Above Photo Caption: Elise and other Fellows in her cohort pictured with Senator John Lewis.
Elise potting plants on a QVS Day when she was a Fellow
Damon and Elise served as QVS Fellows the same year and then served on the QVS Board together.
With gratitude,
Elise Riley, Recording Clerk of the QVS Board
More about Elise
Why participate in QVS instead of applying for a job directly with a nonprofit?
QVS Fellows are also offered greater wrap-around support in their QVS city (housing and intentional community, training in conflict resolution and anti-oppression work, spiritual accompaniment) to help them engage in service long term and avoid burnout.
One QVS Alum from 2016-2017 shared:
“QVS gave me a sense of direction — I learned at the end of the year that I needed more education, and more critical thinking around the best space for me to make long-term impact in a community. I found out what my strengths and weaknesses were, and gained clarity towards my next steps…
In my year-long position, I did a lot of typical first-job-out-of-college evaluation, but in my community I think I arrived at those conclusions faster because I had folks at home I could talk to about my experiences and feelings. It also unprogrammed the definition of success I maintained for myself before QVS; now, success is more than work, but also about how I am able to care for myself and listen to my feelings. I owe QVS thanks for more holistic visioning.”
More Quaker Service Stories
Thanksgiving from Two QVS Fellows
As a community grounded in relationships and Spirit-led service, we feel grateful for a day inviting us to give thanks. We also seek to use days like today, and everyday, to consider harmful narratives, complex history, and to examine the impact of colonization on our...
Alumni Testimonial: From QVS to the Quaker United Nations Office
For the longest time I was fearful to step into faith, even though I felt Spirit stir for so long. Quaker Voluntary Service appeared unexpectedly, and initially I was hesitant. I asked if it was okay that I was not religious, and the answer I received was that faith,...
Alumni Testimonial: The Road Ahead
In my year as a QVS Fellow, I worked at Casa del Trabajador, an immigrant-led worker center which advocates for injured, unpaid, or otherwise vulnerable workers. My year with QVS and Casa del Trabajador gave me many, many things -- but primarily, it gave me tools and...
