Brethren Volunteer Service

Will you serve? #AWeekAYearAYearALife

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More than 50 projects across 11 countries

What is BVS?

BVS places volunteers in projects all across the world to serve those in need. Volunteers work with organizations in various sectors, including environmental stewardship, peacebuilding, childcare, and housing. Take the next step — find out more about BVS.

What is BVS?

Through the Church of the Brethren, the Brethren Volunteer Service places volunteers in projects all across the world to serve those in need. Volunteers work with organizations in various sectors, including environmental work, peacebuilding, working with children, and housing. Take the next step — find out more about BVS.

Goals

Advocating
Justice

  • Providing reliable legal services for immigrants
  • Practicing and teaching restorative justice
  • Supporting conscientious objectors
  • Speaking up on behalf of those who have been and continue to be systematically oppressed

Working for
Peace

  • Lobbying congress
  • Practicing meditation
  • Teaching nonviolent conflict transformation
  • Working with organizations committed to rebuilding relationships and making peace
  • Serving communities torn apart by war and violence

Serving
Human Need

  • Providing hospitality for families of people in prison
  • Serving in local soup kitchens and homeless centers
  • Building houses for those without shelter
  • Walking in solidarity with sisters and brothers living with mental illness

Caring for
Creation

  • Living lightly on the earth
  • Consuming less and re-using more
  • Serving with organizations dedicated to:
    • Reducing pollution
    • Fighting climate change
    • Introducing responsible agricultural practices
    • Planting trees

Who Can Serve?

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply!

Are you seeking to make a difference in the world while gaining practical professional experience, meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and experiencing personal growth? BVS is for you!

Adults of all ages who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the community through service, social justice, and peace are invited to volunteer with BVS. BVS empowers individuals to use their unique talents and skills to build a better world and is open to all who are willing to serve. Apply now!

Benefits

Room & Board

Medical Insurance

Monthly Stipend

Transportation

Orientation Dates

BVS orientation is designed to prepare and strengthen volunteers for a life of service in BVS and beyond. Orientation is required and is the start of your time as a volunteer in BVS – the application process must be completed six weeks before the start date of your preferred orientation unit.

Summer 2023 #333

August 1–9, 2023
Location: Inspiration Hills Camp, Burbank, Ohio

Fall 2023 #334

September 26–October 4, 2023
Location: Camp Koinonia, Cle Elum, Washington

Apply now

BVS updates

  • BVS celebrates 75 years, volunteers attend mid-year retreat

    As the celebration of the diamond jubilee of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) continues, stories continue to pour in from people telling about the impact BVS had on their life. New stories are still being written, too, with 27 BVSers in the field currently, and more signing up for orientation this summer and fall.

  • Brethren Press shares information about new and upcoming books

    Brethren Press is sharing information about three new and upcoming books: A Year of Living Differently, which is being published to mark the 75th year of Brethren Volunteer Service; The Peace Table, a new storybook Bible from the Shine curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and MennoMedia; and Luke and Acts: Turning the World Upside Down by Church of the Brethren biblical scholars Christina Bucher and Robert W. Neff.