Disciples Volunteering

Long-term Volunteers

Next Training: POST-PONED; to be rescheduled

Community Christian Church, North Canton, Ohio 

Disciples Volunteering (DV) staff invite prospective volunteers to attend a long-term volunteer training event. If interested please fill out the application below. 

About Long-term Volunteer service

Supporting short-term volunteers

The majority of DV volunteers spend an average of one week on a project site. The success of this short-term program relies on the Long-term Volunteers who provide leadership at the project site.

Long-term Volunteers play a critical role of connecting short-term volunteers with mission opportunities. Volunteers who serve for one month or longer build trust in the community as they meet neighbors, partner with other organizations and make regular trips to the lumberyard and grocery store.

Typical Long-term Volunteer Leadership terms are one month to 6 weeks.

How to apply

Contact DV's national office

DV volunteers come from a network of supportive congregations. If you would like to volunteer, you are 21 years of age or older and you are in agreement with DV volunteer expectations, we welcome you to fill out the online application. 

Expectations for Serving Together

Introduction

DV is all about volunteers

You, the volunteers, are the most important people in the DV network. Without you, DV would not exist. Through you, the love of Christ can be expressed. These guidelines are designed to aid you in relating to mission opportunities in a redemptive way.

Relationships

Relationships begin with respect

Do everything you can to preserve the dignity and sense of worth of those in need. Remember the truth, "it is easier to give than to receive." Respect personal property and rights of ownership.

Be a sensitive listener. Don't be judgmental. In disaster situations please remember, grief is a natural reaction to loss, even the loss of possessions. Be friendly and optimistic, but not so lighthearted as to imply the situation is not serious. Be careful about giving simple answers. Treat those we partner with as equals.

Ready to Work

Taking directions from the project leader

DV project site leaders want to have meaningful work opportunities for our volunteers. Respect the authority of the project leaders; cooperate in every way possible. Pass suggestions on to the leader, but remember leaders face a variety of pressures in this work. Give your best to the work; be prepared to do any job requested with patience and love. Missional situations mean work and living conditions will not "be like home."

Telling the Story

Showing an interest in DV

This type of work often draws media attention and proper reporting can be valuable for all. DV does not seek publicity for itself. Refer reporters to DV leaders when possible and, if you do offer information, make sure you represent DV and the situation accurately. Respect those you photograph by requesting permission before taking pictures. Get to know the people you photograph. Share your story in your church and encourage others to get involved.

Representing DV

You are a witness

Promote safety in travel and work. Good driving habits should be maintained at all times. Dress appropriately for the work you will be doing. Proper footwear and clothing can be important for your safety and health.

Respect the modesty of dress that DV embraces. Practice good discretion in any use of alcoholic beverages or tobacco.

Let your conversation be suitable for a Christian, so that the name of Jesus Christ not be brought to disfavor.

You are a witness for Jesus Christ as well as a representative of the church. May our efforts together be good examples of "bearing each other's burdens" and through the leading of God's Spirit be a channel for bringing God's love to all.

Statement of Purpose

Serving in the name of Christ

Disciples Volunteering is the organized response of our churches to the needs of our neighbors through domestic hands on mission opportunities. We endeavor, in the spirit of Christian love, to follow Christ's example by giving time, talents, and energies to help others. We understand the ministries of listening, clean up, repair, and reconstruction to be examples of "the cup of cold water" given to those in need "in the name of Christ."

Safety Information

All volunteers working on DV projects are required to bring and use the following safety equipment:

1. Hard-soled shoes or tennis shoes
2. Be covered from shoulders to knees (some projects might want you to have a pair of pants)

 
At times, DV may provide and request that volunteers use the following additional safety equipment:

1. Hard hats
2. Ear protection
3. Eye protection
4. Gloves
5. Dust masks
6. Respirators & Protective suits

Hard hats should be worn while using heavy equipment like chain saws/chippers or if people are on the ground while others are on the roof above them. When using brush chippers and chainsaw, ear protection, eye protection and gloves are very important. Dust masks are important for working on insulation or demolition work. Respirators and protective suits are necessary when working in buildings with high mold content.

Long-term Volunteer application

Disciples Home Missions is committed to equipping Disciples of Christ and connecting people to the life-changing love of God by developing partnerships throughout the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that strengthen congregations and leaders to make a difference in the world by revealing the light of Christ.

Disciples Volunteering encourages people to "Put your faith to work! Get Dirty for Jesus!"

Some information about volunteer assignments with DV

The majority of volunteers spend an average of one week with DV. The success of this short-term program relies on the Long-term Volunteers who provide leadership at the project site.

Although helpful, you do not need to have any specialized skills prior to working with DV. Your open mind and dedicated spirit will enable you to learn as you go. As an DV volunteer, you may become involved with a variety of tasks, including clean up, carpentry, administrative and secretarial skills, volunteer hosting, and project leadership.

DV volunteers build more than houses

DV volunteers are becoming known for repairing and rebuilding homes, and at times building new homes. But it takes more than construction skills to serve with DV. As a long-term volunteer, you will see that DV also draws on your ability to relate to people. The homes that DV repairs are owned by people. They laugh and they cry. They have good days and they have bad days. DV provides an opportunity for you to walk alongside the needs of our neighbors, bringing the dignity and respect of God's love.

DV volunteers are representatives of a church seeking to bring healing to a suffering world

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) seeks to be part of bringing healing to a suffering world. Disciples believe that Jesus lived a life of service, focusing his energy on ministering to those in need. This ministry continues in the efforts of many Disciples, who through their baptism, have publicly committed to model their lives after the life of Jesus.

Safety Tips & Guidelines 

• The most necessary tool - your brain;
• The most important tool - patience;
• Be aware of people around you - others are working all around you ... remember the lumber you're carrying has two ends!
• Keep work areas clean-help put away tools and supplies at the end of the day;
• Ask for help-if you are uncomfortable performing a task or just have a question, just ask and we'd be more than happy to help
• Be aware of trip hazards - cords, lumber, bolts on slab ... keep yourself and others safe by storing things against walls, etc.;
• Wear appropriate clothing-no open-toed shoes/sandals/heels;
• Wear safety gear-goggles, masks, respirators, and gloves will always be available when needed;
• Lift with your legs and not with your back;
• Take breaks and drink lots of fluids-water, sport drinks, etc., accidents occur more often when you're tired;
• Be aware of first aid supplies - be sure to know where first aid kits are located and ask if you need help;
• Never leave nails sticking out of wood-don't bend them over, take them all the way out;
• Only operate power tools that you know how to use-we'd be happy to teach you to safely use any tool;
• Only operate power tools that are in safe, good working order-be aware of frayed cords and removed or broken safety guards;
• Place ladders on even ground-please don't use blocks to level a ladder ... dig out the ground for a firm base;
• Be sure ladders are fully extended - the ladder is at the correct angle if your fingers can just touch a rung with your feet at the base;
• Never stand on the top of a ladder - stop and get a bigger ladder for your safety and the safety of those below;
• Be careful on a roof-surfaces can be slippery when wet or dusty, and never set something down unless it is secured and cannot fall.