Thank you for being a volunteer! By choosing service, you are making an impact and inspiring others to follow your footsteps. We’re so happy you’re part of this network. If you are just beginning your service experience, you’ll find resources below to help you stay motivated and make connections with other volunteers sharing your journey. And if you’re nearing the end of your service experience, you’ll find resources to help you stay connected as you prepare for the next steps.
Socialize with CVN! #FaithandService
Get together with CVN on social media to receive important news, resources, updates, and volunteer stories that highlight the service movement you are helping build! Click here to locate us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We’d love to connect with you!
Shared Visions Newsletter
Catholic Volunteer Network, in partnership with the Catholic Apostolate Center, publishes Shared Visions, a quarterly e-newsletter for current volunteer communities. This publication features stories from volunteers and alumni, helpful articles from the CVN Staff, and relevant faith-based news and happenings. You may click here to subscribe to the Shared Visions newsletter. You can also click here to view the Shared Visions archives in our blog. Interested in submitting your own story or reflection? Please contact Jocelyn A. Sideco at jsideco@catholicvolunteernetwork.org.
I CHOSE SERVICE Campaign (#IChoseService)
We know that it’s not an easy decision to commit to a full-time service opportunity. Many of you gave up job offers, delayed graduate school, declined opportunities to travel abroad or move in with college friends – all to take a leap of faith and become a volunteer. To many, that choice may not seem logical or strategic – and that’s why we’ve launched the “I Chose Service” campaign, which highlights the many options people faced before deciding to volunteer, and the reasons why service was a good choice. These stories provide insights and encouragement for college students who are deciding whether or not service is right for them. You can get involved by submitting your “I Chose Service” story. Click here for more details. You can also click here to read “I Chose Service” stories from other recent volunteers.
Seasonal Reflection Guides
Catholic Volunteer Network, in partnership with the Catholic Apostolate Center, publishes seasonal Advent and Lenten Reflection Guides, written by current and former volunteers in our network. The reflections draw directly from each volunteer’s service experiences and can be used as an individual or community reflection tool. Click here to register and receive these reflection guides when they are published. You can also click here to view the Seasonal Reflection Guides archive. Interested in writing your own reflection? Please contact Jocelyn A. Sideco at jsideco@catholicvolunteernetwork.org.
Stories of Service Blog
Read CVN’s Stories of Service blog, featuring reflections on service, spirituality, community, and simple living written by current and former volunteers. We encourage you to consider adding your voice to our community! To submit a blog reflection, please contact Jocelyn A. Sideco at jsideco@catholicvolunteernetwork.org.
Exploring Your Vocation
The structure of a service year can provide you with the freedom to seriously discern your vocation while you volunteer. While this can be a sizable challenge, CVN has tools available to help you learn to listen and respond to the callings you may receive in the months ahead. Catholic Apostolate Center also offers a number of resources to support your vocational discernment. Click here to view CAC’s discernment resources page.
Looking Ahead
Catholic Volunteer Network offers a number of resources for volunteer alumni, including the What’s Next Notebook, a weekly job bank, graduate school information, and more. Visit the Former Volunteer Resources section page to learn more.
Graduate School Resources
Have you considered graduate school during your volunteer experience? We have good news – many grad schools currently offer scholarship opportunities specifically for former volunteers. Check out a listing of schools and programs available by clicking here – the earlier you can begin an application, the better!
Questions about the resources you see here? Please contact Jocelyn A. Sideco at jsideco@catholicvolunteernetwork.org.
Join the Catholic Volunteer Network Community
Get connected to other volunteers serving around the world!
We would like to support you in your service journey. Catholic Volunteer Network provides tools, reflections, retreats, networking events, and more for volunteers serving with a program in our Network. Click below to create a profile and ensure that you receive updates when they are available.
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