DVUSA Application

Application Instructions

This online application has a total of nine sections. Before you begin please read all of the instructions carefully. Should any questions arise, please contact the DVUSA office at 708-524-5985.

APPLICATION and ESSAYS: Please spend time reflecting on the questions before answering. Please be truthful in all of your responses.

RÉSUMÉ: You will be asked to attach your résumé. Be sure to include your education, volunteer and work history, as well as hobbies, languages spoken, and any other relevant skills and experiences.

REFERENCES: Please ask three people who know you well enough to assess your character and skills as they relate to the mission of DVUSA to serve as references. Supervisors, professors, university staff, clergy member etc. can be included as references. Do NOT include family members or personal friends. Applications will not be processed without references.
- All reference submissions must be completed online. Please direct your three people to the DVUSA website where the appropraite submission link can be found.

TRANSCRIPTS: Please send us official transcripts for colleges or post-secondary schools you have attended. Transcripts should be sent from the institution to:
- Dominican Volunteers USA, PO Box 891121 Chicago, IL 60608.

PERSONAL INTERVIEW: After your application, resume, references, and trascripts have arrived, a personal interview may be scheduled with a staff member. Interviews will be conducted in person when possible; otherwise a Skype, iChat, or Gmail video chat session will be scheduled. If none are possible, a telephone interview will be conducted.

DEADLINE: We recommend early application to ensure the best placement options. Application materials will be accepted starting in January. The application deadline is May 31 for the following August. However, if you apply in May you will have limited placement options.

*PLEASE NOTE: Your application will be shared in its entirety (including essays) with potential communities and placement sites. We will disclose any personal information on a “need to know basis.” Failure to disclose all pertinent information, including health issues, can be cause for immediate dismissal from DVUSA.

All accepted applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

Please note there is no "save" option in the application. You must complete your application in full before submitting. Partial applications will not be considered.

Section #1: Contact information

Name: *

Date of birth: *

Age: *

Gender: *

Citizenship: *

Present address: *

Permanent address (if different from present address):

Phone number: *

Email address: *

Please upload your résumé: *

ALL APPLICANTS OVER AGE 21 WITHOUT DEPENDENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED IF YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGES.

Section #2: References

Please list the three persons whom you’ve asked to be a reference for you. (See instructions.) Include their name, phone number, and email address.

Reference #1: *

Reference #2: *

Reference #3: *

Section #3: Character Portrait

On a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the highest), rate yourself according the character traits below. Be honest. There should be a balance in your responses.

Creativity *

Leadership *

Social skills *

Self-esteem *

Cooperation *

Adaptability *

Organization *

Dependability *

Assertiveness *

Self-discipline *

Physical fitness *

Sense of humor *

Common sense *

Decision making *

Dealing with stress *

Ability to work alone *

Communication skills *

Openness to new ideas *

Acceptance of criticism *

Ability to work with others *

Sensitivity to other cultures *

Section #4: Essays

Please answer all the essay questions below. Your answers should be a minimum of one paragraph and maximum of one page.

Mission Statement: Dominican Volunteers USA searches for new frontiers for the faith by inviting men and women to walk with us in mission as volunteers. Together, we respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers, especially those who are poor and marginalized. We live out the Dominican mission of proclaiming the gospel through our ministry, common life, prayer, and study within a diverse, intergenerational community.

1) Comment on how your life experience relates to the mission of Dominican Volunteers. *

2) Why do you want to do service? Mention specific experiences that led you to consider volunteer work. *

3) Why do you want to live in community? What are your expectations for communal living? *

4) What social and/or justice issue concerns you most? Why? *

5) What kinds of situations do you find stressful? How do you deal with stress? Give a concrete example. *

6) Describe your family background. What do you enjoy most about your family? What do you find most difficult about your family? *

7) Describe any experiences you have had of other cultures. These might include study or travel abroad, working or living in a different culture or region, friends or co-workers of other cultures, etc. *

8) Referring to the character portrait on the previous page, describe your personality using at least two of the traits. Please comment on characteristics that you consider strengths as well as areas for growth. Give examples. *

Section #5: Family Background/ Information

Father's name, address, and telephone number: *

Mother's name, address, and telephone number: *

Please list name and ages of all immediate family members: *

Emergency contact name, address, and telephone number: *

Section #6: Placement Interests

Please check all geographic regions you are willing to be placed in:

Do you have a preference as to where in the U.S. you would like to serve? If so, where? *

Section #6: Placement Interests (continued)

Please rank your top five ministry options:

Please note ministry options vary year to year.

First ministry choice/ interest: *

Second ministry choice/ interest: *

Third ministry choice/ interest: *

Fourth ministry choice/ interest: *

Fifth ministry choice/ interest: *

If you chose "other", please describe:

Do you have any other ministry preferences? These might include age group, rural/urban setting, ethnic or racial group, etc.

Section #7: Health/ Wellness

1. Describe any medical conditions that may affect your service or placement choice. These might include physical or mental disabilities, chronic illness, medication, allergies, dietary restrictions, or any other health conditions of which we should be aware. *

2. Have you ever been in counseling? If so, please give a brief explanation. Please also describe any diagnoses and medications taken related to mental health. (Note: DVUSA considers counseling to be a healthy choice in dealing with emotional stress.) *

3. Are you in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction? If so, please provide a brief description, including length of time in recovery. *

4. Will you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability in order for you to join the program? If yes, please explain. *

5. When was your last check up? *

Section #8: Odds and Ends

Is there any other information not requested in this application that you would like us to know?

Do you speak any other languages in addition to English? *

Will you be bringing a car? *

If you will be bringing a car, do you have the necessary insurance?

Have you ever been arrested? *

If you have been arrested, please describe:

Section #8: Odds and Ends (continued)

The DVUSA Orientation will be held early- mid August and is required. Placement start dates vary but generally directly follow after orientation. Are you available to start then? *

How did you hear about Dominican Volunteers USA? *

Are you applying to other programs? Please list: *

Section #9: Conclusion

I attest that all information contained in this application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Electronic Signature:

Date:

Don't forget to have your three references submit their recommendations online. Also, be sure to send us your post-secondary transcripts.

We cannot interview you until your application is complete! We'll contact you as soon as possible to discuss your application. Please do not hesitate to call if you have questions regarding placements or the status of your application.

Thank you for applying to Dominican Volunteers USA!