In early December, Campus Compact VISTA Members convened to participate in their Early Service Training (EST). EST provides VISTA Members opportunities to develop professional skills, build community, and share their visions for their projects.
During EST, members had the opportunity to learn about outreach development, resource development, design thinking, and self-care tips and tricks. This training aimed to provide members with professional development to aid them in their service year and ensure members remember to take care of themselves.
One member expressed why the Design Thinking session benefitted him and his project, saying, “I like the collaborative aspect of it and how it applied so directly to our projects.”.
Another important aspect of EST was to create a space for members to build community amongst their cohort. VISTA members had the opportunity to meet their fellow members in person for the first time and create long-lasting connections through networking, group activities, and group dinners.