Today’s Front Line Hero is Lutheran Volunteer Corps, and their incredible volunteers who continue to serve during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) places recent college graduates (“volunteers”) in full-time service positions at social-justice organizations across the US for one or two years of service. The volunteers develop broad leadership skills during their time of service, and LVC places emphasis on the injustice of racism, oppression, and privilege in its leadership development curriculum. Though LVC has a strong Lutheran history and tradition, volunteers of all faith traditions are encouraged to participate, and they welcome the diversity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted LVC volunteers, but they have adopted safety measures and continue their service. Some LVC volunteers are able to telework, and those in direct-service positions have adopted modified schedules and are taking other precautions like wearing face masks.
Alex, a volunteer serving at Our Savior’s Community Services in Minneapolis, MN talks about his experience in a YouTube video. Alex is a case manager for an emergency shelter program in the Twin Cities and continues to serve faithfully through the pandemic. Though the isolation can be challenging, the work carries on and Alex and his colleagues have moved all operations from the shelter to a hotel to better allow for social distancing and prevent people from being exposed to the virus.
LVC President Deirdre Bagley is grateful for the volunteers’ continued work and is excited to be receiving applications from next year’s volunteers.
Thank you to LVC for your continued commitment to developing the next generation of servant leaders, and to all the LVC volunteers who are serving throughout the COVID-19 pandemic!
