Alumni Fellowship Site Placements for 2018-19
Overview
The Fellows in the QVS Alumni Fellowship are recruited from those young adults who have already completed one year with QVS as Fellows in one of the cities where the QVS program now exists—Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, and Portland, OR. These Fellows have experienced spiritual formation, social justice training, direct service work in non-profit organizations, and living in intentional Quaker community as the key elements of their first year with QVS. This background provides them with an ideal foundation for participating in a program that focuses on Quaker leadership development including placement in one of the Quaker organizations in the Philadelphia area. The Fellows will also continue the process of spiritual formation, both individually and as a group, and are expected to participate in the worship and activities of a monthly and quarterly meeting, as well as Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Such involvement will also deepen their understanding of Quaker faith and practice, while continuing to build their leadership and organizational skills.
Alumni Fellowship Job Description
Position: Quaker Voluntary Service Alumni Fellow
Quaker Voluntary Service’s Alumni Fellowship is an 11-month program in which individuals who have completed a year of service with QVS can deepen their involvement in the Quaker community by participating in a second year. The Alumni Fellowship provides the opportunity to continue the learning and growth from the first year with QVS, but with more professional and leadership development and a little less structure.
Alumni Fellows work full time in a Quaker organization while continuing to explore themes of spiritual and personal growth with local Quakers. Fellowships are only available in Philadelphia, PA. Examples of possible site placements include the American Friends Service Committee, Friends Journal, Friends Fiduciary Corporation, Friends World Committee for Consultation, Pendle Hill, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and Friends General Conference. Fellowships may also be available in other cities as way opens, depending on alumni demand and available site placement opportunities.
Unlike the first year QVS program, Alumni Fellows are expected to be more independent and will take responsibility for the development of their own community, learning, and spiritual growth opportunities. QVS staff will remain available to support, consult, or help alumni Fellows in any way they may need throughout the year. Alumni Fellows will also continue to be supported by and encouraged to engage with local Quaker communities, but are not asked to worship with a specific Monthly Meeting.
Alumni Fellows receive assistance finding suitable housing and a monthly stipend to cover full reimbursement for housing, utilities, transportation pass, and food. While still modest, the stipend will be increased for second year Fellows. QVS also offers health and wellness support (including reimbursement for health insurance and mental health if needed) and financial support for paying off student loan interest, a combined grocery allowance/living stipend. Alumni are also financially supported in attending conferences which enhance both professional and spiritual growth. Alumni Fellows serve as support staff for national orientation for first year QVS Fellows.
The 2018-19 program year is from August 26th, 2018- End of July, 2019.
If you have any questions about the QVS Alumni Fellowship program, please email Executive Director, Christina Repoley: [email protected]