The Experience
The SJW Program strives to go beyond the usual volunteer experience. There are several transformative components that allow women to reflect on their work and explore new possibilities for their lives. The program is centered on a strong commitment to the development of the Workers. Each SJW commits to a thirty-six hour work week at their placement, and the additional 4 hours are focused on training, educational opportunities, community time, spiritual growth, activism, and learning community organizing skills. For SJWs, global change begins not only at the local level, but at the level of the individual. The program empowers its volunteers to utilize their own passion and talents to create a better future both for themselves, and the local and global community. Here are a few of the dynamic tools that SJWs use to become change agents.
One to Ones
One to Ones are a cornerstone of good community organizing. They are simple meetings, perhaps over coffee or lunch, where two people sit down together and consciously share a piece of their stories and their passions. This is a skill that assists each SJW to make strong connections with leaders and other mentors in the Twin Cities area. This public relationship building with local, state, and national leaders and organizations is invaluable for the Workers and makes it possible for real change to happen. Each month a certain number of one to ones are chosen by the SJW and orchestrated into her work schedule.
Social Justice Trip Opportunities
Each year the SJW Program seeks out and offers various out of town opportunities to enhance social justice knowledge and experiential learning. In the past these have included attending the SOA Vigil in Fort Benning, Georgia, working with White Violet Center for Eco-Justice in Terra Haute or participating in other conferences as they become available.
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