Program Search Results

Goal of Program

Inspired by St. Augustine’s search for a greater understanding of God through self-discovery and communal life, the Augustinian Volunteers celebrate the restless hearts of young adults by inviting them to experience an intentional way of life that honors the dignity of others through community, spirituality, and service. In the Catholic tradition, volunteers build transformative relationships, inspiring an enduring commitment to the common good.

Type of Placement

Although service site partnerships can vary slightly from year to year, most volunteers serve in well established placements in one of three main areas: Education (as teachers, teachers' aids, coaching, mentors, assisting in after school programs, etc.), Campus Ministry (high school and college) and Social Service (as case managers, program coordinators, nurses etc.). A match between volunteer and a partnering service site is made based upon the preferences and experience of the individual as well as the needs of the partnering school or organization. It is the goal of the AV program to place volunteers in service settings both where their skills and experience will be well utilized and where they will be able to learn and grow.

Service Area

Augustinian Volunteers serve across the United States in San Diego, CA; Ventura, CA; Lawrence, MA; and Philadelphia, PA and abroad in Chulucanas, Peru. Service opportunities vary in each location.

Service Length

Domestic volunteers serve for 10 months, beginning in mid-August and ending in late June. International volunteers serve for 11 months beginning in mid-January and ending in mid-December.

Program Size

Approximately 20 volunteers a year.

Requirements

All Augustinian Volunteers must be between the ages of 21 and 29 years of age, unmarried and a college graduate. Because the volunteer experience is centered on service, spirituality and community, AVs must be committed to a personal spiritual life and a Christian lifestyle, dedicated to serving others, and open to living with their peers in intentional community. Volunteers are expected to have a sense of humor and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zone. The most successful AVs are open-minded, flexible, and willing to serve in a variety of capacities.

Financial Arrangements

The Augustinian Volunteer program will provide volunteers with room and board, health insurance, transportation to and from his or her service site and all necessary living costs consistent with our commitment to a simple lifestyle. In addition, each volunteer will also receive a small monthly personal stipend. Many prospective volunteers are concerned about student loans. Most lenders offer deference or other solutions for long-term volunteers. When requested, the Augustinian Volunteer staff will work directly with the individual to provide necessary documentation required by lenders.

Living Arrangements

Augustinian Volunteers live in either houses or apartments, typically with both men and women. The sizes of the communities can range from 3 to 6 people. The volunteers agree to live in an intentional community that is meant to foster growth on an individual as well as communal level.

Training

All domestic and international volunteers attend an eight-day orientation in late August in the Philadelphia area. The orientation provides an introduction to Augustinian values and the volunteer experience, an opportunity to build relationships with fellow volunteers and practical tools for the year ahead. From there, those serving domestically travel to the city in which they will be serving. Once they’ve arrived in their new home and begin their service experience, any necessary service site-specific training or orientation is provided by the partnering service site. Domestic volunteers will also participate in a mid-year and end of year retreat. All international volunteers are required to attend orientation in August. In addition, they will gather for another short orientation experience prior to departure for Peru in early January. They will also participate in two retreats, including re-entry, which focuses on processing the year and re-adjusting to life in the U.S.

Application Deadline

Accepted on a rolling basis from Nov through June or until all positions have been filled

Start Date