Global Justice Volunteers
The Global Justice Volunteers program enables young adults 18-30 to have short-term experiences living, serving and learning in justice ministries around the world. Placements are for 6 weeks with ministries raising awareness of issues and addressing root causes of injustice.
Applications for Summer opportunities in 2010 are now available! Click here to learn more.
Origin of the Program
The Global Justice Volunteers Program was initiated by the General Board of Global Ministries, Women's Division, Committee on International Ministries with Women, Children, and Youth. The program arose from a recognized need to develop young adult programming, especially as part of an overall effort to broaden volunteer mission opportunities.
Purpose of the Program
The program is designed to enable young adults who are 18-30 years old to have short-term experiences living and learning along side people whose lives are shaped by justice work. The program provides opportunities for cross-cultural exposu re, learning, and service. Through this program, a space is created for individuals who are willing to make short-term commitments to mission and who desire to explore the links between faith and justice.
Structure & Accountability
The volunteers go to sites in teams with two to four other young adults. The program is designed to be a shared experience. The program was developed this way based upon the idea that within a short period of time, the volunteers will be able to maximize their learning experiences if they are able to share them within a community of other volunteers. The volunteers will be accountable to the staff and program structure of the Women's Division, the leadership of the local partners, the leadership of the local organizations and to each other.
Languages
Language skills other than English are not required, but may be useful in determining placements. Lack of additional languages will limit the type of placemen!s available to an individual.
Financial Commitments
Global Justice Volunteers are asked to contribute US $2,000 for food, housing, transportation. In addition, volunteers have out-of-pocket expenses for keepsakes.
Fund-raising through individual effort, community input, and church sponsorships is expected of volunteers, even while the predominant costs - airfare, administration, and some food and ground transportation - are paid through the program's resources.
