/collaboration development, resource development and procurement, sustainability, multi-site performance, success stories and other accomplishments. As this Project is a multi-site one, the Project Director and VISTA Leader depend on monthly activity and outreach reports from all the VISTA members and communication from supervisors and the advisory committee. Information from the reports, which can be found in the Appendix, are entered into master spreadsheets that track number and types of events attended, projects worked on, outreach efforts and trainings attended.

Financial Status Reports

Projects receiving additional funding through a Supervision and Training (S&T) Grant must file regular financial status reports on eGrants detailing the use of the grant. The grant money can only be used for supervision and training purposes.

Renewal Applications

At the completion of the first year and thereafter, until the conclusion of the Project, the sponsoring organization must submit a renewal application in order to continue as a VISTA Project. The Corporation for National and Community Service then makes a decision whether or not to keep on funding the Project. In the renewal application, the sponsoring organization will describe any updates or changes it wants to propose for the Project

Reports from VISTA Members & Local Sites

Monthly Activity Reports

By the end of the first full week of each month, all VISTA members need to submit a monthly activity report to the VISTA Leader. VISTA members are also encouraged to share the report with their local supervisor. The report, found in the Appendix, lists outreach events attended, projects worked on and trainings received. At the bottom, VISTA members record any sick or personal/vacation leave taken during the month, specifying how many days/hours and when the leave occurred. Under the projects are multiple subcategories. VISTA members may not complete tasks in some of the different categories in a given month, which is fine. Local sites may add additional topics, but not take away any from the template, that they would also like to have tracked by the VISTA members.

Monthly Outreach Reports

In addition to the monthly activity reports, VISTA members will also submit a monthly outreach report to the VISTA Leader by the end of the first full week of the following month. With the exception of the first five columns and the last column, local sites may adjust the headings of the recorded items distributed at outreach events. The report sample can be found at the end of the Appendix in this manual.

Future Plans Form

During the tenth month of service for full-time VISTA members or during the next to last week of service for Summer Associates, VISTA members and supervisors must complete a Future Plans Form. This form informs the State Office if the members are ending their service as scheduled or if requesting continuation of service. The termination date is usually 365 days following the day the VISTA member completed Pre-Service Orientation.

Unexpected Change in Status of VISTA Member(s)

Local site supervisors need to report to the Project Director or VISTA Leader, within 24 hours, the unscheduled departure of AmeriCorps VISTA members, and otherwise keep the Project Director or VISTA Leader timely informed of unscheduled changes of status and conditions of AmeriCorps VISTA members, such as arrests, hospitalizations, and absence without leave.

Travel Accidents

If a VISTA member, while performing official AmeriCorps VISTA duties, is involved in an accident, please immediately contact the Project Director. Paperwork will need to be completed within two days of the accident. In addition, the Office of General Counsel or vista@ must be contacted within 24 hours. More information regarding accidents can be found in Chapter 7 of the AmeriCorps VISTA Member Manual.

Disaster Response

Please inform the Project Director or VISTA Leader if VISTA members must be relocated either at their local site or place of residence due to natural or other disasters. Please share contact information for the local supervisor and VISTA members if the local site must be evacuated.

Resources

Websites

Websites

Iowa Civil Rights Commission state.ia.us/government/crc

League iowacivilrights

My Americorps

Corporation for National and Community Service:

National Service Resource Center:

AmeriCorps

VISTA:

VISTA Campus:

VISTA Online Community



Diversity Inc.

: African American History

: Women’s History

Listservs of Interest

Asian and Pacific Islanders

Commission on Asian and Pacific Islanders

Civil Rights



Grants Listservs

Foundation Center

GuideStar

Philanthropy today

Immigration Listservs

Immigration Iowa immigrationiowa@

Business Cards

Full-time VISTA members are encouraged to create and/or order business cards during their tenure as they will come into contact with the general public on a regular basis. VISTA members may choose to use 1) use the business card template from ICRC, 2) use the business card template of their designated local commission or 3) order one free box of business cards from VISTA Print (not affiliated with AmeriCorps VISTA) at . Summer Associates may use the business card template from ICRC and print off enough to last them through the 8 to 10 week time of service.

Regulations Governing VISTA Members

Full-Time VISTA Members

Direct Service

Full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members may not engage in any form of direct service. Instead, the primary functions of the members are indirect service and capacity building.

Religious Organizations or Activities

• No endorsement, promotion or appearance of enforcement/promotion of religion or a specific religious belief while in any official VISTA or commission capacity

• Neither the logo of AmeriCorps VISTA, sponsoring organization, or local site shall be worn while the VISTA members pursue religious activities on their own initiative on non-AmeriCorps time and using non-AmeriCorps funds.

• Members may not give religious instruction, conduct worship services, or engage in other religious activity as part of the AmeriCorps VISTA duties that would be perceived as part of their duties by members of the community in which they serve.

• No religious instruction, worship, proselytizing, or other religious activity may be conducted as part of a project to which members are assigned or referred. Textbooks and other materials used in connection with the project should not have religious or sectarian content.

• Members who serve in an institution that gives religious instruction or engages in other religious activities may not be used as replacements for regular personnel of the institution. They may work on new programs, however, that are carried on in addition to the school’s regular programs and that are conducted in conformance with these rules.

• The opportunity to receive the benefits of any project in which members serve will be open to persons in need without regard to their religious affiliation.

• Participation in an AmeriCorps VISTA project, by members or recipients, shall not be used as a means to induce participation in sectarian or religious activities.

Engaging in Electoral Activities

• No engaging in electoral activities outside of the Hatch Act during on-duty and off-duty service time.

• During off duty service time, AmeriCorps VISTA members may engage in certain political activities, as follows:

o May be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections

o May register and vote as they choose

o May assist in voter registration drives

o May express opinions about candidates and issues

o May contribute money to political organizations

o May attend political fundraising functions

o May attend and be active in political rallies and meetings

o May join and be an active member of a political party or club

o May sign nominating petitions

o May campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, municipal ordinances

o May campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections

o May make campaign speeches for candidates in partisan elections

o May distribute campaign literature in partisan elections

o May hold office in political clubs or parties, including serving as a delegate to a convention

• Under the Hatch Act, AmeriCorps VISTA members are prohibited from engaging in the following activities at all times during service, including off duty service time:

o May not use their official authority or influence, as an AmeriCorps VISTA, to influence an election

o May not knowingly solicit or discourage the political activity of any individual or organization that has business before the Corporation for National and Community Service or the AmeriCorps VISTA program (e.g., an AmeriCorps VISTA sponsoring organization or project)

o May not engage in political activity while in service time as an AmeriCorps VISTA member (e.g., while on duty as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at a sponsoring organization or project)

o May not engage in political activity while in any office of the AmeriCorps VISTA program or project

o May not engage in political activity while using a vehicle owned or leased by the AmeriCorps VISTA sponsoring organization or project

o May not be a candidate for public office in a partisan election

o May not wear political buttons or stickers while in service time as an AmeriCorps VISTA member

o May not engage in political activity while wearing an article of clothing, badge, insignia, or any similar item that identifies the Corporation or the AmeriCorps VISTA program

• AmeriCorps VISTA sponsoring organizations, local sites, and projects may not use funds or personnel in a manner that supports or identifies the AmeriCorps VISTA program with partisan or nonpartisan election activities. Sponsoring organizations and projects also may not use funds or personnel in a manner that supports or results in voter registration activities, or that provides transportation to the polls.

Engaging in Lobbying

AmeriCorps VISTA sponsoring organizations and local sites may not assign AmeriCorps VISTA members to perform service or engage in activities related to influencing the passage or defeat of legislation, or of legislative proposals or initiatives. Also, AmeriCorps VISTA members are generally prohibited from engaging in such lobbying activities; however, there are two rare exceptions to this prohibition on lobbying:

• An AmeriCorps VISTA member may draft, review, testify, or make a representation on a legislative measure if the member is asked by a legislative body, a committee of a legislative body, or member of a legislative body.

• An AmeriCorps VISTA member may draft, review, testify, or make a written representation to a legislative body regarding a legislative measure directly affecting the operation of an AmeriCorps VISTA project or program to which the member is assigned, as long as:

1. The sponsoring organization notifies the Corporation State Director on a quarterly basis of all activity occurring pursuant to this exception; and

2. The legislative measure related to the funding of the AmeriCorps VISTA project or program affects the existence or basic structure of the project or program.

Participating in Demonstrations

• No participation in political demonstrations and rallies during on-duty time, when could be identified as an AmeriCorps VISTA member or someone affiliated with the VISTA project or when interferes with performances of the member’s duties. An AmeriCorps VISTA member must contact the Corporation State Office, and get its permission, before engaging in any of the activities – electoral, lobbying or demonstrations.

Other Limitations

• No performance of activities or duties that would otherwise be carried out by employed workers, or would supplant the hiring of, or result in the displacement of, employed workers, or would impair existing contracts for service.

• No soliciting or receiving of monetary compensation

• No involvement with any labor or anti-laboring organizing activity

• No placement to an AmeriCorps VISTA project if related to anyone involved with the VISTA project.

• No nonprofessional relationships between VISTA members and staff or members of the same project.

Summer Associates

Summer Associates’ service requires a full immersion in the project and community. Therefore, all full and part-time employment is prohibited. Full-time enrollment in educational courses is also prohibited. Part-time enrollment in school is prohibited unless enrollment (6 hours or less) is required for Pell Grant eligibility. Such enrollment in school requires written approval from the State Director and project supervisor. Summer Associates may not use the VISTA title or authority while participating, influencing, or attending a political activity. A VISTA may not participate in political activities where he/she could be identified or apparently identified as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. Summer Associates may not give religious instruction, conduct worship services, or engage in any other religious activity as part of their AmeriCorps VISTA duties that would be perceived as part of their duties by members of the community in which they serve. AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates and project sponsors are prohibited from requesting or receiving any compensation for the service of members.

Personnel Policies

VISTA Leave Policies

Personal Leave

Full-time VISTA members are entitled to 10 workdays of personal leave during each full year of service. A workday is equivalent to your sponsoring organization’s typically required day of work. Prior approval is required by your supervisor, specifying the dates of leave requested. During personal leave, all regular member allowances are continued. AmeriCorps VISTA members also enjoy the national holidays that are recognized by their sponsoring organization and are given as time off to the rest of the organization’s personnel. If you want the day off for a religious observance, you should request a day of personal leave. Summer Associates do not receive personal leave due to the limited duration of the time of service.

Medical Leave

Full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members are entitled to 10 workdays of medical leave during each full year of service for illness, injury, or medical appointments. A workday is equivalent to your sponsoring organization’s typical required day of work. Partial days of medical leave also may be granted to the member. All living allowances continue during medical leave periods. Prior approval is required for medical leave, except for extenuating circumstances, from your supervisor. ICRC must notify the Corporation State Director immediately if it appears that a member will not be able to resume project duties within the maximum medical leave period of 10 workdays. The Corporation State Director may approve an extension of a member’s medical leave up to another 5 workdays in cases of extended recuperation in which you are likely to return to the project with within the approved leave period or in the event of undue delay in obtaining a diagnosis of the member’s medical condition. Summer Associates do not receive any medical leave due to the limited duration of the time of service.

Parental Leave

AmeriCorps VISTA members are entitled to use a combination of medical and personal leave (20 workdays) for maternity leave. The Corporation State Director may approve an extension of up to 10 workdays, for a total of 30 workdays, in cases where extended recuperation is required.

Flex Time

Due to the nature of the work of AmeriCorps VISTA, members may negotiate flex time with their supervisors to balance out time working on the weekends or during the evening. Flex time must be used within each pay period. While considered 24/7, members are not expected to work more than 40 hours, with the exception of emergencies and disasters.

Emergency Leave

VISTA members, both full-time and Summer Associates, may be granted up to five workdays of emergency leave if either 1) the area where members are serving is affected by a natural disaster and forced to leave the area temporarily or 2) an immediate family member (spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, or guardian) becomes critically ill or dies. Additional time away from the project requires the approval of the State Office. Emergency leave does not count against members’ personal leave time. Should an emergency arrive, the State Office must be notified immediately to receive approval for leave and to discuss travel assistance. Please also contact the Project Director or VISTA Leader to inform them of the situation.

Jury Duty

Summer Associates, as is the case as full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members, are subject to jury duty. If called, the time spent on jury duty will not be counted against the term or service or educational award. If members are subpoenaed (for non-project-related purposes), however, they are required to use personal leave.

Military Reserve Leave

Full-time VISTA members are granted military reserve leave to attend the monthly reserve training sessions and the two weeks of active duty training. Such leave does not count against members’ personal leave, term of service, end-of-service stipend or education award. Members should notify the local site supervisor and the sponsoring organization (either the Project Director or VISTA Leader) before taking military reserve leave and upon returning from such leave. Members may not receive time off for active duty or other reserve-related service beyond the two weeks and the monthly training activities usually required for reserve status.

Disaster Response

Full-time VISTA members may do disaster relief for up to 30 days immediately following a disaster if they receive approval from the State Office. A letter must be sent requesting permission that acknowledges both the member and supervisor’s willingness and support for the VISTA member to participate in the Disaster Response, that the service would be through a certified program (such as Red Cross), that the activities would be located in a poverty-stricken area, that participation would not be put the member in any danger, and listed the support provided to the member by the certified program (housing, food, transportation). If the State Office grants approval, the VISTA member or his/her supervisor should inform either the Project Director or the VISTA Leader.

Local Office Rules

Below is the Work Rules used by Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Local sites may have their own set of personnel policies to use in place of these work rules.

1. Work Schedule – office hours are generally from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, VISTAs are considered 24/7.

2. Change in the normal work schedule – Should employees wish to alter their normal work week schedules, written or email approval from the supervisor is required.

3. Calling in sick or late – VISTAs need to contact one live person (supervisor, front desk, another VISTA member). If this is not possible, please leave a voicemail message with two different people in the office. If someone leaves from work early due to illness or other personal reason, similar notice provisions apply and time left should be documented in the calendar at the front desk.

4. Returning from sick leave for 2 or more consecutive days or History of Absenteeism A note must be provided by a medical provider identifying the reason for the absence being a medical matter – can be fax, email or snail mail.

5. Vacation – A one-day advance request is required in writing, or email, absent exigent circumstances. In the case of exigent circumstances, the vacation leave may involve some practical necessity and should not create a disruption in the office. All vacation times should be documented in the calendar at the front desk and on the large calendar on the wall in the VISTA cubicle.

6. Leave without Pay – Must have prior approval by the supervisor.

7. Cell Phones – minimal use; cannot be disruptive; and must be put on vibrate

8. Internet/Email – VISTA members may use the local site’ provided internet/email system for personal purposes in the same manner as VISTA members are permitted to use their local site’s provided telephones (i.e., reasonably minimal incidental usage). VISTA members should realize that, like telephones, a full and accurate record of such personal internet/email usage is electronically maintained by the local site’s internet/email system. Consequently VISTA members should have no expectation of privacy concerning their personal internet/email usage. Accessing inappropriate, pornographic, offensive, discriminatory, profane, sexually explicit or illegal material will not be permitted.

9. Printing, Copying and Faxing – Printers, copy paper, and faxes should be used for business. Incidental personal use is allowed with minimal cost of 5 cents a page.

10. Games – are not allowed at employee workstations. This includes handheld games as well as computer games (i.e., downloading games or games played through the Internet).

11. Personal Purchases – are not allowed when the State of Iowa, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, or a local commission is used as the billing agent.

12. Dress Code – VISTA members must maintain “business casual” attire at work Monday through Thursday. (Does not include sneakers or any sports-style shoes, t-shirts with company logos or denim jeans). “Casual” attire may be worn on Friday. Inappropriate attire, to include the following, shall not be worn during normal work hours: beach shoes/sandals; revealing clothing, such as halter, tank/tube tops, or see-through clothing; clothing depicting inappropriate images or sayings; extremely casual clothing such as sweatpants, sweat suits, jogging or warm-up suit; excessively short skirts, dresses or shirts; spandex leggings without a covering garment; and shorts.

Educational Courses

Full or part-time enrollment in an educational institution is prohibited except to maintain eligibility for a partial federal Pell grant or educational courses that are relevant to project assignments or career development plans. Advance permission of the project supervisor and the Corporation State Director is required to take such courses. The hours in which courses are taken should in no way interfere with assigned project duties and work performance.

Grievance Policy

There are several procedures that allow for open communication of your views, and for effective resolution of concerns regarding the terms and conditions of your AmeriCorps VISTA service.

Informal Procedure

The Local Site provides for:

• A free and open opportunity for you to communicate your views, problems, and concerns to the On-site Supervisor.

• A free and open opportunity for you to communicate your views, problems, and concerns regarding your Supervisor to the chair of your Supervisor’s commission and/or designated staff members at your site.

• Response to and possible resolution of your problems or concerns by appropriate local staff and/or your Supervisor.

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission provides for:

• A free and open opportunity for you to communicate your views, problems, and concerns to the Project Supervisor (Ralph Rosenberg).

• A free and open opportunity for you to communicate your views, problems, and concerns regarding the Project Supervisor to the chair of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (Alicia Claypool) or any of the following staff of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (Diana Sisler or Mary Cowdrey).

• A free and open opportunity for you to communicate your views, problems, and concerns to the Project’s VISTA Leader (Crystal Schrader).

• Response to and possible resolution of your problems or concerns by appropriate Iowa Civil Rights Commission staff.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides for:

• A free and open opportunity for you to communicate your views to the Iowa State Office of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

• An opportunity for you to be heard in connection with the terms and conditions of your service.

• Response to and possible resolution of your problems or concerns by appropriate Corporation officials.

If you believe your concerns regarding the terms and conditions of service have not been properly addressed, you may communicate those concerns directly to the AmeriCorps VISTA Headquarters program staff.

AmeriCorps VISTA Grievance Procedure

During your service, a circumstance may arise that directly affects your service situation or that you believe violates regulations governing the terms and conditions of service, resulting in a denial or infringement of a right or benefit to you. In such a circumstance, you may file a grievance.

The member grievance procedure is contained in 45 CFR Part 1211, which is reprinted in full in Appendix of the official AmeriCorps VISTA Member Handbook. You should read the procedure in its entirety before initiating any grievance. Under this procedure, you are not permitted to grieve matters for which a separate administrative procedure (e.g., discrimination complaints) is provided. Consequently, you may not grieve matters that are processed through the Volunteer Discrimination Complaint Procedure, which is contained in 45 CFR Part 1225, and is set forth in the above mentioned Appendix C.

Non-Discrimination and Civil Rights

General Prohibition

No persons with responsibilities in the operation of the project shall discriminate against any AmeriCorps VISTA member, or member of the staff, or beneficiary of the project, with respect to any aspect of the project on the basis of age, color, creed, familial status, gender identity, marital status, mental disability, military service, national origin, physical disability, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, retaliation, sex or sexual orientation.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, which is prohibited as addressed directly above. Commissions with VISTA members are responsible for violations of the prohibition against sexual harassment and for taking corrective action and/or disciplinary action if violations occur. Such sexual harassment violations include:

1. Acts of “quid pro quo” sexual harassment where a supervisor demands favors for service benefits, regardless of whether the Commission, its agents or supervisory employees should have known of the acts.

2. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature which have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive service environment.

3. Acts of sexual harassment toward fellow AmeriCorps VISTA members or non-employees, where the Commission, its agents or its supervisory employees knew or should have known of the conduct, unless it took immediate and appropriate corrective action.

Transfer of VISTA Members

As the Iowa Human & Civil Rights VISTA Project is a multi-site program, VISTA members (full time and Summer Associates) may be moved to different programs at the discretion of the Project Director should the need arise. Before a transfer would take place, the Project Director will meet with the affected VISTA members and the former and new local supervisors.

Removal of VISTA Members from Project

The sponsoring organization may request the removal of an AmeriCorps VISTA member from the project. To do so, the sponsoring organization requests the removal in writing to the State Office, along with a statement of reason for why the request is being made. The sole authority for terminating or transferring a member rests with the Corporation. The Corporation may terminate a VISTA member who fails to meet the training selection standards of PSO, for medical reasons, at the request of a sponsoring organization, for lack of a suitable placement or based on the conduct of the VISTA member.

Appendix

Monthly Activity Report Template

Monthly Activity Report: Month Year

Name

Projects

• Building Capacity of Your Commission(s)

o project

o project

• Building Connections with Stakeholder Groups

o project

• Education and Research

o project

• Grants

o project

• Outreach

o project

• Surveys

o project

• Translations

o project

• Website

o Project

Outreach Events Attended

• Event, date, location

• Event, date, location

Trainings and Workshops

• Training, date, location

• Training, date, location

Sick Days Used: ___ Date(s):

Vacation Days Used: ___ Date(s):

Monthly Activity Report Sample

Monthly Activity Report: January 2008

Jane Doe

Outreach Events Attended

• 19th Annual State of Iowa Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: January 21, 2008 (Des Moines, IA)

• Urbandale Civil Rights Commission meeting: January 23, 2008 (Urbandale, IA)

• I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa: January 25-26, 2008 (Des Moines, IA)

Projects

• Building Capacity of Your Commission(s)

o Recruitment of workshop presenters for the Des Moines Symposium

o Communication with local commissions regarding: January 9 League ICN meeting, contact information for VISTAs, website addresses, Yahoo group, MLK events, legislative breakfast,

o Compiled an updated email list of all local and state commissioners in Iowa

• Building Connections with Stakeholder Groups

o Met with Jerri Scott, a homeownership specialist with CCI, about collaboration with the Des Moines Human Rights Commission and ICRC

o Worked with Kim Cheeks from DHR on updating calendar of events to include MLK events across the state

• Education and Research

o Research on framing and marketing of civil rights

• Grants

o Applied on behalf of the Des Moines Human Rights Commission for a housing education grant from Wells Fargo

• Outreach

o Publication of an activity sheet focusing on the 60th anniversary of Edna Griffin’s public accommodation discrimination case

• Website

o Updates to the ICRC website (calendar of events, update links, consolidate information, 2007 State Fair quizzes)

Trainings and Workshops

o “How to Purchase a House” training through Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement: January 16, 2008 (Des Moines)

o Fair Housing webinar: January 17, 2008 (online)

o CISHRM Diversity Lunch and Learn Presentation: January 24, 2008 (Des Moines)

Sick Days Used: 1 Date(s): 1/15

Vacation Days Used: 2 Date(s): 1/1, 1/2

Monthly Outreach Report Sample

(from Master Spreadsheet and Consists of Efforts of 4 VISTA Members)

Date |Event |Location |VISTA Member |People Reached |Fact Sheets |Brochures |Magnets |Kids' Stuff |Other |Total Items | |2/2 |Chinese New Year Celebration |Waukee |JF, CS |16 |8 |22 |6 |10 |  |46 | |2/9 |Vietnamese New Year Celebration |DM |JB, JF, KM |15 |5 |18 |  |  |  |23 | |2/11 - 2/15 |14 Voices of Civil Rights Presentations |DM |JB, CS |347 |  |  |  |282 |  |282 | |2/16 |Tai Dam New Year Celebration |DM |KM, CS |23 |10 |27 |24 |75 |  |136 | |2/21 |Governor's Conference on LGBT Youth |DM |KM, CS |20 |20 |30 |10 |  |  |60 | |2/21 |Material Request: One Iowa |  |CS |  |  |100 |  |  |  |100 | |2/21 |Material Request: Safe School Task Force |  |CS |  |  |30 |  |  |  |30 | |2/22 |Email Distribution: League |  |CS |  |  |  |  |  |100 newsletters |100 | |2/28 |Legislative Breakfast |DM |JB, CS |30 |20 |  |  |  |20 newsletters |40 | |2/28 |League meeting |DM |JB, CS |30 |  |80 |  |  |20 fair housing outreach packets, 20 anti-bullying/LGBT packets, 3 annual reports |123 | |  |20 |  |  |481 |63 |307 |40 |367 |43 |940 | |

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