What is Mercy Volunteer Corps?
In partnership with the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, lay women and men of Mercy Volunteer Corps (MVC), enter into relationship with people who are economically poor and marginalized. In a spirit of mutuality, volunteers cultivate mercy and justice in the world by embracing compassionate service, social justice, spirituality and a simple lifestyle in community.
Where do Mercy Volunteers serve?
Mercy Volunteers serve in 9 U.S. cities and in Guyana, South America. U.S. cities include Anthony, NM; Baltimore, MD; Detroit, MI; Erie, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Sacramento, CA; Savannah, GA; New York, NY; and St. Michaels, AZ.
International placements are in Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana.
What service opportunities are available through Mercy Volunteer Corps?
Mercy Volunteers serve in education, healthcare, and social services. Volunteers work in homeless and community outreach, peace and justice advocacy, immigration, prison ministry and legal work, AIDS ministry, elderly outreach, domestic violence shelters, teaching (elementary, secondary, and special education), tutoring (GED, ESL, and adult literacy), after school programs, foster care, theater programs, and parish outreach.
How long is the commitment/ When does the service year begin?
Mercy Volunteer Corps placements in the U.S. require a one-year commitment beginning in early August each year. International placements are for two years and require additional cross-cultural training in July, prior to departure for the site in August.
How will I support myself as a volunteer?
Mercy Volunteers receive housing, medical insurance, transportation, food and personal stipends, and school loan deferment. U.S. volunteers are eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award, an educational stipend worth $4,725.
What are the application deadlines? Where will my interview take place?
All applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The priority deadline for U.S. applications is March 1 and the final deadline is June 1. International applications must be received by no later than March 1, with priority given to complete applications postmarked by February 1. U.S. volunteers will be interviewed in their geographic area. International volunteers must travel to Philadelphia, PA for a Discernment Weekend (March 26-29 or April 16-19, 2009).
Who is eligible for Mercy Volunteer Corps?
Men and women, age 21 and over, gifted with a sense of compassion, commitment, and humor. Single or married with no dependents. All faith traditions. A high school diploma is required. Some positions require college or work experience.
Who chooses where I will serve?
The volunteer and the Mercy Volunteer Corps office work together to find the site that is the best fit. Geographic preference, job skills, experience, and the needs of the site are all taken into consideration. Applications received earlier in the year often have a better site selection.
Frequenly Asked Questions About the International Program
Where do Mercy Volunteers serve abroad? What are the language requirements?
Mercy Volunteers serve in Georgetown, the capital city in Guyana, South America. Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America, meaning there is no additional language requirement.
What service opportunites are available in Guyana?
There are three ministries of the Sisters of Mercy at which the Mercy Volunteers serve: St. John Bosco Orphanage, Mercy Wings Vocational Center, and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
Are there additional requirements for someone who is applying for an International Placement?
It is preferred that applicants for International sites have some significant experience living or serving abroad and/or in community. It is also preferred that these applicants have a true desire to live intentionally and interdependently with the people they serve.
What is a discernment weekend?
Following completion of MVC’s application and a phone interview, international candidates, found to be a good match for MVC, must attend a discernment weekend. These long weekends (March 26-29 or April 16-19, 2009) are offered collaboratively with other international volunteer programs and provide a prayerful retreat setting where candidates from several programs can share together in discerning their call to international service. This weekend includes interviews with the MVC staff and a psychological assessment. Candidates provide their own transportation to the discernment weekend in Philadelphia, and MVC covers all other expenses for the weekend.
How am I prepared to serve abroad?
Candidates accepted for an international placement with MVC attend a two/three week cross-cultural preparation and training program. This program is typically held in July and includes participants from other international programs also preparing for long-term service abroad. In addition, the volunteer attends the weeklong MVC orientation to learn more about the Mercy charism and the commitment to the core values of service, simplicity, community, and spirituality.
Is there a fundraising requirement to serve in Guyana?
Due to the financial limitations of the service sites in Guyana, international volunteers commit to fundraising in order to defray some of the costs of supporting volunteers in Guyana.
Am I allowed to visit home during the 2 year commitment?
In a spirit of simplicity and solidarity with the local community, Mercy Volunteers commit to not traveling home during this two year commitment. Volunteers may, however, have visitors.
Will Mercy Volunteer Corps offer any support once I am finished my service?
MVC recognizes that a volunteer’s transition to their home culture after two years of cross-cultural immersion is significant and on-going. MVC supports volunteers in their initial re-adjustment by providing a Re-Entry Retreat, which occurs approximately three months after their return, and a Re-Adjustment Allowance.
How do I contact Mercy Volunteer Corps?
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437-0901
Phone: (215) 641-5535
E-mail: ContactUs@MercyVolunteers.org
How do I begin the application process?
Preliminary Profile |
