Become a Volunteer

THE VOLUNTEER APPLICATION IS ALWAYS LIVE! apply any time

All Volunteers should be vaccinated before arrival at LVC! If you don't plan to be vaccinated, inform LVC in advance.

START HERE:  What does it mean to volunteer with LVC?

We're excited that you're interested!  Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) is a full-time service and leadership program operating in many cities across the United States.  Volunteers are placed in full-time positions (see sample full-time positions) at social justice organizations for one year, or for a semester with our new Flex Semester program.

Volunteers serving a year live together iService Programs logon intentional community with other volunteers, practice living simply and sustainability, while exploring spirituality together.  Flex Semesters are NEW!, and allow Volunteers to serve virtually from home or living in community with other Volunteers; or serve a half year starting in August.  Most positions are year-long; virtual positions are limited and based on availability.

Every year, applicants are encouraged to apply by February 15 for best pick of positions.  

ROUND 1: February 15 applicants 

ROUND 2: April 15 applicants 

ROUND 3: Rolling (apply anytime, but by June for an August start)

 

 

  • View the Sneak Peek: Volunteer Application to see the questions on the application before you go online to complete it.  You must complete the application in one sitting, and will not be able to save the application form after completing. Complete and save a copy offline before cutting and pasting into the online form!

FEEL FREE TO SHARE the program poster below with friends, family, college, community, and others!

There are many service programs out there, so take time to figure out which one is right for you. The Catholic Volunteer Network is a helpful resource to compare programs and LVC is proud to be named as a Service Program that Changes the World. You may also find links to all five ELCA-connected service year programs on the ELCA Young Adult Ministry webpage.

How do I apply?

  1. Fill out the actual online application.  Those who apply early will have a greater selection of social justice placements.
  2. Visit our Application Timeline page for the next steps in the application process. Potential volunteers will participate in a phone interview with LVC staff, as well as interviews with potential placements.

How long is the LVC commitment? When does it start?
Volunteers can serve for one year in person, or virtually (limited virtual positions).  Year volunteers commit to LVC and their placements through late July of the following year. Virtual semester volunteers often start in August, but can have a flexible start for year or half-year positions.

Who can be a Volunteer?
Applicants must be 21 or older and self-motivated, mature, and stable. People from all skill backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Volunteers must be interested in social justice work; want to grow and engage with their housemates or local cohort around intentional community, living simply/sustainability, exploring spirituality, and social justice; and want to expand their anti-racism/anti-oppression and social justice leadership skillset by participating in learning experiences throughout the year.

LVC is open to applicants from all spiritual traditions. LVC does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, creed, age, culture, disability, economic class, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Where do Volunteers serve?
LVC volunteers get the opportunity to serve full-time at nonprofits committed to social justice. Volunteers serve in a variety of roles: advocacy, community organizing, outreach, research, direct service, development, and administrative support. To browse our SAMPLE list of current placement positions, visit our Placement Positions directory.

Where do Volunteers live?
Year Volunteers are placed in major cities across the United States, and live together in community with 4-7 other volunteers, with modestly furnished housing provided by LVC, sometimes in shared rooms.  Semester volunteering is virtual, so housing is optional.

Do Volunteers get paid?
Like most service-year programs, Volunteers are provided a modest monthly stipend to cover basic personal needs.  Volunteers participate in retreats during the year, the monthly learning series, and receive vacation time.

What about student loans during my LVC year?

There are several options to affordably pay your student loans during a year of service. For details, read our blog post about loans during your year of service AND this doc on Student Loans and LVC.

In that doc, we particularly lift up income-driven repayment plans and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLFP) for those with federal direct student loan debt. There are also deferment or forbearance options, in addition to standard repayment plans. If you have private loans, you’ll need to talk with your lender about repayment options. If you have a co-signer on any loan, it’s also important to discuss any loan repayment plans with your co-signer.

An LVC service experience also provides you with valuable work experience to help you get a job after service and/or makes you eligible for many generous graduate school scholarships.

Stay up to speed on student loan news here:

For budgeting and handling other debt (credit card, home, car, etc.):

Learn More

Have another question about being a Volunteer? Visit our Volunteer FAQ page! And, learn more about LVC's values and history.  Submit your questions online or call LVC to speak with a program director or manager.

I’m interested in LVC

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I’m ready to apply! I’ve reviewed a Sneak Peek of the application forms.

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