BVS provides aid through projects
Campus Times
April 16, 1999
Connected closely to the University of La Verne is the Church of the
Brethren (COB) -- its primary foundation.
The Brethren, a religious people whose faith was adapted from the Anabaptist
movement, advocate leadership through a variety of service organizations.
Among such organizations, the Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is one of
the most active service links to the COB.
BVS is made up of a number of people who contribute their efforts and
time toward those several areas of need. According to an informational brochure
for BVS, the program "is a way for people to work at issues greater
than themselves, recognizing that their efforts may not immediately solve
deep-rooted problems ..."
The COB, the service organization's sponsor, utilizes BVS's goals-working
for peace, advocating justice, serving basic human needs and maintaining
the integrity of creation-to demonstrate the importance of service and peace.
Every year, about 20 volunteers with diverse backgrounds and individual
aspirations take interest in BVS. They vary in experience and age, as some
volunteers may be young adults, middle-aged adults or retirees with little
or advanced formal training.
The volunteers may take part in a number of individual projects dealing
with anything from helping to solve specific needs to utilizing efforts
toward reconstructing societal systems. They may work within the United
States, while others may be sent to apply their efforts abroad.
"Volunteers bring hope to shattered lives, offer food and shelter
to those in need ... ," stated the brochure.
In any respect, BVS means different things to different people. For
some, the service is a way of living out religious practices or leading
by example, while for others the goal may be to reach out to complete strangers.
Because the Brethren are conscientious objectors in regards to the military
draft, some people use BVS as an alternative service to the nation.
Historically, BVS was founded near the time of the World War II (WWII)
era by a "small young man with big ideas," according to James
H. Lehman's article in the June 1998 edition of Messenger magazine. The
magazine is produced by members of BVS on a regular basis.
By this point in their history, the Brethren were already active in
a series of volunteer services. At the 1942 Annual Conference, a query requesting
that the Conference approve volunteer service was granted, but the query
was enacted until WWII.
When the war erupted, several Brethren men and women volunteered their
time to work with war prisoners and assist in relief efforts. It was these
actions of service and giving that eventually ignited the light for more
volunteer work.
This volunteer movement was not continued through church leaders, however;
it was the youth who primarily led the service form then onward.
Since its beginning in 1948, BVS has greatly matured and grown in number.
Within the origins of CoB, the service organization has been "remembered
and turned into legend," and the idea that the Brethren have always
been in favor of serving others has been proven true.
Currently, BVS looks for individuals who bring with them a willingness
to utilize their commitment, values and skills to the fullest extent possible.
Volunteers are challenged to offer themselves to projects that may be either
difficult, demanding, rewarding or joyful, or a combination of each.
To be eligible for BVS, individuals must be at least 18 years of age;
have sound physical and mental health; must have completed their high school
education or equivalent experience; must be willing to examine and study
the Christian faith; and must make a commitment to the goals of the organization.
For those assigned to work at a United States-based site -- in any area
-- a minimum service commitment of a year is required. People accepting
overseas placements must commit themselves to serving BVS for two years
after beginning the assigned project.
Volunteers of BVS also receive room and board, medical insurance, transportation
to assigned project and an allowance of $45-55 each month as part of their
service. They also have the option of living in a group setting, apartment
or with a designated family.
Those accepted to be a part of the service are given the opportunity
of choosing the term in which they would prefer to begin their term. Like
the calendar year, orientations for new volunteers are held in the spring,
summer, fall and winter seasons.
Orientations are a learning and growing experience for new volunteers.
Each is programmed to create a "supportive and challenging environment
where volunteers have the opportunity to explore their faith and personal
values, examine global social concerns and discern project project placement
with the help of the BVS staff."
During Orientation, new volunteers' projects are arranged in collaboration
with the director of BVS. For the most part, efforts to match individual
interests and the needs of the projects are made. Currently, more than 200
positions -- the majority of which are in the U.S. -- are available to volunteers.
Projects vary in area of focus, including: children, community services,
disabled persons, adults (including youth/young adults and older adults),
camping ministries, education, domestic violence, agriculture, refugees,
health care and many others. For more information call (800) 323-8039.
