Volunteerism

WASHINGTON — It’s an idea that feels particularly poignant this Thanksgiving: American Jews and Muslims banding together to help the homeless and other needy people.

The interfaith collaboration has been going on for five years, but the recent exchange of rockets between Gaza and Israel is weighing especially hard on both communities this week. That's why a joint session of sandwich making or a group visit to a nursing home has taken on added significance.

“In this time of warfare it was a beautiful experience to see the two come together,” said Haider Dost, a Muslim student at Virginia’s George Mason University who worked with Jewish students to feed the homeless Sunday in Franklin Park, just blocks from the White House.

Sandi Villarreal 10-16-2012
Alycia Ashburn / Sojourners

Panelists discuss the Young Evangelicals in the 2012 Election study. Alycia Ashburn / Sojourners

What culture war? At a survey release of young evangelicals and proceeding panel discussion, common ground was the pervading theme. 

While panelists ranged in religious and political backgrounds — representing groups like Young Evangelicals for Climate Action, World Relief, Family Research Council, USAID, World Vision, the Manhattan Declaration, and Feed the Children — there was an overarching agreement that while young evangelicals are largely pro-life, life issues now extend to beyond the typical to things like creation care and immigration. 

“There is still a lot of tension that many young people feel in trying to identify with one political party or the other,” Adam Taylor, vice president of advocacy for World Vision. “… There is a real deep commitment to a pro-life agenda, but that agenda has now expanded and includes a core and strong commitment to addressing issues of poverty.”

Hans Hallundbaek 8-01-2008
Churches and ex-prisoners help each other find the way.
Judy Coode 8-01-2006
The Jesuit Volunteer Corps celebrates 50 years of changing lives through service.
Heidi Schlumpf 3-01-2005

Sex abuse scandal, priest shortages, celibacy, ordaining women: The issues roiling the Catholic Church offer challenges - and hope? - for the future.

The Amachi program gives people of faith the tools they need to make a difference for inmates' children.
Elizabeth Maxwell 12-01-2004
In telling their stories, guests at the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen feast on divine mystery.

Volunteer Opportunities

Why do so many more women than men enter voluntary service?

Julienne Gage 9-01-2000
A legacy of service: Krista Hunt Ausland
Rose Marie Berger 11-01-1995

Ten years of Sojourners interns.

Volunteer programs cultivate community, service, and simplicity.