Going home for a break? If a service year has been on your mind, this is a good time to bring it up with your parents.
That conversation can feel bigger than it needs to be. Your parents love you, so they’ll have questions. That’s a good sign. It means they’re taking you seriously.
Here’s how to start, what they’ll probably ask and where to find real answers together.
Start with why
Before you get into costs and dates, tell them what’s pulling you toward this. Maybe you want real work experience before you choose a career. Maybe you want to put your faith into practice in an everyday way. Maybe you miss the community you had at school and want to find it again before the next big step.
Parents can work with a reason. What worries them is a plan that seems to come out of nowhere.
Try something simple: “I’ve been thinking about what’s next, and I’d like your help thinking it through.”
The questions parents ask most
“Who would you be living with?”
There are two programs, built for different stages of life. In both programs, you live with other participants and a host congregation welcomes your unit house into community worship, small groups and shared meals. During the week, you’d serve with a local organization.
Service Adventure is for ages 17 to 20. You’d live in a house with other young adults and unit leaders for about 10 months.
Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) is for adults 20 and older. You’d share a house with other volunteers in an intentional community, with a local leader nearby.
“Is it safe?”
This question usually comes first. It deserves a straight answer, not a promise that nothing will ever go wrong.
Each unit starts with an orientation that covers house guidelines, local history and getting around town. You’ll have housemates, a host congregation and coworkers at your placement who know the neighborhood well.
If your parents have questions about a specific placement, Mission Network staff are glad to talk with them directly.
“How much will this cost us?”
Probably less than they expect.
Food, housing and transportation are provided in both programs, and you get a modest monthly stipend. MVS potentially includes health insurance, if needed. (Though most participants are still covered by their parent’s health plans.)
Both programs ask your home community to contribute $4,000. Often that’s a congregation, family and friends working together. You can ask someone from home to be your advocate and help you raise it. Mission Network says the amount shouldn’t stop anyone from applying, since there are many ways to meet it.
Looking at MVS with student loans? Ask about scholarships for volunteers who complete a term, and whether your loans can be put on hold during your service. Don’t let your financial situation stop you from serving.
“What about college?”
If you’re heading to college after high school, many schools will hold your spot or scholarship for a year, but every school has its own rules. Check with your admissions office before you commit. Some schools may also give credit for Service Adventure, so ask the registrar too.
If you’re already in college or just finished, a service year gives you full-time work experience, references and a clearer sense of what you want to do next.
“What happens after the year?”
Some parents worry that one year will turn into forever. That’s usually not the case for Service Adventure participants. They move on to college or whatever is next. But when it comes to MVS participants, the honest answer is sometimes it does turn into a little longer term, and that can be a good thing. After all, building community takes time. .
MVS terms are one year, and volunteers can choose to extend for one or two more. Some stay because they’ve found work they care about and neighbors they want to keep walking alongside. Others go back to school or start a career. Either way, it’s a choice you’ll make along the way, and your family can be part of that conversation.
Tips for the conversation
- Pick a calm moment. Not in the middle of holiday plans or the night before you leave.
- Bring the facts. Open the MVS FAQ or Service Adventure FAQ and look things up together.
- Listen first. Let them share their worries before you answer.
- Invite them in. Ask if they’d like to talk with someone from Mission Network.
- Don’t push for a decision. This can be the first of a few conversations.
A note for parents
If your son or daughter sent you this page, thank you for reading.
We know this decision touches your whole family. A service year means your child would live away from home, share a house with people you haven’t met and serve in a community that may be new to both of you. Wanting answers is natural.
Here’s what we want you to know. Participants live in community with other young adults, connect with a local congregation and serve alongside local organizations. Food, housing and transportation are provided. Each unit is supported by a unit leader, congregation, and Mennonite Mission Network staff.
You’re welcome to ask us anything directly. We’re glad to talk with parents before, during and after the year.
Take the next step together
If you’re both curious, fill out the interest form together. It takes a few seconds, and someone from Mission Network will reach out to answer your questions. It’s a conversation, not a commitment.
Remember: applying by January 31 gives you the widest choice of placements. Tell us about yourself and start the conversation today.
