Who is eligible to apply for a loretto volunteer position?
Loretto Volunteers are young professionals open to exploring spirituality, social justice, solidarity, sustainability and life in community. LoVos are interested in forming meaningful intergenerational relationships with Loretto Community members. They are ready to take on a full-time job AND put in the time outside of work to develop rich connections and form supportive, authentic community spaces. LoVos are committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism work both within themselves and in their participation in their communities. LoVos are committed to our program's inclusivity of race, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religious, immigration status and socioeconomic identities. LoVos also have a sense of humor and a desire to find joy in the journey toward justice and peace.
How Long is the volunteer commitment?
Volunteers commit to 11.5 months of full-time service from August 9, 2021 – July 19, 2022. This includes at least 10 personal vacation days, 2-3 seasonal reflection days outside of the office, and three long retreats.
I don't know if i can afford to do a volunteer year...
Okay, not a question, BUT this comes up so, so often in the application process. We are committed to supporting volunteers in the practice of solidarity within the communities in which they serve; we are also committed to equity, inclusion and access for all in our program. Volunteers can plan on the following financial supports, and are invited to be open about financial needs and concerns throughout the application process so that we can explore opportunities to alleviate financial obstacles to participation:
- Equity-based, sliding scale monthly cash stipend ranging from roughly $350-$550 based on need and privilege
- Program vehicles and car insurance at no personal cost, fuel and basic maintenance costs are shared by volunteer housemates and accounted for within the monthly cash stipend
- Grocery costs are shared by volunteer housemates and accounted for within the monthly cash stipend
- Housing provided by the program
- Health insurance at no personal cost
- An equity-based sliding scale Education Award (up to $5,000) for student loan repayment
- $1,000 Unrestricted relocation assistance upon completion of a year of service
- $350 travel home reimbursement during the service year
- A health care stipend for medical expenses
- Economic hardship funds available for expected and unexpected financial challenges
- Equity-based, sliding scale monthly cash stipend ranging from roughly $350-$550 based on need and privilege
- Program vehicles and car insurance at no personal cost, fuel and basic maintenance costs are shared by volunteer housemates and accounted for within the monthly cash stipend
- Grocery costs are shared by volunteer housemates and accounted for within the monthly cash stipend
- Housing provided by the program
- Health insurance at no personal cost
- An equity-based sliding scale Education Award (up to $5,000) for student loan repayment
- $1,000 Unrestricted relocation assistance upon completion of a year of service
- $350 travel home reimbursement during the service year
- A health care stipend for medical expenses
- Economic hardship funds available for expected and unexpected financial challenges
Do volunteers have to fundraise?
Nope. Our program is generously funded by the Loretto Community. We simply ask that volunteers cover their travel costs to arrive at their orientation site, if able. We do occasionally have fundraising campaigns for education awards, service trips, and professional development opportunities, in which case we ask volunteers to help thank our donors through phone calls and letters.
What is the Loretto Community?
The Loretto Community is a congregation of Sisters and co-members "working for justice and acting for peace" because the gospel urges them. The community is known for its inclusivity, welcoming in folks from diverse faiths, gender identities, sexual orientations, and more. They are also known for their engagement in social and political issues. Loretto is home to anti-war activists, feminist theologians, educators, protestors, spiritual directors, policy shapers, environmentalists, social workers, lawyers, hunger strikers, farmers, poets - you name it. The volunteer program is seen as an extension of the Loretto Community. As community members age and retire, Loretto supports young people going out into the world to do the work the Sisters and co-members have done since the early-1800s, continuing their mission for justice and peace.
Do you have to be catholic to do this program?
Absolutely not! Although our program is grounded in Catholic social teaching, we welcome people of all faith traditions, religious backgrounds and spiritual practices.
How many retreats do volunteers go on each year?
Traditionally, volunteers attend three retreats each year at the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, KY - a week-long orientation, a four-day midyear retreat, and a week-long closing retreat. In the time of COVID, these retreats are taking place in Volunteer placement cities in a combination of in-person and virtual programming. Should it become safe to travel to the Loretto Motherhouse, the program covers travel costs for all volunteers. Volunteers also have 2 - 4 Seasonal Days of Reflection to spend time together outside of their home and work places.
How do I apply?
Sign up here to receive an invitation to our portal, and read through our application overview and checklist for more specific information about the process.
When is the deadline to apply?
The priority deadline for first-round applications is January 15, 2021. If your materials are submitted before January 15, you may proceed through first-round screening before the priority deadline occurs, but subsequent screening for placement matching will only occur after January 15. Applications received after January 15 will be processed by our second-round deadline on March 1.
What are the program's core values?
Social justice. Solidarity. Sustainability. Intentional Community. Spirituality.
What professional development opportunities Do volunteers receive?
Outside of working 40 hrs/week on a team dedicated to social justice in one of its many forms, volunteers often have the opportunity to attend professional development opportunities. In the context of COVID, professional development opportunities are primarily virtual: volunteers can expect to engage in up to 5 anti-oppression and anti-racism workshops during their service year, as well as to engage in professional development and mentorship opportunities with Loretto Community members, conflict management and communication styles training, wellness and trauma-informed practice training and more. When it is safe to travel, LoVos typically join Loretto delegations at the SOA/Border Encuentro, to US/Mexico Border Experience trips, or to the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in NYC.
Do Volunteers live with nuns?
Nope! Volunteers live in community with each other. There are always Loretto Community members present in the LoVo's lives, virtually and in-person, but the volunteer houses are just for volunteers.
Do Volunteers get paid?
Yes! Volunteers are paid a monthly cash stipend - the stipend amount is determined by an equity-based, sliding scale model based on need and privilege. This monthly cash stipend includes personal funds and funds that contribute to shared costs for volunteer households towards groceries and local transportation. Volunteers also receive housing, health care, reimbursement for one trip home, a relocation stipend upon completion of their year of service, health care funds and an education award for student debt repayment.
