Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

OCTOBER 2023

JOIN A ZOOM IN OCTOBER TO TAKE ACTION ON LVC'S FUTURE

Greetings Friends:

Join us for conversations to take action on the future of the LVC program. If this is your first email, please read the ICYMI message below. Many Thanks to LVC alumni and supporters that stepped up to lead conversations in their regions.

Everyone can SIGN UP NOW, and please do so BY THE DAY BEFORE THE ZOOM so alumni hosts will know how many people to expect. If you don't see a Zoom in your city, you can still join a conversation below (reunion Zooms should be limited to alumni who served in that city).

REGISTER FOR YOUR ZOOM HERE:

• MILWAUKEE, WI: Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 (central), hosted by Michelle Hofeldt '17 
• SEATTLE/TACOMA, WA: Tuesday, October 10, 6:30pm (pacific), hosted by Leanne Galati '21 
• SEATTLE, WA: Tuesday, October 10, 5:00pm (pacific), hosted by Dan Juhl '97, reunion meeting for LVCers who served in Seattle
• TWIN CITIES, MN: Thursday, October 12, 7:00pm (central), hosted by Karmi Mattson '98, for Twin Cities residents and reunion for alumni who served in Twin Cities 
• WASHINGTON, DC: Wednesday, October 4, 5:30pm (eastern), hosted by Amanda Formica '12, reunion meeting for LVCers who served in DC
• WASHINGTON, DC: Thursday, October 19, 6:30pm (eastern), hosted by Denise Snyder

Listed by date:

• Oct. 4 -- Milwaukee
• Oct. 4 -- Washington, DC (reunion)
• Oct. 10 -- Seattle/Tacoma
• Oct. 10 -- Seattle (reunion)
• Oct. 12 --  Twin Cities
• Oct. 19 -- Washington, DC

ICYMI, FROM THE JULY E-NEWS -- LVC: A PIVOTAL YEAR AHEAD 

In a recent conversation with an LVCer, the alum shared that his LVC experience was so formative and impactful, he thought LVC could move along just fine without his help.  He was surprised that the number of volunteers had been reducing so drastically over the last decade, and his help is, indeed, greatly needed.  

LVC is not able to sustain without the engagement and financial support of alumni, organized to actively support recruitment and fundraising. 

We know from our campus ministry connections that Lutheran Colleges are becoming less Lutheran,  without the active champions on campus sending graduates to LVC. Volunteers' first choice for location has shifted to Washington, DC. Volunteers used to join for intentional community; now the Placement position drives their commitment. Applicants used to apply by the February deadline; now most applications come May-July, late in the year for decision making.  Applicants join, then withdraw due to family financial pressure to start earning.  Engagement with religious institutions continues to decline in general. Fewer Lutherans join the program (see chart below). Fewer participants are from the Mid-west (see chart below).

LVCers share how critical the experience was in their lives; many volunteers get hired into their first jobs and lifelong careers; 3 of 16 volunteers are doing a second year; and alumni often commit to service and anti-racism, and friendships, for a lifetime.

Consider how you can help LVC thrive, and look for discerning conversations on LVC's future, this Fall.  

CAMPAIGN $10/mo   Please don't leave without donating $10/mo as part of LVC's $10/mo campaign, if you are not already a donor. Can you support $100/mo instead? Can you ask other alumni to do the same? If so, thank you in advance.

LVC BOARD AND COMMITTEES   You can still submit your candidacy for LVC's Board of Directors, and for working committees, at a pivotal time in LVC's history. LVC alumni are encouraged to help drive the sustainability of the program.  APPLY HERE.

TESTIMONY Did you miss alum Katie Maxwell's (LVC '18) video testimony about her LVC experience? You can view it HERE.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser