By Hannah Shultz
In June, Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) made the decision to transition the summer orientation for Unit 325 from in-person to virtual. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in communities around the country, the staff have made the decision to also offer a virtual orientation for the fall orientation for Unit 327. BVS staff are excited to be able to continue sending volunteers to project sites while prioritizing the health and safety of incoming volunteers and the communities where they will be serving.
Following the same format as the summer unit, the fall orientation will be two weeks long and will be done while volunteers are already at their project sites. This builds in a two-week quarantine time so that volunteers are ready to begin serving as soon as orientation is completed.
BVS staff are working hard on planning both virtual orientations to include as many aspects of the traditional orientation as possible. The volunteers will gather virtually to grow in faith; learn about Brethren history, service, and social justice issues; build community; work together to accomplish common tasks; and have fun. Because of this new format, BVS staff will be working with volunteers ahead of orientation to discern project placements, which is typically done during the traditional three-week orientation.
The fall orientation will take place Sept. 27-Oct. 9. The application deadline is Aug. 7. Anyone interested in joining this unit who has not submitted an application by the deadline should reach out as soon as possible to BVS@brethren.org . There is still time to join!
— Hannah Shultz is coordinator of short-term service for Brethren Volunteer Service. Find out more about BVS at www.brethren.org/bvs .
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