My AmeriCorps - Home Page

Contact My AmeriCorps \| Login
FONT SIZE: Default \| Large

Holistic Defense Development VISTA

Want to make a real impact while gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of law, social work, and public policy? Join the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) as a Holistic Defense Development VISTA and be a part of the transformative shift toward holistic public defense. Many MSPD clients face criminal charges stemming from circumstances caused by poverty and unmet behavioral health needs. Once they enter the criminal legal system, these issues are only exacerbated. Holistic defense seeks to address these clients’ underlying needs beyond traditional legal representation, working to break the cycle of criminalization. Although this is a great opportunity for those considering law school, no law degree is required, just a passion for social justice and a commitment to learning. The VISTAs’ primary goal will be to collaborate with attorneys, social workers, AmeriCorps Holistic Advocates, and MSPD leadership to build up the holistic practices at MSPD by increasing MSPD’s capacity to address client needs, improving the wellbeing and economic opportunity of clients, and winning better case outcomes. VISTAs will develop skills in data collection and analysis, grant writing and reporting, communications and design, resource mapping, and developing community partnerships while building a network of professional contacts in the legal and advocacy fields. Qualified candidates will be inquisitive, collaborative, resourceful, open-minded, effective at expressing complex concepts, and passionate about public service. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated interest in social work, the law, criminal justice, or psychology and have strong computer skills. A one-year commitment is required, and volunteers may begin their service term in June, July, or August 2026. Placement is possible in St. Louis or Kansas City. Are you ready to make your service year count? Apply now and join us in creating a more just Missouri.

Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties : VISTAs will 1) Develop understanding of criminal law/public defense and the problems afflicting MSPD clients; 2) Build up the Holistic Defense Services unit to increase service offerings and enhance best practices; 3) Maintain and build upon existing program partnerships, resources, guides and manuals; 4) Manage various capacity building projects tailored to your skills and interests; and 5) Develop a framework for maintaining and expanding grant funding, training initiatives, and volunteer networks related to the holistic representation of MSPD clients, and more.

Program Benefits : Living Allowance , Childcare assistance if eligible , Relocation Allowance , Education award upon successful completion of service , Health Coverage* , Training , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend .


*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/.

Terms : Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours .

Service Areas : None

Skills : Computers/Technology , Social Services , Communications , Community Organization , Leadership , Law , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Team Work , Writing/Editing .



Refine Search

SUMMARY
Program Type:
AmeriCorps VISTA

Program
Holistic Defense Development VISTA

Program Start/End Date
08/10/2026 - 08/09/2027

Work Schedule	Full Time

Education level
College graduate

Age Requirement
Minimum: 18 Maximum: None

Program Locations	MISSOURI

Accepting Applications
From 03/24/2026 To 07/20/2026

Contact	Gwen Wotawa
1114 Market St
Saint Louis MO 63101
(314) 340-7625
gwen.wotawa@mspd.mo.gov
publicdefender.mo.gov

Listing ID	129397


Contact Us \| Newsletters \| Site Map \| Office of Inspector General \| FirstGov \| Privacy \| Accessibility FOIA \| No Fear Act \| Federal Register Notices Last updated: Wednesday, April 01, 2026, 01:46 PM Release version: 7.34