LVC 40TH ANNIVERSARY

In 1976, Luther Place Church in Washington, DC began to explore how the Lutheran community might initiate a voluntary service program, inspired by the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS), and other services organizations, centered around principles of social justice, community living and simplified lifestyles. Luther Place organized the Lutheran Volunteer Corps in 1979 with the first group of 17 volunteers.

LVC has since expanded over the years to cities including Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Wilmington, DE; Twin Cities, MN; Omaha, NE; Chicago, IL; and Milwaukee, WI. The number of volunteers has climbed to over one hundred, soaring when the economy and job market decline; and lowering in years when jobs are plentiful for graduating college seniors. For the 40th anniversary in 2019-20, LVC has a stronger national organization; learning series around anti-oppression; advances in Journey to an Inclusive Community; and revived local support networks. LVC continues building the social justice movement, one Volunteer at a time!