Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Serving
Is MVS free?
We want MVS to be an option for everyone who wants to participate—regardless of their economic reality. Most of your financial support comes from the agency where you will be serving. The agency pays MVS a monthly stipend that covers your food and housing costs.
We ask for a donation of $4,000 from your home community to help support you. This money is often donated by your home church congregation. Many of our participants need to do some fundraising to gather this money, but you don’t have to do it alone. We will help you partner with an advocate from your community who can help you find ways to raise the funds you need.
Don’t let the donation amount discourage you from applying to MVS! There are many ways to fill this requirement, and if you are willing to work with us, we will find a way for you to participate in our program.
What is an advocate & why do I need one?
We want you to stay connected with your home community while you’re in MVS, and your advocate is a designated person from your community with whom we can share your reflections, photos, etc. If you need help with fundraising to raise the suggested donation, your advocate can also help with that.
What if my home congregation can’t support me financially?
The $4,000 we ask for doesn’t have to come from your home congregation. There are many ways to raise the money you need, and your advocate can help you. If the $4,000 suggested donation is a barrier to you, please talk to us and we will help you with figuring out other options!
What if I don’t have a home congregation?
If you don’t have a home congregation, you can ask for support from your home community instead. This can include family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, professors, and many others who love you and want to support you in your choice to serve!
What about my student loans?
We will connect you with staff who will assist you in getting your loan payments postponed during your MVS term. MVS has also set aside funds to provide assistance for all participants with student loans upon the completion of the MVS term. This is a new offering, and the scholarship amount could vary year to year. If you would like more detailed information, contact us!
When should I apply?
It is best to apply before March 1, but you can apply as early as September 1 and as late as June 1. Occasionally, we accept applications after June 1, but this depends on placement availability. The MVS year begins in August!
Why do I have to connect with MMN for the application process?
Mennonite Voluntary Service is part of Mennonite Mission Network, and Tucson MVS is one of a few units around the country. If you’d like to be part of Tucson’s unit, simply fill out our online application. Our Program Coordinator, Lisa Showalter, will connect you with MMN who will conduct an initial interview with you, check references, and then re-connect you with Lisa who will continue to guide you through the process.
Is there an orientation?
We will host an orientation upon your arrival at the Tucson MVS unit. It will include some discussions of MVS values and expectations, discussions to set up your own personal house guidelines, as well as tours and discussions to get you up to speed on local history, current issues, transportation, and other things helpful for you to know as you join our community!
