As I prepared my 1 week reminder email for LVC applicants today, I was reminded that last year at this time, I sent out a link to a conversation with 2 LVC staff & a current Volunteer, facilitated by NationSwell. NationSwell contacted us as they were holding conversations with various service year programs, and they were excited to talk with an org connecting spirituality and service. As I rewatched it, I thought “WOW – we do really awesome stuff, and it does take a community to share all that LVC is up to.”   I also appreciate how articulate I was in many of my answers!Read More →

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At LVC’s August 2015 National Orientation in Chicago, Volunteers had the opportunity to hear Kim Bobo, a worker’s rights activist and founder of the Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues. Kim inspired and amused the Volunteers with “Bobo’s 10 Lessons for Making the Most of Your LVC Year.” Change history NOW. Social change historically has always been led by young people. Don’t think about work you’ll do later. Do it now. Develop a “Can Do” attitude. Having a positive, “can do” spirit is the most important characteristic of being able to change the world. Pitch in and do whatever needs doing. Build relationships across movements. Heather Booth, aRead More →

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In: Centerings, Esprit de Corps

This poem by Madeleine L’Engle speaks deeply to living with the “both/and” that is part of the Christian faith; recognizing the often painful reality of the world, while, at the same time, believing that pain, grief, death and fear are not the end of the story – hope, love and joy are what endures and gives life. May her words encourage you this Christmas Day. First Coming He did not wait till the world was ready, till men and nations were at peace. He came when the Heavens were unsteady, and prisoners cried out for release. He did not wait for the perfect time. HeRead More →

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In: Centerings

Second Year Volunteer Cassie Hartnett Shares Her Story After a year of relationships, direct service work, and grad school applications, Cassie Hartnett is embarking on another year of LVC. She comes to her second year with a few lessons learned, a deepened sense of community, and a full ride to Union Seminary awaiting her. This is her story: My first LVC year was a huge growing experience in learning how to live in intentional community and exploring my faith. Being held accountable to my house community was important to me as I struggled to adjust to a new city, my first-year placement at Trinity SafeRead More →

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In: Esprit de Corps, Newsletter, Volunteer Profile

Elizabeth Clapp (pictured above) is an LVC Volunteer in the Hillstrom House in Omaha, Nebraska. She recently graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a double major in Global Studies and Political Science. This is part of the reason for her interest in serving at her current LVC Placement—Voices for Children in Nebraska. Elizabeth loves researching and reporting about public policy issues like paid family leave, and while one of her main responsibilities at Voices for Children is doing just that, she also helps manage the organization’s social media presence and blog updates. Elizabeth says, “I enjoy serving at Voices because it is rewarding toRead More →

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In: Food Justice, Leader Letter, Newsletter, Volunteer Profile