What Do Jesuit Volunteers Do?

JVP volunteers are part of the overall program of the organization to which they are assigned. They work with the personnel of the organization and they directly report to their work supervisor who is responsible for their general well-being in the area.

Volunteers are placed in positions that cannot currently be filled by local personnel in the fields of teaching, campus ministry and in the socio-pastoral and socio-economic spheres. Ideally, they are eventually replaced by people from the locality. JVP then may pursue involvements with other institutions and organizations.

How Are Volunteers Supported?

Volunteers undergo a pre-orientation seminar and Orientation and Skills Training Seminar (ORSEM) at the beginning of their service year. Support mechanisms such as periodic meetings (Zonals), regular publications and educational materials, community life and prayer provide continuing psycho-spiritual formation. The volunteers’ personal growth and effectiveness in the area are evaluated in the Midyear Seminar. A Year-end Seminar allows the volunteers to look back into the year of service and prepares them for life after JVP.

A standard monthly allowance, which varies according to the economic condition of their place of assignment, is given to the volunteers for living expenses. This amount normally allows a simple standard of living. The subsidy may come from the requesting organization or from JVP. Housing is arranged by the requesting organization. Volunteers may live with local families, in staff houses, dorms, or in rented apartments.

JVP also shoulders the volunteers’ travel costs to the areas of assignment and back home, as well as board and lodging during seminars. Christmas travel expenses may be subsidized. Volunteers are also covered by hospitalization and group life insurance.

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