This essay was written by Shannon Alford, a long-term volunteer in CAP’s Substance Abuse Recovery program.

My decision to volunteer lasted about seven years.  When I was a freshman in college I had set my sights towards getting a business degree and moving to New York, but in the back of my mind a much stronger desire was lingering, my call to serve.  I was unsure how I was going to survive (financially, emotionally, physically) simple living.  I knew I wanted it, but I wasn’t convinced it would be worth the risk in the long-run. Inevitably, I would be proving myself wrong.

            I finally started listening to my call to serve my junior year in college.  I went on a mission trip to Camden, NJ.  I was blown away by the poverty that was surrounding me.  After the mission ended I wanted more, but once again that little voice was saying, “How are you going to survive?”  Upon graduating from college, I began working for my Alma Mater.  Two years into my career at the college I was asked by our campus minister to chaperon a trip to Eastern Kentucky.  At this point I had planned on going back home to Indianapolis for a week, but once again that voice in my head was calling me to go to Eastern Kentucky.  I agreed to go and unbeknownst to me this would be the moment that would change my life forever.

            The week spent at WorkFest was filled with genuine love, compassion and change.  We would wake up early in the morning, eat breakfast and be on our way to the building site.  I wasn’t just blown away by the volunteers and employees at CAP, but by the people of Appalachia. After that week I knew I had found where I was supposed to be. 

            My personality is not made for building houses, but I would eventually learn about the other wonderful programs CAP has to offer.  When they mentioned they had a substance abuse recovery center, I could feel my mind and my heart finally agreeing on something.  That feeling was God calling me to this place and for once I finally listened. I came to CAP in January 2009.  I have experienced more life-changing moments in one year than I have in the rest of my life.  My faith in God has grown in a mature and loving way.  For that I am thankful.

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“Discernment” is widely used to describe the process of choosing a religious vocation, but–as any full-time lay volunteer knows–the term is just as apropos to the decision of if, when and where to become a long-term volunteer.  Choosing to volunteer full-time for any length of time is a significant commitment. Joining a volunteer program such as Christian Appalachian Project can mean leaving home, putting a career on hold and getting out of your comfort zone. Sometimes families are not as supportive as they could be. Then there’s that whole not getting paid thing.

To help in the discernment process, Catholic Network of Volunteer Service,  an umbrella organization for more than 150 Catholic and non-Catholic faith-based service organizations, suggests prospective volunteers ask themselves the following questions to determine if full-time service is for them:

Why do I want to be a volunteer?
Everybody decides to volunteer for different reasons. Are you idealistic? Do you want to deepen your relationship with God? Are you committed to social justice? Do you anticipate personal growth? Do you want to change your life?

What are my expectations?
What do you expect from volunteering? What do you expect from your program and specific placement?

What do I have to offer?
What gifts can you share with others? What are your strengths/weaknesses? What professional skills do you bring?

How do I handle changes?
A volunteer year involves a lot of change. Not only will you be living in a new place with new people, but you won’t be earning a salary. How do you handle change? Have you ever been far from your family and support system? How will you adjust to living simply?

How do I relate with others?
Many volunteers find living in community to be the most difficult part of their volunteer year. How do you interact with others? How do you deal with problems and disagreements? Do you have a sense of humor?

What gives me satisfaction?
At the end of the day, what makes you feel good? What do you find comfort in? What do you like to do with others? How do you spend your time when you’re alone?

If you feel you are being called to full-time service, but are unsure if CAP is the place for you, we suggest the following steps:

Educate yourself about CAP’s programs.
Because CAP has such a wide variety of service placements, nearly everyone can find a position to match his or her interests. Spend some time reading about our different service programs, and contact us if you want more specific information on any particular program. Keep in mind that other placements may be available if you have strong skills in a particular area such as administration, accounting, etc.

Ask questions. Lots of questions.
It’s our job to help you with your discernment process, so don’t ever hesitate to contact us if something’s on your mind.

Connect with current and former volunteers.
Asking people who have lived and served in Appalachia about their experiences is the best way to get a specific and unedited picture of what your experience may be like. CAP’s Facebook page is a great place to find CAP volunteers and alumni, and you can also email us to get in touch with current volunteers.

Begin the application process.
Because the application process is so thorough, many prospective volunteers want to hold off until they are sure CAP is the place for them. But the application should be part of your discernment, not the conclusion of it. Examining your strengths, growth areas, apprehensions and spiritual life can be infinitely valuable in seeing yourself as a CAP volunteer. Long-term applicants also have the opportunity to interview in Kentucky, so you can see first-hand where you might live and serve. Even if you never submit the application, completing it can be a valuable part of your discernment process.

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