As a Common Venture Volunteer

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, our Franciscan Common Venture (FCV) service program is once again moving forward with some service offerings. PLEASE SHARE the following information with others. Those interested in any of the following possibilities, or in volunteering with FCV in general, can contact Sr. Shell via email (balekm@osfdbq.org) or phone 563-583-9786 for more information and/or application materials.

BUSBY, MT The Wild Rose Center in Busby, MT is more than ready for a service team (or two), after the pandemic-induced hiatus. Located on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and bordering the Crow Indian Reservation, this unique setting offers a safe and quiet place where women of all races, cultures and spiritual beliefs are welcomed.  It also boasts many eco-friendly features.  The Center especially needs volunteers the beginning of June or in the fall:  mid-August through October. The types of service needed include, but are not limited to: Outside: painting, gardening, cleaning, weeding; Inside: quilting, sewing, binding quilts, cleaning and organizing. Cost: $150/person. Due date to apply: May 5^th.

WATERLOO, IA Another area in need of a FCV team of 4-5 persons is with the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Worker House in Waterloo, IA. Tentative dates are June 5-11 (Arrival late Sunday afternoon; departure Saturday morning) and would encompass their 40th anniversary celebration on June 8th. Service needs are varied and may include: the community meal, deep cleaning, painting, organizing the library, gardening, as well as service in the broader Waterloo community.  Cost: $75/person. Due date to apply: May 2^nd

1. Morton, Mississippi Excel 1-2 volunteers • Women, age 21+ Preference is for volunteers with some experience in tutoring or working with small groups of children. Bilingual skills are helpful but not necessary. Community: Volunteers will live and serve with our sisters. Service Needs:

• Assist as teachers, tutors, and aides for elementary school students in the afterschool program.
• Tutor adults as needed, with basic reading, language, and math skills.
• Assist with administrative and secretarial tasks, answering phones, and light cleaning. • Assist with meal delivery and visiting the elderly.

Application and Start Dates: This opportunity is available year round. Apply as soon as you know when you’d like to serve. A start date will be negotiated with the host site. 2. Okolona, Mississippi Excel 1-2 volunteers, • Women/Men, age 21+ Community: Community life is shared with sisters of several congregations and with the staff of EXCEL. Living situation varies based on length of service and number of volunteers. Situations include living in a volunteer house, with a sister, or at the EXCEL Center for volunteers. Service Options:

• A volunteer to manage the One-of-a-Kind resale store. This would be the volunteer’s primary “ministry.” It would include overseeing store operations, coordinating other volunteers, sorting, and preparing donated items.
• A second service need would be the management of the Mugs On Main Coffee Shop and Bakery. Open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday, this service would include serving customers, preparing the coffee, and coordinating volunteers.

Application and Start Dates: This opportunity is available year round. Apply as soon as you know when you’d like to serve. A start date will be negotiated with the host site. 3. Suchitoto, El Salvador Centro Arte Para la Paz 1-2 volunteers • Women/Men, age 21+ Community: Volunteer would form community with Sister Peggy O’Neill and other staff members at the Centro Arte Para La Paz–a center dedicated to developing and promoting a culture of peace through the arts, creativity, imagination, and cultural exchange. Service Options:

• Volunteer would have background, skill, and experience to offer workshops and tutor adults and/or children in some form of art or music–for example, string or brass instruments, keyboard, dance, ballet, yoga, photography, Tai Chi, creative writing, theater, etc.; or be able to present seminars to promote non-violence, and spirituality.

Usual Application Deadlines and Start Dates:

• Apply by April 1, notification of acceptance by June 1, formal orientation in Dubuque in August for start date in September

• Apply by September 1, notification of acceptance by November 1, formal orientation in Dubuque in November or December, start in January

Start dates are negotiated with the host site. Bilingual English-Spanish skills are necessary.