Program Search Results

Goal of Program

Columban Missionaries are called to heal, reconcile, build bridges and create mutual understanding through dialogue which is expressed through our solidarity with marginalized people and the exploited Earth. Columbans are internationally recognized for their work addressing the ongoing threat of climate change, defending the rights of migrants, promoting sustainable economic justice, and engaging in interreligious dialogue. We are guided by our 90 year history of crossing cultures and boundaries and strive to live in harmony with Creation. We invite you to be transformed by living with and serving people and communities who are most vulnerable to social, economic and environmental injustices.

Type of Placement

Domestic Placements: Volunteers currently have the opportunity to spend 8 weeks in Washington D.C. learning about how faith-based groups work for structural change at the heart of the United States government and structures of power. Immersion Experiences/Alternative Spring Breaks: Participants are able to spend one week experiencing a border immersion at the United States-Mexico border where Columbans run the Columban Mission Center.

Service Area

Domestic Placements: Washington D.C.: Spend a summer in Washington D.C. at the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach and learn how to advocate for social change through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Interns specialize in migration, environmental justice, economic justice and communications, and learn how policies in the United States affect the poor and vulnerable populations Columbans serve around the world. Immersion Experiences: US-Mexico Border Immersion: Participants spend one week at the United States-Mexico border in El Paso, TX where Columban Fathers run the Columban Mission Center. The staff facilitates the group’s contact with organizations and institutions who work on the front line of border issues including poverty, migration, human rights, and environmental justice.

Service Length

Domestic Placements: Washington D.C.: The summer internship is eight weeks long. Immersion Experiences: The border immersion experience is 1 week long.

Program Size

Summer interns in Washington D.C. may be as many as four and as few as two.

Requirements

Columban volunteers live and serve in cross-cultural environments which require flexibility and respect for diversity. Volunteers should be prepared to live simply and participate in shared prayer and reflection. Summer interns are young adults between the ages of 18 - 35.

Financial Arrangements

Summer interns in Washington D.C. earn minimum wage, and with that pay for their housing and local transportation. All volunteers and interns are responsible for transportation to and from service site. Border immersion participants are expected to cover all costs.

Living Arrangements

Living arrangements vary depending on location and length of service but possibilities include shared community with other volunteers and Columban missionaries. Contact Program Assistant for more details.

Training

All volunteers participate in orientation. Length of each will vary depending on service length and location. D.C. participants often attend D.C.-based educational seminars, lectures, panel discussions and conferences.

Application Deadline

Deadlines vary depending on location. Contact Program Assistant for more details: ccaoprograms@columban.org

Start Date