By Pauline Liu
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) will be holding a virtual Winter Orientation for Unit 328. Due to the number of interested applicants and the continued health concerns over the pandemic, BVS has made the decision to offer a virtual orientation for new volunteers from Jan. 31-Feb. 12, 2021.
Following the same format as the summer and fall units, the winter 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.
The BVS staff is working hard 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, staff will be working with volunteers to discern their project placements ahead of the orientation, a process that typically is done during the traditional three-week orientation.
The application deadline for the Winter Orientation and Unit 328 is Monday, Dec. 14. The application form is online at www.brethren.org/bvs/volunteer/apply. To express interest in joining this unit and to request more information please reach out to the BVS staff at BVS@brethren.org.
Upcoming orientation units
Winter 2021, Unit 328: Jan. 31-Feb. 12, 2021 (virtual). Applications are due Dec. 14.
Summer 2021, Unit 329: July 18-Aug. 6, 2021 (in-person at Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa.). Applications are due June 4, 2021.
Fall 2021, Unit 330: Sept. 19-Oct. 8, 2021 (in-person at Camp Brethren Heights in Rodney, Mich.). Applications are due July 2, 2021.
Find out more about Brethren Volunteer Service at www.brethren.org/bvs.
— Pauline Liu is Brethren Volunteer Service interim Volunteer and Orientation coordinator.
Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Annual Conference 2024 invites Church of the Brethren to gather in Grand Rapids
- Annual Conference officers return query regarding congregational latitude on matters of human sexuality
- Silent Auction to benefit translation expenses and the general Annual Conference budget
- Mission and Ministry Board completes Kingian Nonviolence training, works at envisioning
- Leadership Team issues clarification on On Earth Peace membership with Supportive Communities Network