LVC VIDEO TESTIMONY: Katie Maxwell '18

Faith in Place Chicago's communications senior coordinator and LVC alum, Katie Maxwell '18, created a powerful testimony about LVC's impact on her life. Katie presented this testimony to Lord of Life church in Chicago to thank them for being an LVC donor church, and encourage their continued support.

Help LVC recruit more participants this year! Feel free to send Katie's testimony to prospective fellows to help them consider joining the program for August, or virtual service which can start at any time (video length = 6 minutes).

LVC ADMISSIONS: UPTICK

We don't want to get too excited... but by January 1, we had almost 30 applicants to LVC's program. This surpasses the number for the last several years (last year we had 2 by January). We made a few more tweaks to our admissions process, which we think have already paid off; and we have begun vetting applicants in interviews. Be hopeful with us, and look for updates over the admissions season. 

LOOK FOR "FELLOWS" INSTEAD OF VOLUNTEERS

Yes, this sounds new, though it's not new at all. LVC Placements have been calling their Volunteers "fellows" for years, and staff have paid attention to how Placement supervisors have created learning experiences to meet career and growth interests with intention, even beyond what the position requires. This year, the LVC president spoke with each Placement supervisor and was impressed by the degree of support, supervision, and growth, as well as grace for maturation over the service year. Supervisors support the natural fit of fellows; and applicants have increasingly shared their search for fellowships as they consider LVC.  With the strength of our Placements and LVC in its third year of monthly educational program days for exploration of social justice arenas -- LVC is positioned to evolve participants to "fellows" for service fellowships.  

Invite someone you know to apply to an LVC fellowship -- new grads, gap year, retired, on sabbatical, or seeking a virtual position where you serve from home.

LVC HOUSING: CAN YOU HOUSE AN LVC FELLOW FOR DC?

LVC housing works best when it is connected to an LVC supporter, because of their understanding of program goals, and their housing offered at less than market rate. In the past, this has been church/parish housing, host families, and rental properties owned by alumni. We're anticipating possibly needing more supporter-hosted affordable housing for DC fellows for August 2023, with the following criteria.

Contact us about the possibilities if you have housing opportunities.

• In DC, MD, or VA
• year commitment August 2023-July 2024
• 1-3 fellows in a room, 4-5 in a house
• public transportation accessible to downtown DC
• separate room and bath
• host supportive of service program and expectations
• neat and clean furnished space (bed, dresser, closet, desk and lamp)

TABLING EVENT: ST. OLAF ALUMNI OR LOCAL LVCer NEEDED

For our ongoing partnership, the Piper Center at St. Olaf College is hosting a 2023 Social Impact Week in February, and LVC's invited.

Can you staff the LVC table in Buntrock Commons some time during the week of February 13-17, talk with students, and share info on LVC's program?  Let us know by January 31 so we can confirm our participation.

LIVING IN COMMUNITY

Volunteers from Simunye House in Baltimore join Bon House in DC to continue their ongoing celebration of community, and each other.

LVC PROGRAMMING: ALUM LEADS WOMEN'S JUSTICE

LVC hosts powerful program days the first Friday of each month, when LVC fellows across the nation gather to learn and discuss, and analyze challenges using an antiracism/liberatory lens. For January, alum Amy Friedrich-Karnick '01 led the discussion of the history of women's reproductive rights. Thanks, Amy!

Amy is the Vice President of Advocacy and Communications at WomenHeart where she oversees the organization’s policy, advocacy, communications and marketing efforts to advance support and access to care for women living with and at risk for heart disease. She has been a Senior Federal Policy Advisor at the Center for Reproductive Rights; and worked for a U.S. Representative.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3: Can you lead a program day on racial justice advocacy, or participate as a commentator?  We need alumni and others serving in this field to lead the discussion.