In this issue:

Editor's Intro

Liz Barnes-Behind the Scenes

Claiming Your Education Award: What to Expect-Liz Barnes, and
Resources from Matt Crichton

The VISTA Way-Jason Crow

Amy's Men

Getting the end-of-service info in early is an easy way to ensure that you receive your Ed. Award in a timely manner. Once that info is processed, VISTAs will receive a voucher in the mail. They then send that voucher (after reading it and following the instructions) to their student loan company or school, depending on how they are using their award.The student loan company or school then sends it back to the CNS (Corporation for National Service) Trust Department for processing. The number I always use for the Trust is 202-606-5000 x347, although I think there may be a toll-free number somewhere. Ed Awards are taxed in the year you use them (not the year you are awarded it). VISTAs who use their Ed. Award will receive a 1099 form for tax purposes after using it.

Resources from Matt Crichton

Even though he's not getting paid to care anymore, Matt Crichton still comes through for the VISTAs. From a recent email—

"Here is a link to a story about my experiences during two years of AmeriCorps (VISTA). Even if you don't want to read it, there are some resources I have collected at the bottom for:

• potential AmeriCorps members
• current AC members
• AC Alumni
• people and organizations who supervise AC members or may supervise in the future."

Thanks, Matt!