2019 Response

the value of generosity in giving of themselves and incorporating spirituality into the rhythm of everyday living. VIDES Volunteer Missioners serve together with members of the Salesian Family (Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Cooperators, etc.) VIDES+USA, VIDES East USA (part of VIDES+USA) and 65 other country sites are members of VIDES International. Each country site deals specifically with members and volunteers who are citizens or residents of its own country. Volunteers of the different countries can serve either in their own nation or internationally. TYPE OF PLACEMENT: A variety of educational, development, and outreach services are offered benefiting especially children, young adults, and women. These services include religious education, teaching on all levels, youth ministry, social services, child care, migrant worker ministry, communications and public relations, health care services in some mission sites, secretarial and office work, fund- raising and grant writing, and other youth or women promotion related projects. AREA OF SERVICE: International: Africa, North, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Australia. National: California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. LENGTH OF SERVICE: Two months to two years. REQUIREMENTS: Male or female; 21 to 35 years of age; single, married couples and families are accepted but only where living accommodations are available; Catholic and non-Catholics open to religious community living; conversational knowledge of the language spoken within the community; two to five week formation/service camp (usually in winter or summer); experience in the desired area of service is preferred; participation in a re-entry workshop. VIDES volunteers must have a great love for children and young adults; be open to living in a religious community, to cultural differences within the larger local community; be flexible in meeting daily challenges, generous in giving of themselves and have a cheerful outlook on life. VIDES+USA volunteers need to be U.S. citizens or residents. If volunteers are from another country, we will direct them to apply through one of our other international offices. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: VIDES provides the volunteer with basic health insurance, room and board. If needed, applicants may apply for a sponsorship to participate in the two-three week formation/service camp, otherwise a contribution is requested. Volunteers are responsible for transportation costs to and from the Formation/Service Camp and to the service site. All personal expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer. Student loan deferment or forbearance is usually possible. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: In a religious community possibly with other volunteers. SIZE OF PROGRAM: 15 to 50 USA volunteers; Internationally over 2,000 volunteers in over 43 VIDES international sites. TRAINING: Two to five week Formation Service Camp (winter or summer) is required before national or international service. After completion of service, participation in a Re-Entry Workshop is needed to integrate the mission experience. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Priority will be given to applications completed by October 1 to participate in the Winter Formation/ Service Camp (FSC) or by March 1 to participate in the Summer FSC. Allow up to four months before initiation of service to accommodate completion of preliminary application, full application, interview, two to

VO L U N T E E R P R O G R A M S

Regina, a Redeemer Ministry Corps volunteer, serves as Activities Assistant at St. Joseph Manor.

CONTACT: Jessica Werner, Director AFFILIATIONS: Daughters of Charity

CATHOLICVOLUNTEERNETWORK .ORG | RESPONSE 2019 LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Volunteers will live in a community with 3-4 other participants, and also in a community with local Daughters of Charity or Vincentian priests. In Ethiopia, volunteers live in a residence with the Daughters. In Kenya, volunteers live in a residence that is located on the same compound as the Daughters. Volunteers will be provided with three meals a day. They will share a room and a bathroom with at least one other person. SIZE OF PROGRAM: Four to eight volunteers in Ethiopia, four to twelve volunteers in Kenya each summer. GOAL OF PROGRAM: The mission of VLM is to share the Vincentian charism with young adult Catholic men and women and to help foster systemic change in communities in Ethiopia and Kenya, while living in solidarity with the local people and the Daughters of Charity. TYPE OF PLACEMENT: In Ethiopia, VLM teach English to children in local, Catholic elementary schools that are run by the Daughters of Charity. Children vary in age, but volunteers typically teach grades 1-7. There are also opportunities in Ethiopia to work with local teachers by providing professional development opportunities. Non-teaching placements are available as well. In Kenya, VLM work at up to five sites in Kenya, both rural and suburban, as facilitators of a summer camp for children and teenagers. VLMmay facilitate drama, crafts, sports, or other enrichment activities for the children. In addition to running a camp, there are also opportunities for VLM to lead youth retreats, teach English, and work with local entrepreneurs on small business development. AREA OF SERVICE: Ethiopia and Kenya, East Africa LENGTH OF SERVICE: Four to six weeks. VLM typically travel to Ethiopia during the month of July and to Kenya during the month of August. REQUIREMENTS: Catholic men and women ages 21-35 are welcome to apply. All applicants must be open to living simply, enjoy working with children, and should be flexible and adaptive with a commitment to community and service. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Volunteers make a donation of $2,500 to the Daughters of Charity. This will help offset the cost of the flight to Africa and travel insurance (including medical). A portion of the donation will also go directly to the missions of the Daughters of Charity in Ethiopia or Kenya. Transportation, food, and accommodations are provided for all volunteers. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to VLM orientation and yearly retreat.

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five week formation period and placement procedures. Vincentian Lay Missionaries 4330 Olive St. St. Louis, MO 63108 612-554-5434 Jessica.Werner@doc.org w vlmusa.org L @VincentiansUSA

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