wfn.org | United Methodists seeking young adult volunteers

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Feb. 26 1999	Contact: Linda Bloom*(212) 870-3803*New York    10-71B{112}

By United Methodist News Service

NEW YORK (UMNS) -- A pilot program offering young adult volunteers exposure
to different cultures and communities is being launched this spring by the
United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

Called "Global Justice Volunteers," the program will place 18- to
25-year-olds within a community in teams of three or four. It will run from
May 16 to July 24. 

"We're trying to envision a new program for youth," said Karen Prudente,
Women's Division assistant treasurer. She is part of board's planning
committee, along with Jorge Domingues, a staff executive who works with
youth and young adults, and Tamara Walker, a consultant.

Walker said the program is more informal and different from current
volunteer opportunities. The vision is to take small, diverse groups of
young people and have them work together and with others on such
justice-related issues as health promotion, economic development,
environmental concerns and land rights. "We want people who've got open
hands and open minds," she added.

Applicants must be high school graduates with at least one year of work
experience or college studies; be respectful of other faiths, cultures and
traditions; show an interest in exploring mission through global justice
experiences and be willing to share those experiences within their local
communities.

Volunteers are expected to contribute $100 a month toward their expenses but
encouraged to seek financial support from their communities. "We want to
build in an idea of stewardship for the program in the community they come
from," Walker said. Stipends and scholarships also are being considered for
those who can't raise the money.

If the pilot program is successful, the board hopes to launch a full program
next fall. The teams will work with community groups, non-governmental
organizations and church-related bodies. Committee members said they are
still in the process of setting up the volunteer sites, both nationally and
internationally, and welcome suggestions for global justice work
opportunities. 

The application deadline for the pilot program is April 1. For more
information, call 212-870-3624 or send an e-mail to twalker@gbgm-umc.org.

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