Become a Volunteer

START HERE and APPLY ANYTIME:  What does it mean to join LVC?

You can watch LVC alum, Katie (photo at right), give her personal testimony about her LVC experience HERE. (Video length = 6 minutes)

 

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.  LVC Fellowships are full-time positions (see 2024's full-time positions) at social justice organizations for one year, or for full or half year for virtual positions.

Fellows serving a year live together iService Programs logon intentional community with other fellows, practice living simply and sustainability, while exploring spirituality together.  Fellows in virtual positions can serve virtually from home or live in community with other fellows.  Most positions are year-long; virtual positions are limited and based on Placement partner availability.

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

    APPLY HERE: LVC APPLICATION

Applicants start with the brief application. An LVC team member will contact you after receiving your application and schedule a staff interview. You decide whether to move on to the next step after your staff interview.

 

  • Applicant Information Form (after your staff interview) -- If you decide to join the program, you'll complete the applicant information form next, before we present you with positions that meet your social justice interests, and before you begin interviewing to select the Placement for your service year.
  • You can view the Sneak Peek: Applicant Information Form to see the questions on the form before you go online to complete it.
  • You must complete the application in one sitting, and will not be able to save the 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 LVC 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 fellows 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?
Fellows can serve for one year in person, or virtually for full or half year (limited virtual positions).  Year fellows commit to LVC and their placements From August through late July of the following year. Virtual positions often start in August, but can have a flexible start for year or half-year positions.

Who can be a Fellow?
Applicants must be 21 or older and self-motivated, mature, and stable. People from all skill backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Fellows 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 Fellows serve?
LVC fellows get the opportunity to serve full-time at nonprofits committed to social justice. They 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 Fellows live?
Year fellows are placed in major cities across the United States, and live together in community with 4-7 other fellows, with modestly furnished housing provided by LVC, sometimes in shared rooms.  Housing is optional for virtual fellows.

Do fellows get paid?
LVC is not employment.  Like most service-year programs, fellows are provided a modest monthly stipend to cover basic personal needs.  Fellows 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.  Information about student loan repayment is always changing, so check federal and private sources related to your loans.

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 serving? 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.