| Group Mission/Work Projects |
Volunteers In Mission functions as a "clearinghouse" for
suggestions about group service projects throughout the United States and
Puerto Rico. As an important form of volunteerism, projects are valued for
the practical concern they generate for individuals of various ethnic and
racial backgrounds and for environments that have special needs. A prospective
project group should collectively determine its capability to respond affirmatively
to the following criteria (suggested guidelines for planning a group mission/work
project is available upon request [at no charge] from the Volunteers In
Mission office):
1) Group Objectives: It is expected that individuals
planning to engage in a volunteer group mission/work project will develop
goals for the experience and seriously consider what skills they possess
for the achievement of the goals. Objectives should be flexible enough
to allow for application to the current needs of mission sites, while descriptions
of skills should be sufficiently specific to facilitate practical assignment
of tasks by local administrators.
2) Leadership: For all volunteer group projects,
the leadership of a competent and mature adult person for every 5-8 persons
is essential.
3) Size: Site administrative tasks may require
a group size stipulation to be made. A limitation of 6-10 persons in a
group is sometimes requested.
4) Finances: A mission/work group of volunteers
is accountable for travel expenses to and from the site and for personal
needs. The provision of lodging is the responsibility of the host site,
although special efforts may be requested on the part of the group (use
of sleeping bags, for example). When the dates for a particular project
are firmly established, this information should be communicated to the
Volunteers In Mission office. By filling out the participant information
form and returning it at least two weeks prior to group departure,
National Ministries will provide the participants with supplemental travel/accident
insurance protection during their period of service. All project participants
must be covered by their own individual hospitalization and medical plans.
5) Advance Preparation: Open communication between
the mission site director/coordinator and prospective project group volunteer
leader is helpful preparation of a project. Resource suggestions can be
made cooperatively by the site and the Volunteers In Mission office.
6) Evaluation: Groups are asked to report to the
Volunteers In Mission office upon completion of the project by filling
out the report form. Evaluation efforts are useful in appraising
group and mission site goals and functions. Group mission/work project
success stories are excellent newsletter resources.
7) Follow-up: Group volunteer
experiences contribute to self development and awareness of the ecojustice
quality of people's lives. Volunteers In Mission believes that the learnings
of the experience, expressed individually and collectively, will inspire
future group members.
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May you experience God's continued blessings as you plan
and experience your specific group ministry.
The exploration of project possibilities
can be conducted by directly contacting the organizations within these categories below
(You may also want to contact your regional office for further mission site suggestions):
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Select the type of project setting from the list below. Then choose an organization from
the list.
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