42 U.S.C. § 4951 : US Code - Section 4951: Congressional statement of purpose

Search 42 U.S.C. § 4951 : US Code - Section 4951: Congressional statement of purpose

This part provides for the Volunteers in Service to America
(VISTA) program of full-time volunteer service, together with
appropriate powers and responsibilities designed to assist in the
development and coordination of such program. The purpose of this
part is to strengthen and supplement efforts to eliminate and
alleviate poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States
by encouraging and enabling persons from all walks of life, all
geographical areas, and all age groups, including low-income
individuals, elderly and retired Americans, to perform meaningful
and constructive volunteer service in agencies, institutions, and
situations where the application of human talent and dedication may
assist in the solution of poverty and poverty-related problems and
secure and exploit opportunities for self-advancement by persons
afflicted with such problems. In addition, the objectives of this
part are to generate the commitment of private sector resources, to
encourage volunteer service at the local level, and to strengthen
local agencies and organizations to carry out the purpose of this
part.