Lutheran Volunteer Corps is a full-time service and leadership program operating in cities across the U.S. Our mission: to unite people to work for peace with justice. We do this by placing approximately 50 Volunteers in full-time positions at social justice organizations. Year Volunteers live together in intentional community, practicing simple and sustainable living, while exploring spirituality. LVC offers housing for yearlong service, modest stipend, health insurance, and paid vacation time.
Service Activities
LVC Corps members will serve 40 hours a week at their placement site, with duties as outlined in their specific position description. In addition, LVC Volunteers also have regular meetings with each other to build community, practice living simply and sustainably, and explore spirituality.
Community Need Addressed
Our positions meet many community needs, including providing services for those experiencing homelessness, legal assistance, welcome & support for new refugees & immigrants and educational support for youth.
Position Outcomes
Increased capacity for nonprofits engaged in social justice missions, many that impact citizens directly by hands-on support. For volunteers, leadership development around anti-oppression and community-focused values, and training on how to communicate across differences.
Benefits
Health coverage, Housing, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
All Volunteers are expected to cover the cost of their own travel to the program at the beginning, and back home at the end. All housing is furnished, so Volunteers need to bring with them personal items and bedding.
Education Benefits
No certifications are provided.
Skills you will gain
To prepare for social justice service, LVC provides anti-racism/oppression training, consensus based decision making, conflict resolution, mutual invitation conversation tool, and other topics which may vary.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Turn taking
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions
Tools
Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Create environment of contribution, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment