Brethren Volunteer Service accepting applications for the 2025-2026 year
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 year. “Put your faith in action, and volunteer with BVS!” said an invitation.
How will you serve?
BVS places year-long volunteers with non-profit organizations, across the US and abroad, who are serving those in need and making the world a better place.
WHO:
BVSers want to serve and make a positive difference in our world. We want to live with purpose and seek out experiences that will allow us to learn, grow, and explore. Ages 18+. Learn more here.
WHAT:
BVS is a volunteer agency formed by young adults in the Church of the Brethren as a way to put their beliefs into action. Learn more here.
WHERE:
BVSers serve across the United States and abroad with non-profits committed to advocating justice, serving human need, caring for creation, and working for peace. BVS staff collaborate with each volunteer to select a volunteer location that fits!
WHEN:
BVS holds 2-3 orientations a year to onboard volunteers for their 1-2 years of service. Applications are taken on a rolling bases. Click here to find out when the next orientation begins!
WHY:
BVS is a welcoming community where you can discover purpose and have unique experiences that positively change your life – all while helping others!
Are you looking to…
Have unique experiences- Learn new skills
- Discover purpose
- Build your resume
- Make positive change
- Grow spiritually
- Build community
- Travel somewhere new
- Become a global citizen
BVS also provides…
- Transport to your volunteer site
- Housing
- Food money
- Monthly stipend
- In-person volunteer training
- Support year-round
- Mid-year retreat
- Flight back home
- Health insurance
Steps to Become a BVS Volunteer
Apply
All volunteers start by filling out an application and completing an interview process. Once accepted, you pick a BVS orientation to attend.
For more info about applying
Orientation
Every BVS volunteer attends a training before starting their year of service. These begin on zoom, where BVS staff work with volunteers to match you with a volunteer site. Then, all new volunteers have a nine day in-person training where you gain skills and build a community of support.
For more info about orientation
Serve
After orientation, BVSers head to their volunteer site for their year of service. BVS staff offer support year round and all domestic volunteers join together for a mid-year retreat.
For more info about your service year
“I am grateful for the friendships I have formed and the memories I have made during this transformative year.”
Clara – Unit 332
“My time with BVS was filled with personal growth and many incredible opportunities that I am very thankful for.”
Benjamin – Unit 331
“BVS is an experience I will always treasure, and I would recommend it to both the young and the more mature alike. You are never too old to serve.”
Martie – Unit 331
Sample Volunteer Sites
L’Arche Chicago
L’Arche Chicago is one of the many projects which offers a home for people with disabilities who live in community with volunteers and staff.
Chicago, Illinois
Snowcap Food Pantry
SnowCap provides food and clothing to over 9,000 low-income neighbors each month. It’s one of many projects which provides services for the unhoused.
Portland, Oregon
Creation Justice Ministries
Creation Justice Ministries is one of our Washington, DC projects which is advocating justice by working to equip, educate, and mobilize communities.
Washington, D.C.
Ferncliff Camp
Ferncliff is one of many camps and conference centers which run summer camps for kids/youth, outdoor education, and retreats.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Check out our volunteer sites here
Interested in Short-Term Service?
Check out our FaithX program for week-long service trips!
Become a site for volunteers?
We partner with non-profits around the globe. Find out more.
BVS updates
FaithX registration closes April 1
Registration for summer FaithX service trips closes on Tuesday, April 1. There are still open spots on several youth and adult trips. More information about the trips and availability as well as registration are at www.brethren.org/faithx.
Brethren Volunteer Service begins ‘BVS Visionary Voices’ online speaker series
“Mark your calendar for BVS Visionary Voices!” said an announcement from the Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) office. This new quarterly speaker series highlights inspiring professionals sharing what they do, why they do it, and how you can get involved.
Registration closes Feb. 1 for FaithX older adult service trip to Camp Ithiel in Florida
Registration for the Church of the Brethren’s FaithX older adult (55-plus) service trip closes on Feb. 1. Please help us spread the word!
FaithX 2025 locations and dates are announced
How will you serve? BVS places year-long volunteers with non-profit organizations, across the US and abroad, who are serving those in need and making the world a better place. Apply now AdvocateJustice Serve Human Need Care forCreation Work forPeace WHO: BVSers want to serve and make a positive difference in our world. We want to