Can I be a volunteer if I am not yet twenty years old?
We are looking for volunteers with the maturity to be able to
function with very little supervision in situations that require
initiative and the ability to deal with ambiguity. We are willing to
work with people who are younger than twenty-years-old if we feel they
are ready for the responsibility of the assignment. However, we have
found that individuals generally gain the most from the program and are
most effective when they have already had certain life experiences.
Decisions about an applicant are made on a case-by-case basis. We are
not able to accept anyone who is under eighteen years old.
 Am I too old to be a volunteer?
No. Anyone age twenty or older is welcome. Candidates must be in
adequate health to complete their assignment.
I am married. Can I still become a volunteer?
We do accept individuals who are married into our program, sometimes
as an individual, and sometimes as a couple. Couples who have children
who wish to serve in the WorldService Corps should contact us to discuss
this possibility.
Why are you focused on young adults?
In the last several years, the church has begun to focus on ways to
meet the needs of young adults in our communities. This program is
designed to provide opportunities for growth and service. We encourage
adults of all ages, but will continue to maintain an emphasis on young
adults, who are valuable resources for the church.
Can people who are not members of Community of Christ be volunteers?
Membership in Community of Christ is not a requirement. Volunteers
will always be working directly with Community of Christ congregations
in their assignments. Volunteers must have a good knowledge of the
church and its beliefs, and desire to promote the mission of the church.
 I don’t speak a foreign language and I don’t think I have the
necessary skills and experience. Can I still be a volunteer?
Although knowledge of a foreign language and prior experience are
very desirable, they are not necessary in order to be a volunteer. More
important are the desire to learn, flexibility in dealing with
unfamiliar situations, and a willingness to try new things. We provide
training to help prepare you for your assignment, including intensive
language training for long-term volunteers.
Do I have to be fluent in English to be a volunteer?
Applicants wishing to participate in the International Guide program
need to speak and understand English so they can work with
English-speaking visitors. It is not necessary that English be their
first language. Some region-specific programs do not require English
(for example, programs in Latin America). Please contact us for more
information about language requirements.
How do you decide where volunteers are going?
Congregations or countries that desire volunteers contact us and
complete a Volunteer Request Form. After receiving the request, the WorldService Corps staff works together with potential hosts and church
leaders to define the volunteer assignments, living arrangements, and
other logistics. We then assign volunteers, matching assignments with
the skills and interests of volunteers. Our first priority is ensuring
that host sites will be safe and ready to support the volunteer to help
ensure positive experiences for both parties.
What would I be doing?
Every assignment varies, depending on the host site and the interests
and skills of the volunteer. In all assignments, volunteers are assigned
to participate and assist in the priorities and activities of the local
congregation and community. —Sample
Activities—
 Who takes care of getting visas to participate in your programs?
Volunteers are required to provide their own passports. WorldService
Corps provides all necessary documentation and fees for visas as
required, and will submit applications for visas when possible. In some
cases, the applicant will have to request the visa on their own, but
WorldService Corps will provide as much assistance as possible to help
ensure success in obtaining the visa. Unfortunately, the final decisions
always rest with the consulate of the country, so there are no
guarantees that all visas will be approved.
Can I get college credit for volunteering?
We are working to find ways to make college credit possible.
Currently, we do not have an official policy, but are willing to work
with individuals to meet their needs. If you would like to receive
college credit for your period of service, please contact us and we will
work together to make it possible.
What are the costs?
WorldService Corps is a volunteer program. Participants do not receive
financial compensation.
—Costs Chart—
The costs of the program are borne jointly
by:
- The host jurisdiction
- The World Church
- The volunteer and their home congregation and community
How do I become a volunteer?
The first step is to complete an application and submit it to us or
your local World Church administrator. Once we receive your application,
we will contact you and begin the interview and selection process.
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