Volunteers come from varied backgrounds with different motivations. BVSers are young adults, middle aged adults and retirees. Some volunteers have little formal training; some have advanced degrees. Some come into BVS to explore possible career options. They are citizens from the US and those from other nations. They are individuals wanting to live out their religious convictions and persons seeking to reach out beyond themselves. In past times of military draft, conscientious objectors have chosen BVS as a form of alternative service. Conscientious objectors from Germany still make use of this option for their alternative service.

Volunteers begin their term of service by participating with 10-30 other volunteers in a BVS orientation. These are scheduled for the summer, fall and winter of each year.

Each orientation provides a supportive and challenging environment where volunteers have the opportunity to explore their faith and personal values, examine global social concerns, and discern project placement with the help of the BVS staff. Resource leaders assist the group in looking at issues such as interpersonal peacemaking, nonviolence, group dynamics, social/economical justice, and cross-cultural awareness.

Orientation is a living/learning experience that seeks to build a spirit of community among volunteers through discussion, recreation, work, worship, and sharing our daily lives together.

BVS orientations are designed to prepare and strengthen volunteers for a life of service in BVS and beyond. The goals are to encourage you to:

• Share and examine your personal beliefs and values with the intent of growing in your understanding of yourself, others, and God.
  
  
• Share in the responsibilities for group life while learning what helps and hinders satisfying group living.
  
  
• Struggle with the prevalent spiritual and social issues of our day and examine Christian ethical responses to current social, political, and economic issues.
  
  
• Learn ways to live simply and responsibly with the world’s limited resources.
  
  
• Become more aware of people and situations throughout the world, including responsibilities of membership in the global family.
  
  
• Explore ways to enable personal and societal change that embody mutuality and nonviolence.
  
  
• Consider project possibilities with the support of the orientation community and finalize project assignments through discussions with the BVS staff.
  
  
• Develop a BVS community of support and learn ways to develop local support for yourself while at your project.