Presenter: Sr Maria
The purpose of Induction week is to introduce the volunteers to each other, and to the people who will be accompanying them during the year as well as give them more insights into this “year with a difference” to which they have committed themselves.
During this week of getting to know one another, the volunteers will have time to share their experiences of life so far; spend time praying and reflecting together; and relax in a friendly atmosphere.
The Director and the local community co-ordinators are present for the week, and their role is explained and clarified, so it is clear to the volunteer to whom they can go for support and to whom they are accountable. Often members of the Trustees and Management Board come to share in the week to enable the volunteers to see how the whole organisation operates.
There is some input during the week during which the volunteers are introduced to the “Vincentian ideal”. It is also a time to learn a little more about the placements, a greater understanding of what we mean by “living simply”, and how the volunteers might begin to build their community. Practical issues are very important, and so there is time for discussion as well as an opportunity for the volunteers to raise their own queries. The week is only a taster of things to come but it is key to understanding the whole process of being a Vincentian Volunteer.
At the end of the week the volunteers are SENT on MISSION, and go out to begin the “year with a difference”! Volunteer handbook