ISSUE 10: September 3, 2008

VISTA Moments Captured
V is for ...
VISTA and the Temptations!?

VISTA Moments Captured

The caption of the black and white photograph reads, “A young girl looks out of the women’s bathroom,” then it continues, “Where is she today? Did she survive her childhood?”  These are just a sample of the questions that Federico Santi, a VISTA who served in South Florida in 1968 and 1969, asks 40 years later.  Federico’s VISTA assignment was to photograph his fellow VISTAs and the community they served, as well as several migrant camps in Homestead, Fla.

“Some things haven’t changed at all,” said Federico. “The migrant images, you could go to take similar pictures today.  It’s a little shocking.”

Federico acknowledges that he has reached the “beginning of the end” of his lifetime—that’s why he wants to share his VISTA story and ensure that his photographic work is preserved. With new digital technology and the appreciation of the impact of VISTA on his life, Federico has scanned hundreds of his original VISTA photographs and created an online photo essay. He also plans to exhibit his work in Newport, RI, as well as in Southern Florida.

“I was a Florida State University photography major,” said Federico. “[Photography] was the best thing I could offer the program, and I had all the equipment with me. I also taught photography at a boy’s club. And I discovered needs for photography along the way. “

One of the needs Federico addressed was the work of Organized Migrants In Community Action (OMICA), an organization that worked to help resolve issues between migrants and the community in South Florida. With the help of OMICA contacts, Federico was able to sneak into migrant camps and photograph families.

“I learned that there were a lot of people who were hurting,” he said of his VISTA experience. “I learned oftentimes, they were just like me, and we could all relate to the same things even though we didn’t think we could when I first came into it. Circumstances had forced them into the situations they were in, and they didn’t have the same opportunities as I did. It changed my perspective on what America was all about. VISTA is about helping the Volunteers become good citizens and open their eyes to what some people in America where living like.”

Now Federico spends his time dealing antiques, writing books, working in historic preservation and taking photos. Click here to visit his photography Web site.

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V is for ...

"V is for..."  It means something different to everyone who has served as a VISTA. 

But what does V mean to you?

Hope. Creativity. Service. Adventure. Social Change. Justice. Ending Poverty. Community. Empowerment. Volunteers. Kids. Affordable Housing. College Access. Ending Hunger. Future. Having Fun. Development. Leadership. Value. Catalyst. A Second Chance. Understanding. Strength. Challenge. Passion. Quality. Healthcare. Voice. Others. Peace. Education. Discovery. Support. Do-Gooder. Family. Organizing. Sustainability. Friendship. Life. Care. Unity. Shine. 2% Crazy. Action. Happiness. Ambassador. Resources. Impact. Reality. Opportunity. Compassion. Never Giving Up. Forward Thinking. Vision. Open-minded. Hardwork. Dedication. Giving. Diving In. Creating a Legacy. Breaking the Cycle. Self Awareness. Help. My Contribution. Dreams. Restlessness... V is for...  VISTA.  

The list goes on forever...  Visit the "V is for..." page to add your thoughts and V photo and see what others are saying.  At 180,000 strong, the VISTA community has a voice and connection. Join the conversation.

Visit www.vistacampus.org and look for the "V is for" badge on the left-side menu.

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VISTA and the Temptations!?

What do these artists have in common?  They, and many others, were all guests on the Voices of VISTA radio program.  Featuring interviews with recording artists and recordings of the performer, the Voices of VISTA radio series lasted from 1965 to 1971.

The series was sponsored by VISTA, which was housed in the Office of Economic Opportunity at the time. This Office (known to many as O.E.O.) was formed after the passing of The Economic Opportunity Act, which President Johnson signed into law on August 20, 1964. Less than 4 months later, the President welcomed the first 20 VISTA volunteers to the White House.

On July 1, 1971, VISTA was transferred from O.E.O. to ACTION, the voluntary action agency formed during President Nixon’s administration. As VISTA moved from O.E.O., so ended the Voices of VISTA radio series over the airwaves.

VISTA is currently working with the National Archives to digitize all of these recordings. A selection of these recordings can be found on the VISTA Campus in the Alumni section.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the Viewfinder?

A: VISTA means view-looking out on a broad expanse. The viewfinder, a toy that all generations of VISTAs recognize, was a kind of binocular that focused on points of interest, highlights, and snapshots in living color. The VISTA Viewfinder surveys in the landscape and zeroes in on service.

Q. Why the Viewfinder?

A. Here’s your direct link to connecting with other VISTAs, learning what they are doing, and helping to spread the message of VISTA and national service!

Q. How can I contribute?

A. Have a story to tell?  Submission ideas?  Contact vistaoutreach@cns.gov. Use the Viewfinder to highlight your VISTA service and share your experiences with others across the country!

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