Quaker Volunteer Service is a program supporting volunteers in following their leadings for full-time work for peace, justice and community within a framework of Quaker spirituality. The program is organized by the Quaker Volunteer Service Committee, with support from 57th Street Meeting of Friends in Chicago and other Friends’ Meetings. Quaker Volunteers serve for at least one year with community-based organizations (or in other service arrangements), doing peace and justice work and community building as they are individually led by the Spirit, with the guidance and support of the Quaker Volunteer Service Committee and a liaison committee with membership from participating Quaker Meetings. The work of Quaker Volunteers is guided by Friends’ testimonies (simplicity, integrity, peace, equality, and community). Friends’ worship and spiritual practice grounds Volunteers’ service in the Spirit. The emphasis is on work with the poor, oppressed, and most at-risk.

Volunteers share quarters, living in community in Quaker House in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago. Volunteers have extensive opportunities for participation in Meeting activities and community efforts beyond the full-time assignment. As needed, support provided for Volunteers includes room and board, health insurance, a small living stipend, transportation to Chicago at the beginning of the year of service and home at the end, orientation to the city, as well as local public transportation costs. Each Volunteer has a support committee to assist with discernment and adjustment to the city and their work. The Quaker Volunteer Service Committee provides all needed support to arrange a community placement consistent with the leadings of the Volunteer, as well as connections with other volunteers, activists, and community and educational resources.

For more information, look at the Call to Service, or follow the links above. We can be reached by email at QVSC@QuakerVolunteers.org, or at the address and phone numbers shown under Contact QVSC.