10,000 Jobs for '10 Grads
Are you looking at possibilities for life after graduation?
You will find an excellent resource in the Catholic Network of Volunteer Service, which is a network of 200+ organizations with 10,000+ short term jobs in the US and abroad.
We are highlighting Mi Casa Foundation, which offers you an opportunity to spend 1 year in Mexico serving needy children and elderly people. Click here for their website.- What will your Response be?
Help distribute food and clothingYou may now order your free copy/copies of RESPONSE 2009, a directory of full-time faith-based volunteer opportunities. With thousands of volunteer opportunities available from nearly 200 programs, RESPONSE 2009 is the most comprehensive guide of its kind. Positions are available in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and more than 100 countries worldwide. Volunteers serve full-time in periods ranging from one week to one year or more. Our volunteers are from all walks of life—from high school to senior citizens and every stage in between. Positions are available for both single and married volunteers, including those with children. Contact Catholic Network of Volunteer Service (CNVS) to receive your free copy/copies of RESPONSE 2008. Call toll-free at 1-800-543-5046 cnvsinfo@cnvs.org . You can also access and view RESPONSE 2009 on the web at www.cnvs.org.
Catholic Network of Volunteer Service Mission Statement:
Catholic Network of Volunteer Service (CNVS) is a national membership organization of Christian volunteer and mission programs that fosters and promotes full-time national and international service opportunities for people of all backgrounds, ages and skills. CNVS supports and enhances the work of its membership by providing training and resources, networking opportunities, and national advocacy.
Link to their on-line data base to 10,000 different positions available in the US and abroad for short-term service.
Click here for the www.cnvs.org database
FrancisCorps
FrancisCorps
Consider joining a long line of proud WF alums who have given a year of service with FrancisCorps. Click the above banner for the FrancisCorps website. FrancisCorps is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscan friars, Father Jude's community.
FrancisCorps members are:
- Catholic Men and Women, 21 - 25 years of age
- College graduates or have related experience
- Willing to live simply in community with other volunteers
- Willing to share common prayer
- Willing to participate in reflection groups about volunteer experiences
- Willing to commit to one full year (Beginning early August)
- In good physical and psychological health
Check out their website at www.franciscorps.org
Let's Talk!
Make an appointment with Julie, your Campus Minister to explore these and other possibilities! Filling out the form below will send your info to Julie's email. Skip to the bottom of this page to see the form.
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQ were taken from www.cnvs.org
The Basics
Where can I volunteer?
CNVS member programs have positions available in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and two overseas U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and American Samoa). Additionally, there are currently positions in over 100 countries across the world including Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Europe, North America, Australia, and the South Pacific.
There are positions in every type of setting: large and small cities, suburbs, and rural areas.
How long can I serve?
That depends on you. Our member programs offer opportunities that range from a week to a three and half year commitment. There are programs available for high school and college students during the summer break as well.
Do I have a choice about where I serve?
Programs are highly skilled at matching applicants with placements that best suit their skills and interests. If you have particular geographic or placement preferences, please be sure to let the programs know in your application.
Do I have to be a certain age to serve?
It depends on the program. Short-term programs (e.g., week-long spring breaks or three month summer programs) offer opportunities for high school aged youth and students still in college. Most long-term programs require participants to be at least 21, but some do accept applicants as young as 18.
Most programs have no upper age limit. In fact, some programs are specifically designed for older or retired applicants.
Be sure to check out individual programs for more information.
What will be living arrangement/situation?
Different programs offer volunteers different living arrangements. Many programs have volunteers living together in community. Other volunteers live with religious sisters or brothers or priests while some live with families. In rare instances, a volunteer may live alone. You can search programs on this web site by the type of living arrangement they offer.
Do I have to be a United States citizen to volunteer?
No, you do not have to be an American citizen to serve in many of our programs. Use our RESPONSE directory of opportunities to determine which programs accept persons who are not American citizens.
Volunteer Placements
What type of work can I do?
Almost anything you can think of. Placements include positions in social service, medicine and nursing, immigration, legal aid, homeless services, prison ministry, bookkeeping, community organizing, child care, agriculture, construction and housing rehabilitation, teaching, religious education, social justice ministry, and more.
Do I have to have a college degree to be a volunteer?
Many short-term programs do not require that volunteers have a college degree. Additionally, over 100 programs currently accept volunteers without degrees. Requirements vary from program to program so be sure to contact the program in which you are interested.
What type of experience or certification do I need?
Again, that depends on the program and the placement. Certain positions require someone who already has a specific job skill, but most positions are open to anyone with a willingness to learn. Opportunities in fields as varied as education, health care, and social service are available to those with no previous training or experience. A volunteer placement can be an excellent way to gain experience in a field and to develop your professional skills.
How can I afford to volunteer?
Volunteering is a commitment on many levels–spiritually, emotionally, professionally, and of course, financially. Volunteering by its very nature is not going to make you rich—at least financially speaking. CNVS requires that all programs provide for their volunteers. Most programs provide basic room and board and a modest living stipend, usually paid monthly. Volunteers are asked to “live simply” and to be conscious of how they spend their money.
Many programs offer student loan deferments and many also participate in the AmeriCorps Education Awards Program (AEAP). See below.
What about my student loans?
Many programs offer loan deferment. Additionally, many programs participate in the AmeriCorps Education Awards Program (AEAP) which offers volunteers an educational award of up to $4,725 for a full year (1700 hours of service) of domestic service in the United States. This education award can be applied to your student loans. Be sure to ask individual program in which your interested their policy on loan deferment.
Religion/Spirituality
Do I have to be a Catholic or Christian to volunteer?
While not all of our programs require volunteers to be practicing Catholics or Christians, all are faith-based. Programs vary in the level of religious or spiritual commitment they expect. Some programs require participants to be Catholic while others may ask that you simply be open to reflecting on spiritual matters and participating in group prayer. Some programs will not require any type of participation in religious activities. Each program has different requirements, so be sure to contact the individual programs in which you are interested.
What happens after I volunteer?
You can volunteer with another program, or you can follow in the footsteps of thousands of other former volunteers who use the experience and skills gained from their time of service to help them in their next job or educational step. Your volunteer service is not “time off,” but a valuable step in your personal and professional development.