2) How religious do I have to be? While the LSAV program is a religious-based volunteer program, the faith emphasis is on reflection and contemplation. The Little Sisters of the Assumption believe in "faith through action," and volunteers are encouraged to witness their faith through the work that they do. Volunteers wishing a daily religious experience may attend mass with the Sisters, but this is left to the wishes of the individual volunteers and not a structured part of the program.
3) What's the financial situation like? How will I afford to live? The LSAV does not wish any volunteer to incur a financial burden by volunteering with us. For that reason volunteers receive a $100.00 monthly stipend from the work site and a weekly food allotment from the LSA. Volunteers' health insurance is also covered by the work sites. Student loans can be deferred while serving with the LSAV.
4) Do I need to bring a car? No. The volunteer communities share use of a volunteer car, and at the New York site, mass-transit is readily available (many New Yorkers don't own cars).
5) How safe will I be?
While the work sites are in marginalized, inner-city neighborhoods,
volunteers are never asked to go anywhere or do anything unsafe. Our program
has been in existence for nearly 25 years, and in that time we have never
had a volunteer victimized in any felonious manner.
6) Do you accept International applicants? International applicants are accepted, but only for a term of service of one year or more.
7) What are the living situations like? Volunteers live in volunteer residences , which vary from site to site. Within these residences, however, volunteers will live with one or two other volunteers and have access to kitchen facilities, a full bathroom, TV/VCRs, bed sheets and towels, and laundry facilities.
8) How does my time commitment affect my volunteer experience? A one-year commitment is preferred--but not necessary--because it allows for the volunteer to have a substantial "settling in" period, while still allowing enough time for them to work and live in an area and get the most out of it. A four- or six-month commitment may find the volunteer preparing to leave just as they're getting used to things. A one-year commitment also allows for a greater range of jobs available to the volunteer, as there is time for them to be better-trained and to learn on-the-job.
9) How long does the application process take? It generally takes about two months from when we receive an application to when the volunteer actually arrives. The LSAV has a rolling application process, so we are accepting and reviewing applications every week, and most of the time involved is dependent upon our timely receipt of the application materials.
10) What is the work load like? Volunteers typically work a standard 5-day, 40-hour work week. They may be called upon to work extra hours in the evening or weekend if their job calls for it, but in these instances they would receive compensatory time, so that their whole life is not taken up with work, and they can see the sites of their area and have fun.
For answers to any additional questions, go
HERE