FAQs about Jubilee's Volunteer Program
Do I have to be Christian to come as a volunteer?
Many volunteers who come have issues with the label “Christian”, and have had negative experiences with or feelings about the church. That itself would not prevent one from being accepted as a volunteer. Jubilee does seek to understand and live out discipleship to Jesus Christ, and we expect all volunteers to engage that effort. We hope that our life together provides challenge, support, and imagination for how individuals might continue doing that after leaving Jubilee.
What is the average age of volunteers?
There is often a mix of people in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and sometimes even 70’s. In recent years, ½ to 2/3 of the volunteers have been in their twenties, with many of these being post-college. The summer term usually has the largest number of volunteers still in college. Most volunteers are single, but a number are married. Families may come if we have housing available, and if school-age children attend the public schools.
What if I can’t arrive right at the start of the term, or if I have to leave a little before the term ends?
We expect volunteers to be here for the whole term. We don’t have much flexibility on the start date. The first week is filled solid with orientation and training for teaching the ESL classes. It is essential to be here for that, so we rarely invite volunteers who cannot arrive on time. The ending date has only slightly more flexibility than the starting date.
What if I would need to be away sometime during the term?
We expect volunteers to be here for the whole term. There are emergencies that arise, such as illness or death in the family, etc. Time away can be negotiated when these things happen. Any non-emergency requests (such as being in a family member’s wedding), should be discussed with the volunteer coordinator at the time one applies. We cannot approve every kind of request. (For example, we don’t approve taking a long weekend to go visit friends in other places.) We see being a volunteer as a full-time commitment.
Are weekends free? What happens on weekends?
We work about 40 hours per week, of which 2 ½ comes on Saturday mornings. We work on Saturday mornings so that we can offer an ESL class to the refugees that day. From Saturday afternoon until Sunday supper, there is usually little scheduled. Volunteers have personal time, hang out, and play games or do activities with the refugees. (Soccer, frisbee, and volleyball are big favorites.) Sometimes there is a group trip to the Madison County Library (for Internet use), or to Athens, Georgia. There is no public transportation that comes to Comer, and Athens is about 30 minutes distant by car, so volunteer trips to Athens happen only when a group is going.
Can family or friends come visit me while I'm a volunteer at Jubilee?
Yes. We have guest rooms available most of the time. Guests are limited to one-week stays, and we encourage them to join in our work projects. The volunteer is expected to continue with their work assignments while their visitors are here unless other arrangements are made with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Can I stay for more than one term?
Extensions for a second (or even third) term are granted provided that it is mutually positive for the individual and for the community. There is a process to evaluate that.
What kinds of work will I be expected to do?
Volunteers do a mix of teaching ESL, refugee childcare, gardening, cleaning refugee houses between occupants, and light maintenance, such as painting or grounds upkeep. We need some volunteers with special skills, such as construction, auto mechanics, or maintenance skills. Training for teaching ESL is provided. No previous experience is required.
If I have a specific interest in one work area, can I arrange my schedule around that?
All volunteers do a mix of jobs while they are at Jubilee. We especially encourage each volunteer to do some teaching of the ESL classes and refugee childcare, as this is the main connecting point with the refugees. The amount of work hours spent doing these jobs varies with the number of refugees and the number of volunteers. Some volunteers come with a primary interest in organic gardening, or milking the cow and making butter or cheese. When possible, we will schedule your time in areas of your greatest interest. But it’s important for us that volunteers come with a willingness to do whatever needs to be done. Our highest work priority is meeting the needs of refugees.
Can I bring my car?
Yes. Most volunteers arrive by public transportation, but you may bring your car if you wish.
What are the room accommodations like?
Most of the rooms are double occupancy rooms along a hall with a shared bathroom. Most rooms have sleeping lofts. Family housing is in an apartment if one is available. We choose not to have TV nor air conditioning. It is quite hot and humid in summer.
How is being a volunteer at Jubilee different from other volunteer opportunities?
At Jubilee the volunteer lives in community while doing volunteer service. When one finishes one’s work assignment, the rest of the time is not just free time or personal time. Community meals are prepared and cleaned up after; sometimes there are activities or meetings in the evenings; and sometimes people enjoy making music together or doing crafts together as a way of building relationships. Being in a rural area without public transportation available, we end up working, playing, worshipping, and hanging out with the same people. That can be intense but is usually deeply rewarding.
