What’s the Difference Between the Oklahoma Opportunities Program and the VISTA Program?
Learn more and discover the right Red River Community Corps program for you.
Red River Community Corps (RRCC) offers two membership options for individuals interested in making a positive impact in their communities through service.
Membership through both the Oklahoma Opportunities Program and the VISTA program offer tangible benefits, including:
Access to RRCC's network of community partners
Training and professional development opportunities
The chance to participate in meaningful service projects
Members also receive support and guidance from RRCC staff, who help them navigate the volunteering process and find opportunities that align with their interests and skills. Learn about the differences between the programs to decide which one is the right fit for you!
What do RRCC members do?
Oklahoma Opportunities program members use their talents and energy to help nonprofits, school districts, government agencies, Native American tribes and other organizations. They tap into their service-oriented spirits to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing Oklahoma.
As an RRCC member in the VISTA program, you will support an organization to make sustainable change in areas affecting poverty, including education, public health, climate, access to benefits and more. Through activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment, you will gain professional experience and leadership skills.
Who is eligible?
For the Oklahoma Opportunities program:
Anyone age 17 or older who has a high school diploma (or equivalency) and is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is eligible
Positions are contingent upon the results of a fingerprint-based National Service Criminal History Check
VISTA program members must:
Be 18 years or older (there is no upper age limit)
Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: U.S. citizen, U.S. National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state
How long do RRCC members serve?
The Oklahoma Opportunities program has full-time (1,700 hours), three quarter-time (1,200 hours), half-time (900 hours), quarter-time (450 hours) and minimum time (300 hours) member positions.
The AmeriCorps VISTA program offers a full-time, 12-month term of service at 32.5 hours/week.
What are the benefits?
Oklahoma Opportunities program members receive:
Professional development opportunities and connections with a like-minded network of leaders who are passionate about helping Oklahomans
Individuals in approved AmeriCorps positions are also eligible for forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans.
VISTA program members receive:
A $877.66 bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses
The opportunity to attend in-person and virtual training to learn how to be a community development change agent
One year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government upon successful completion of service; this special hiring status enables VISTA members to apply for federal jobs with the advantage of not having to go through the standard public competitive selection process
A choice between a Segal Education Award (valued at approximately $6,495) to pay for a range of education expenses or a $1,800 cash stipend
Becoming an RRCC member, whether through the Oklahoma Opportunities program or VISTA program, offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to positive social change, build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, and develop valuable skills and experiences through service.
Through its diverse range of membership options and supportive community network, RRCC provides a platform for people to make a difference and create a brighter future for their communities.