Considering working for the empowerment of women, adolescents, and children with Good Shepherd Volunteers? Here are some key points of information that will help guide you in your discernment process. Please do not hesitate to contact the GSV office at 888.668.6GSVx780 or gsv@goodshepherds.org for additional information!

What are the values of GSV, and where do they come from?

When can I apply?

If I’m volunteering, how will I pay for housing, food, transportation, etc.?

How long can I volunteer with GSV?

Do all volunteers start at the same time?

What does it mean to “live in community with other volunteers?”

How does GSV provide support for its volunteers?

Do I have to be Catholic to serve with GSV?

Do I have to have a college degree to volunteer with GSV?

Is there a different application for international and domestic applicants?

Do I have to pay money to volunteer?

Do I have to be fluent in Spanish to volunteer internationally with GSV?

Can I bring a car with me during my time of service?

Can I talk with a GSV staff member?
 

 

What are the values of GSV, and where do they come from?

Good Shepherd Volunteers was founded in 1992 by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who desired to incorporate more people into their mission of empowering women, adolescents, and children. GSV was founded, and continues to focus, on the four tenets of social justice, simplicity, spirituality, and community. Read more about the values of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at www.goodshepherdsisters.org .

When can I apply?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a domestic deadline of June 1st, and an international deadline of February 1st. (*After both dates, contact the GSV office at gsv@goodshepherds.org  to discuss openings .*) Because positions are filled in the order we receive applications, we encourage you to apply well before the deadline.

Click here to apply now.

If I’m volunteering, how will I pay for housing, food, transportation, etc.?

Each domestic volunteer’s specific site placement provides a personal stipend of $100/month for personal necessities (toiletry, clothing, etc.), $80/month for food, health insurance, and transportation, which varies according to location (i.e. $76/month for a metro card in New York City; a car/gas/insurance for driving in Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.).

Similarly, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd community in each international placement provide the volunteers with simple living accommodations and food and transportation allowances. Sometimes our international volunteers are able to eat meals at their placement sites as well. International volunteers receive emergency/catastrophic health insurance coverage only. In addition, international volunteers receive $75 a month living allowance to assist with personal needs.

For more information on these specifics, please view the Domestic Handbook and International Handbook.

How long can I volunteer with GSV?

For our domestic placements, volunteers devote one year of service, with the possibility of renewing for a second year. For our international placements, volunteers devote two years of service in Latin America, which allows Good Shepherd volunteers to truly integrate into their communities and be present with the work and relationships they create while serving.

Do all volunteers start at the same time?

Yes. All Good Shepherd volunteers begin their time of service with a one-week orientation in late August, during which they learn more about the mission of GSV, the four tenets, St. Mary Euphrasia (foundress of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd), and each other.

In addition to this orientation directly before service begins, we ask our international applicants to attend:
• A discernment weekend in early Spring, to enter into prayerful reflection and consideration of international service ; and
• A three-week cross-cultural orientation in July, where volunteers receive practical tips on cross-cultural living, learn about the transitions and adjustments usual in cross-cultural ministry, and enter into dialogue about service and mission with other international volunteers.

What does it mean to “live in community with other volunteers?”

The commitment to living in community is one of the four tenets of GSV (along with social justice, simplicity, and spirituality). All Good Shepherd volunteers live with at least one other volunteer who are having a similar experience. The community-living experience is different from typical random (or chosen) college roommate experiences. Though specific work sites/duties may differ, volunteers share in their desire to live simply, share spirituality and prayer, work for social justice, and empower themselves & others.

How does GSV provide support for its volunteers?

For all volunteers, GSV provides monthly community reflection packets, focusing on various topics relevant to GSV’s four tenets. In addition, for domestic volunteers, GSV provides three retreats throughout the year, each of which focuses on one/two of GSV’s four tenets, as well as a “re-orientation” at the end of the volunteer year. For international volunteers, GSV staff stay in regular contact with the volunteers through monthly phone calls, annual visits, and communication with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd with whom the volunteers are serving. International volunteers also work with a member of the local community, a Sister of the Good Shepherd, or a lay person, to have check-ins and reflections as they deem appropriate. At the end of the two years of service, international volunteers experience a “Re-Entry” retreat experience to help them adjust to their new lives in the U.S. post cross-cultural service.

Do I have to be Catholic to serve with GSV?

No. GSV has Catholic roots, draws much of its energy from Catholic Social Teaching, and celebrates liturgy at orientation and retreats, so we therefore ask that all volunteers are open to learning more about our Catholic identity.

Do I have to have a college degree to volunteer with GSV?

No. While we do ask that volunteers are 21 years of age or older and have some college/work experience, you do not have to have graduated from college.

Is there a different application for international and domestic applicants?

Yes. If you are interested in volunteering with GSV in Latin America, you’ll notice that the application includes an autobiographical section, which helps the GSV staff and applicants in the discernment/placement process. In addition, international applicants who embrace the GSV mission and appear ready for international service (as determined by GSV’s Admissions Board) are required to attend a Discernment Weekend in the spring as well as a Cross-Cultural Orientation in the summer before they leave for their two years of service. Additionally, international applicants also must go through psychological assessment before being accepted into the program. For DW, we ask that applicants cover their own travel costs, while meals and lodging are provided. GSV’s international program currently covers all other costs, including travel to and from CCO and the volunteer’s international placement site. For more information on Discernment Weekend and Cross Cultural Orientation, please see the International Handbook.

Do I have to pay money to volunteer?

While housing, transportation, insurance, and food & personal stipends are provided for all volunteers, we do ask international volunteers to raise between $4000-$5000 to help defray the costs of GSV’s international program.

Do I have to be fluent in Spanish to volunteer internationally with GSV?

International volunteers need to be fluent or highly proficient in Spanish in order to serve with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Latin America. Because GSV works with sisters who are native to the country where our volunteers serve, it is imperative that our international volunteers have exceptional speaking abilities, as the sisters do not speak English. Being fluent or highly proficient in Spanish helps ease the other transitions in terms of living simply, in community, in a new culture, and in the midst of emotionally challenging work.

Can I bring a car with me during my time of service?

Domestically, we encourage at least one volunteer at Collier High School in Wickatunk, NJ to bring a vehicle to share with the community, but transportation at the other domestic and international placements is provided.

Can I talk with a GSV staff member?

Yes! Please do not hesitate to contact any of us through email or by phone Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm EST.

• Michele Gilfillan, Director, michele_gilfillan@goodshepherds.org; 718-943-7489
•Jon Alvarez, Program Coordinator, jonathan_alvarez@goodshepherds.org; 718-943-7490
• Lindsey Conlin, Marketing Coordinator, lindsey_conlin@goodshepherds.org;  718-943-7488