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Mission: It's NOT Just A Trip!

Volunteer & Intern Opportunities

JustUs Youth
The JustUs Youth network consists of racially ethnic Christian teens from around the United States. Youth involved are challenged to explore the roots of social barriers such as crime, violence and poverty. JustUs Youth then supports them in the creation of community justice projects which will effect change. Youth attend training events, developmental conferences and workshops throughout the year.

Global Youth & Young Adult Networks
The Global Youth & Young Adult Networks link youth, students, and young adults from the Wesleyan tradition, United Methodist and Methodist Churches with ecumenical and grassroots partners to provide opportunities for global mission education, peer connection and advocacy. The aim is to create space and opportunity for the development of young church and community leaders who are passionate regarding global ministries.

International Seminar Programs
United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs is a cooperative program that provides custom-designed interactive educational seminars throughout the year in New York City and Washington D.C. for groups interested in studying complex social issues from a perspective of faith. The program is the perfect learning tool for youth groups and individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of international affairs and how they relate to the church.

Mission Seminars
Join the thousand visitors a year who journey to the offices of Global Ministries in New York City to meet our staff and learn about our initiatives and goals through a Mission Seminar which can be tailored to your group's interests. Bring your group and participate in this free program!
Visit the Mission Seminars web page

Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV)
SPSARV develops youth and young adult UMC leadership by providing ministries of prevention, treatment and advocacy through response to alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and its related violence. The mission is to teach United Methodist young people how to transfer the skills they learn as leaders in their schools, families, social groups and jobs and use them for leadership in their churches and communities.
Visit the SPSARV web page

Reading Program
The United Methodist Women (UMW) Reading Program is an annual catalog of books that address issues facing humanity and the Christian in contemporary life. Check out the included materials and then visit with others in your local community or log on to the UMW Online Community (www.umwonline.org) to chat with others about what you've learned.
Visit the Reading Program web page

Schools of Christian Mission
A program sponsored by the United Methodist Women designed for studying spiritual growth topics and issues facing a specific geographical area as well as society at large, the Schools of Christian Mission have one goal: a broadened understanding of the role of the church in the current world context. The studies give specific attention to the responsibilities of Christians in the fulfillment of mission.
Visit the Schools of Christian Mission web page

Global Justice Volunteers
Global Justice Volunteers (GJV) is a short-term mission opportunity for 18-25 year olds who have graduated high school and have at least one year of work or college experience. Participants volunteer with local grassroots organizations working on critical community issues such as HIV/Aids, poverty, and gender equity. The goal is to develop life-time social justice advocates who carry their experiences well beyond their placements, and into the rest of their lives.
Visit the Global Justice Volunteers web page

Mission Interns
The Mission Intern program is a cross cultural mission experience designed for 20-30 year olds who have an interest in justice based learning. The first sixteen months interns live, work and study in an international context. The second sixteen months are spent serving in a similar capacity in the missionary's home country. MIssion Interns focus their work on issues such as conflict resolution, just peace, economic development, and rights of Indigenous peoples and communities.
Visit the Mission Intern web page

US-2 Program
If you are moved by hunger, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, children at risk, substance abuse, racism, domestic violence, health care and other social justice issues, you should explore the US-2 Program. US-2 missionaries serve a two year term with one of the hundreds of community-based organizations around the United States. US-2 missionaries range in age from 20 to 30, have a bachelor's degree or similar life experience, possess leadership skills, and have a strong passion for social justice.
Visit the US2 web page

Ubuntu eXplorers
"Ubuntu" is an African word and proverb meaning, "I am human because you are human." The Ubuntu eXplorers program offers United Methodist Women opportunities to visit mission partners in various areas of the world. The goal of the program is to enable women from the U.S. to understand and share together the daily life, culture, and challenges, of women from other countries.
Visit the Ubuntu web page

Individual Volunteers
The Individual Volunteer program ranges from two month to two years and is designed for individuals or married couples. Participants typically serve internationally, language proficiency is encouraged. Individual Volunteers have a unique chance to become familiar with local cultural practices, make cross-cultural friends, and live in community with those whom they serve. For this experience it is important to be strong in faith and willing to share it with those who are served. Community Centers Be a part of a caring presence and safe haven for local youth; community organizing; recreation, sports, art, drama, and music programs; employment training; programs for juvenile offenders; and youth crisis counseling.
Visit the Individual Volunteers' webpage

Youth Group Mission Opportunities
Check out the "Youth Mission Opportunities List" to explore projects across the U.S. where your youth group can volunteer on your mission trip. All projects are approved by UMVIM coordinators.
Visit the Youth Group Mission Opportunities webpage

Grants and Scholarships