Orientation Preparation
As a Jesuit Volunteer, you can expect a series of onboarding tasks that are meant to set you up for success as you kick-off this next program year with us at JVC. Below you'll find general information about preparing for Orientation and glean some insights about what is ahead.
About
Orientation is an annual gathering for incoming Jesuit Volunteers and members of the JVC community to come together in celebration and exploration of our four core values.
Starting in 2018, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps announced that it would host an integrated orientation for all Domestic Program and International Program Jesuit Volunteers.
In 2020, with the prospects of travel during COVID-19, JVC has decided to host its first-ever mixed model of virtual Orientation, while JVs arrive in their city of service and bond with their JV community house.
PREPARING FOR ORIENTATION
When you arrive at Orientation, you'll have the opportunity to meet incoming JVs, play some ice breakers, pray together and rejoice about this new experience. Here's what you need to know prior to Orientation:
Booking Transportation to Orientation
All Jesuit Volunteers are responsible for their travel expenses to Orientation. JVC will have designated shuttle service to our retreat site from key locations like the local airport. We will send out an email with shuttle information as Orientation gets closer. If you are a RJV Hurley Fund recipient or Additional Year volunteer, you will receive separate communication about your travel logistics.
After Orientation is complete, JVC will cover all costs of travel and lodging from orientation to each volunteer’s city of service. We will also make the arrangements therefore volunteers do not have to worry about booking or reimbursements for these costs.
What to Expect Prior to Your Arrival
Send Me To Serve Call
All Jesuit Volunteers are expected to create a Send Me To Serve (SMTS) account in our system upon signing their program agreement. At JVC, Send Me To Serve is considered a commitment to mission that is made by volunteers and those who support them. This community-driven campaign has two primary functions: (1) To help JVs and their friends and families to connect more deeply with the mission of JVC and help spread it far and wide. (2) To raise funds in support of JVC, which will help us continue to partner with over 200 non-profit agencies and provide vital service to tens of thousands of people every year.
During your SMTS call you will receive more information about the purpose of this campaign; ways to approach a skill like nonprofit fundraising; ways to spread awareness about the service Jesuit Volunteers (like you) provide for communities on the margins.
Meeting Your Coordinator
Jesuit Volunteers will begin to meet their coordinator who will accompany them during their term of service in mid-June. This is the best person to ask questions to about what to expect about your JV house and service in your city. When you are formally introduced to your coordinator you will receive more information about where your JV House is located, some of our history of serving in that city and who is on your local support team. Before Orientation, you will have at least one call with your coordinator and possibly a 2nd call with your JVC community mates.
Arriving to Before the First Day of Your Orientation?
Use this thread on our incoming cohort Facebook page to find others interested in sharing hotel/Airbnb space and costs prior to checking into St. Joe's! JVC is unable to provide early accommodations, but we encourage you to start practicing simple living and community building by connecting with others to find a place to stay if you are arriving early.
PACKING LISTS
All Jesuit Volunteers will receive a packing list via email from JVC. Please refer to this list when preparing for travel to Orientation. Once you arrive in your service city, you can have friends or family ship additional items to you if deem this necessary.
**DO NOT ship additional items before you arrive in your city of service.**
Our Guide to Packing Intentionally
In a culture that values what we have over how we give, JVC allows volunteers to reflect on simple living. JVC creates valuable opportunities for Jesuit Volunteers to live a simple, practical life. Living in solidarity with poor and marginalized communities, volunteers learn to separate needs from wants and gain freedom from the material.
For access to our guide to packing intentionally, please click here to access.
Serving in the USA with JVC
Please be mindful of the climate in the city you are serving during your term of service. If you are heading somewhere warmer or colder than you are accustomed, prepare accordingly.
Orientation Details
When you arrive at Orientation, you'll have the opportunity to meet incoming JVs, play some ice breakers, pray together and rejoice about this new experience.
Orientation Dates
-Orientation for all 1-year volunteers serving in the USA will be held August 2020
-Orientation for all 2-year volunteers serving internationally will be held Summer 2020
Accommodations and Meals
JVC staff assign all volunteers to shared dorm rooms for their stay and all meals will be provided and take place on campus throughout Orientation. Each room will include a pillow, sheets, blanket, and towels provided by the university. All of our meals will take place in the same dining hall and we will generally walk over together either as a large group or in small groups prior to mealtimes. JVC staff will designate a room at our Orientation site for all small needs that may come up unexpectedly like Band-Aids, or hair gel.
Questions, Urgent Needs and Emergencies
JVC Staff will have a designated office space during Orientation should any concerns or urgent needs arise. We will announce this information throughout our retreat announcements which happen periodically throughout the day. After hours, there will be a staff member on call for any emergency concerns.
Orientation Arrival and Shuttles
Orientation will take place at a retreat site in the United States. All Jesuit Volunteers are expected to remain on campus for the duration of Orientation and actively participate in all sessions and components of Orientation to ensure that they are well prepared for their term of service.
JVC staff will be waiting to welcome and check-in all Jesuit Volunteers. Our official kick-off time is scheduled for mid-afternoon; however, we will have a series of icebreakers and activities as folks arrive. Upon arrival, Jesuit Volunteers will receive an Orientation schedule, information about our presenters and your remaining travel schedule/information for your trip from Orientation to your city of service.
If for whatever reason you have a flight delay or cancellation, please immediately reach out to staff (TBD). We will work with you to insure your transition into Orientation is as smooth as possible.
Arrival/drop-off: to be updated
Overnight parking: to be updated
REGISTRATION
ALL Jesuit Volunteers serving internationally
Arrive Before: TBD
Check-in: TBD
ALL Jesuit Volunteers serving in the US
Are you an additional year JV serving in the US? We will reach out to you separately to arrange an early arrival. All other JVs serving in the US:
Arrive Before: 1:00PM - DATE TBD
Check-in Window: 11:30-1:30PM - DATE TBD
AVAILABLE SHUTTLE TIMES
Are you planning to take JVC’s shuttle bus to our Orientation site? We will send out shuttle information in the coming months.
Shuttle times TBD! We will update this section closer to Orientation.
Departing from Orientation
Travel from Orientation to Your City of Service
JVC covers your travel expenses and bookings from Orientation to your city of service. Depending on the distance of your JV house and other factors, some volunteer communities will drive, others will take a bus and some might take a plane.
Jesuit Volunteers serving in the United States will be departing together on August 11. Your travel itineraries will be sent in advance of Orientation via email for your records.
Jesuit Volunteers traveling to Micronesia will be departing early on the morning of (TBD). The other late departure JVs are welcome to stay with us for breakfast that morning and can leave anytime that day.
Local Orientation
After arriving in your city of service, you'll participate in a local orientation organized by JVC staff, former volunteers and agency partners. The first day of full-time service will begin shortly afterward in mid-August.
Volunteers serving abroad with later arrival dates will have a different schedule. JVC will continue to be in communication about your transition.
Placement Site Training
Each placement site varies in the level of training required for the Jesuit Volunteer to perform their day-to-day responsibilities. In instances where training is mandatory due to the laws in that state, there may be additional certifications, online courses or proficiency exams that you would complete prior to or upon arrival to your city of service.
Your Journey to Orientation
Get in touch with a staff member should you have additional questions or concerns about Orientation.
