Lutheran Volunteer Corps

The Lutheran Volunteer Corps is a national volunteer service program that was founded in 1979 by Luther Place Memorial Church in Washington, D.C. Each year, LVC places around 100 volunteers in twelve different cities in the US to work for social justice with various nonprofit organizations.

History

Recognizing the intense need for volunteers in the 1970s and inspired by many other service organizations, Pastor John Steinbruck asked in 1976 why a Lutheran volunteer organization was not in place. Luther Place had been gaining momentum and addressing social justice issues through several outreach programs in the 1970s. In 1973, John and Erna Steinbruck co-founded N Street Village - a continuum of care for homeless women. The idea of creating the Lutheran Volunteer Corps was, not surprisingly, well-received by the congregation of Luther Place in hopes of further addressing the apparent needs in the surrounding community as well as reaching out past the District of Columbia and into the rest of the United States. By the early 1980s, LVC had set up houses of volunteers in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and Wilmington, DE. Today, 106 volunteers are in the following cities: Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, MD; Wilmington, DE; Minneapolis, MN; St. Paul, MN; Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; Tacoma, WA; Seattle, WA; Oakland, CA; San Francisco, CA; and Berkeley, CA.

Intentional Community

Aligned with Luther Place's mission of hospitality, LVC Volunteers live together in intentional community. This idea is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and encourages open communication and shared diversity.

Social Justice

Another tenet of LVC is social justice. Volunteers are placed in direct social service agencies or public policy organizations, working together for people and justice. Issue areas that are addressed through LVC include: AIDS/HIV, Addiction and Recovery, Anti-Racism, Children and Youth, Education, Employment, Environment, Food and Hunger, GLBT/Sexual Minorities, Health Care, Housing and Homelessness, Immigration and Refugees, Peace and Non-Violence, People with Disabilities, Racism, Seniors, and Women.

Simplicity/Sustainability

A third aspect of the Lutheran Volunteer Corps is the idea of living simply and finding ways to be more environmentally aware as well as working towards simplicity of time and a focus on deepening relationships.

Spirituality

Though LVC is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, only about half of the volunteers are Lutheran. The remainder of volunteers come from various faith backgrounds. In all cases, faith discussions and spiritual reflections are encouraged to introduce new perspectives and enrich dialogue.

Continued Growth

LVC is finding there to be a greater need for volunteers around the US. The organization is considering new placement cities for volunteers, and more houses in some cities.

LVC's National Office is located in Luther Place Memorial Church in Washington, D.C. The National Board of Directors is comprised of 15 representatives from the varied placement cities.