What does Latreia's team program look like?
Latreia has two team models: Year-long and summer team. Our 2007-08 year-long traveling team will leave in September of 2007. The goal of this team model is to combine the idea of education through a variety of different service settings (geographically, economically, and socially) with the purpose of using this knowledge to impact a local community when you return to the 'real' world. See below for more details!
The summer team program is for people who want to focus on building their leadership skills by hosting summer mission groups of all ages in the Twin Cities. The goal of this team model is to focus on servant leadership, cultural education, and community-based service. Click here to learn more!
Join a Traveling Year-long Service Team
Are you interested in stepping out of your comfort zone by…
- Spending a year volunteering in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, camps, etc?
- Traveling the country?
- Meeting local people, sharing stories, and making friends across the country?
- Living in Christian community with 4-6 other young adults?
If so, Latreia wants YOU to join a year-long traveling team! Through traveling and serving, you will be helping to further not only Latreia's mission, but God's mission to reach out to your fellow neighbors. Weekly, you will be traveling from state to state serving a variety of individuals (youth, elderly, homeless) in a variety of different settings (inner city, rural, American Indian Reservations, etc).
Along the way, you will be sharing your experiences with congregations and youth groups around the country. Living in a Christian community will also provide an atmosphere for growth and conversation. You cannot resist the journey of self as you are seeking and searching for God cross-country. What an amazing way to see the country...through God's eyes—individual by individual, community by community, and state by state.
How do I apply to be on team?
Other questions you might have:
During the week you will stay with either the accommodations of the program, in a church, or with a host home. On the weekends and during our travel time you are free to stay with family members, friends and other connections you may have in the area!
A big van! You and 3-5 other lucky folks will get to travel and live out of a state of the art large conversion van! You'll love it, trust us!
- How will you fund my year on the road?
Latreia is now funded primarily through personal donations. Team Latreia will also be speaking at churches and civic organizations while on the road to share about the experience and to bring in extra funding. Team members are asked to fundraise specific amounts of money that go into the general Latreia fund before leaving to travel. See the 'guidelines and timelines' for more specific information.
Year-long teamers should be 21 years or older. Exceptions may be granted so don't let your age keep you from applying. Summer-long teamers need to be 18 years or older.
- Is the volunteer work evangelistic?
Only in the sense that it is sharing the love of Christ. Latreia, as an organization, believes that people should share about Christ through relationships and daily interactions. We believe in the importance of sharing the gospel but not at the cost of seeming like we are trying to 'win' people instead of love them.
- What about financial obstacles?
Student loans:
These can be deferred. We have a 100% approval rate for Latreia.
Health insurance:
Catastrophic insurance is paid for out of your fundraising money.
Personal expenses:
Teamer's receive a small monthly stipend to cover expenses while on the road. All you need is a heart to serve, a commitment to living simply, and the confidence that God will provide the rest!
- What if I don't know how to fundraise?
Latreia provides everything you need to help you partner with your family and friends. This is their opportunity to be involved with your mission work! Some people are called to go, others are called to send, and we will help you find your ‘senders'! A fundraising packet is provided.
- How is the traveling route determined?
Year-long team: The team gets to be involved in the planning process! Part of the experience is to use your leadership skills to help locate, plan, and network with service organizations across the country. Ideally, teams will be assembled by early summer so that you have time to connect with teammates and discuss existing contacts you each have across the country. We want you to be able to utilize your contacts, spend time with those you know, and seek out local service opportunities that are particularly interesting to you. The Latreia staff will also send you back to a few of the old teamer's favorite spots to continue relationships and establish ongoing partnerships in communities.
- When will I find out if I've been accepted to be on team?
Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. You should find out within 3-4 weeks of your initial application! It's never too early to apply so don't wait!
You can also email us at info@latreia.org with any questions or call us at 651-287-8497! |
