OUR MISSION
Catholic Volunteer Network strengthens the field of faith-inspired service.
OUR VISION
We envision a future where faith-inspired service is a powerful force for nurturing flourishing communities.
By equipping individuals and organizations with tools for purposeful discernment, meaningful collaboration, and courageous collective action, we seek to contribute to the creation of a future where all people, especially those historically pushed to the margins, flourish in dignity and belonging.
CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS
Faith and Spirituality: Rooted in the Catholic Social Teaching, we believe in the transformative power of faith to inspire action, encourage commitment to justice, and build stronger communities.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: We believe that every person, created in the image of God, is a gift to the world. With deep compassion and respect for the dignity of all, we seek to build a community where everyone is celebrated and empowered to contribute, recognizing that when anyone is excluded, we are incomplete.
Discernment, Growth and Purpose: We believe in the potential of every person to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the common good, each according to their unique gifts, and that faith-inspired service is a powerful means to discern and grow in that purpose.
Collaboration, Partnership & Shared Wisdom: We believe that solidarity is built through collaboration, partnership, and a spirit of lifelong learning, as we grow together in wisdom, mutual support, and a shared commitment to service as a vehicle for societal transformation.
Justice Centered Service: We are committed to addressing the root causes of injustice through approaches to service that center and amplify the experience and expertise of communities impacted by oppression and marginalization.
OUR KEY STRATEGIES
Collaboration & Capacity Building: We unite organizations and individuals in shared learning, resource-sharing, collaborative dreaming, and strategic partnerships to build capacity, sustainability, and impact.
Discernment & Development: We facilitate transformative experiences that foster spiritual and personal growth, professional development, and a lifelong dedication to service and solidarity.
Amplify & Advocate: We amplify the voices of faith-inspired service programs and those they serve, advocate for serice as a pathway to justice, and inspire broader engagement in mission-driven work.
RACIAL JUSTICE AND DIVERSITY
Catholic Volunteer Network respects and upholds the dignity of all persons regardless of the identities they hold. As we expand our conversations and programming with our members about present day structural injustices and their ties to oppressive histories, CVN dedicates itself to pairing those discussions with action to stop our own participation in the systems of oppression.
We believe that creating a just and diverse environment is more than an ideal. These are our core commitments that we invite our members to share:
- We strive to create space for all persons to serve within the CVN community – regardless of differences.
- We welcome persons of every race, religion, culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or emotional ability, immigration status, economic situation, and family composition.
- We celebrate all persons regardless of where they may be on their spiritual journey. We value persons of all faith traditions and those with no faith tradition, as well as those who are questioning and exploring.
- We are guided by the light of goodwill, humility, and hospitality as we work to extend volunteer opportunities to all persons in all places.
- Our Christian roots form the foundation of our core commitments. We work to be a community that follows Jesus’ example.
- We stand in agreement with Catholic Social Teaching, which upholds the life, dignity, and equality of all human beings.
