Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) will welcome over 140 new Volunteers at a national orientation being held August 15-20 on the campus of Luther Seminary in St. Paul. After the week of intensive training and orientation, the Volunteers will disperse to 16 U.S. cities, each person committed to work full-time for one year with a particular social justice organization. The Volunteers will work on issues such as affordable housing, health care, education, food security, the environment, and more. They will also practice simple, sustainable living in household communities of four to seven people.
A series of kick-off events are open to the public on Sunday, August 15 at the Olson Campus Center at Luther Seminary, 1490 Fulham Street, St. Paul (see maps). Beginning at 2:00pm, a Sustainability Fair will feature booths on worm composting, raised-bed and container gardening, eco-friendly housecleaning solutions, canning for food preservation, and how to live richly by spending less. A Welcome Ceremony begins at 4:30pm and includes live music by local hip-hop artist Agape. Luther Seminary President Richard Bliese will host a reception at 5:30, following the ceremony. Many local alums and supporters of LVC are expected to attend the festivities.
To prepare for their work in the coming year, the new Volunteers will participate in several days of intensive training on a variety of topics including conflict resolution, anti-racism, sustainability practices, personal safety, and non-violence. Their time in St. Paul will also include opportunities for community-building and spiritual reflection.
