The SJW Program strives to go beyond the usual volunteer experience by incorporating transformative components that allow women to reflect on their service and explore new possibilities for their lives. Each SJW service at their placement for thirty-six hours a week. Four hours each week are dedicated to training, educational opportunities, community time, spiritual growth, activism, and learning community organizing skills. By harnessing individual talents and passions, SJWs help create a better future 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, a cornerstone of good community organizing, are casual meetings over coffee involving two people who meet to consciously share their stories and their passions. Initiating one-to-ones is a skill that builds strong connections with leaders and other mentors in the Twin Cities area. This public relationship building is invaluable for the Workers and makes change happen.
Each year Program staff seeks out and offers various in- and possible out-of-town opportunities to enhance social justice engagement and provide experiential learning. Past opportunities have included the SOA Vigil in Fort Benning, Georgia, the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice in Terra Haute, Indiana, participating in the United Nations commission on the Status of Women in New York, NY and participating in area social justice conferences.
A regular part of the program is the opportunity to delve more deeply into the program values of spirituality, social justice, leadership and living in intentional community with simplicity. This takes place as:
The St Joseph Worker Program is an AmeriCorps affiliate through our partnership with Notre Dame Mission Volunteers. Many of our St Joseph Worker positions are AmeriCorps positions as well. Completing an AmeriCorps service year for qualifying positions earns an Educational Award of $6,495.00 to repay past federal loans or to use towards future schooling. AmeriCorps Members are also connected with other AmeriCorps communities and resources.
