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Goal of Program

JSC places corps members in empowerment-based direct-service or community development jobs to gain professional experience and skills for careers in service and social justice or for those who are integrating service and social justice work into their lifestyle or any career path. JSC provides weekly leadership training and spiritual formation in the Servant Leader model. Servant Leadership is a path of deepening the inward journey (connection with God/Higher Power and authentic self) so that each member can discern her/his call for the outward journey of service, activism and lifestyle. JSC encourages a simple lifestyle shared through intentional community living. Retreats and group exercises throughout the year strengthen the community bonds and help members learn more about their own personalities and how to work within group dynamics with consensus decision-making, non-violent communication and conflict resolution skills.

Type of Placement

Corps members work 32 hours/week at placements that meet the following needs in our community: workforce development for women, those with criminal backgrounds, and immigrant communities; meaningful relationships and support for adults with mental illness; half-way house program for women in substance abuse recovery; wellness programs for seniors; access to healthy food; youth development and leadership programs; community development and economic justice programs. Service sites may be updated each year, so check our website or contact us to learn more!

Service Area

Orange and Durham counties in North Carolina, in the cities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham.

Service Length

Corps members arrive in late August and serve until the end of July of the following year.

Program Size

8-10 corps members each year.

Requirements

We accept corps members between the ages of 21 and 30 with work experience or college degrees. Community living and rigorous service require volunteers to be in good emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Corps members must be flexible, with an inquiring spirit and a commitment to simple life in community. JSC seeks wide diversity within the community.

Financial Arrangements

Corps members receive a personal stipend, housing, utilities, health insurance, and a group food allowance. Corps members receive a $500 completion bonus at the end of the year.

Living Arrangements

Corps members live in a furnished house provided by the program. 5-6 corps members live in the Chapel Hill house and 5-6 corps members live in the Durham house. Corps members negotiate bedroom quarters with a shared living space using consensus method. Beginning on Opening Retreat, corps members begin developing their Community Covenant to guide their intentional community life together. JSC provides a guide to help with this process. The Community Covenant is a living document that is revisited throughout the year for clarification or amendments.

Training

On Fridays, corps members receive training in the Servant Leadership model and learn from guest presenters on topics such as power and privilege, conflict resolution, insights into one’s personality and group dynamics, spiritual practices, new monasticism and other topics. JSC corps members come from a variety of spiritual and religious identities. Our curriculum is mostly based in the contemplative and social justice practices of Christian tradition. We welcome people of all spiritual expressions who desire to deepen their practice and learn within a diverse community. Corps members are required to regularly attend a spiritual community of their choosing during the program year. A spiritual director and individual mentors are provided for the corps members.

Application Deadline

Application deadlines are posted throughout the winter and spring. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, so don't delay! Please visit the Episcopal Service Corps website (www.episcopalservicecorps.org) for current deadlines and to apply.

Start Date