Above Photo Caption: Elise and other Fellows in her cohort pictured with Senator John Lewis.
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
Building a Community That Lasts a Lifetime
Photo: Haley Castle-Miller holding a goat during a QVS Day where the Fellows visited a farm. When I finished college, I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do. I graduated with a double major in Peace Studies and Spanish, and all I knew was I wanted to do...
Young Adult Survey
We reached out to young adults to gauge interest and gain a better understanding of the barriers keeping young adults from applying to QVS.
Rebecca Cole Sullivan – Alumni Spotlight
Rebecca Cole Sullivan served at American Friends Service Committee in Atlanta during the 2012-2013 QVS year. She was in the first cohort!Quick Facts Pronouns: she/her Spiritual Community: Member of Atlanta Friends Meeting and worshiping there! Also a part of Friends...