Volunteer Venture

Volunteer Venture is a service-learning Leading Edge program for incoming students. Sponsored by the Shepherd Program, VV allows participants to build meaningful relationships and explore issues related to poverty, injustice and opportunity through service with community-based agencies, guest speakers, and group discussion related to a thematic issue: 1) Food and Housing Insecurity; 2) Law and Justice; or 3) Social Determinants of Health.

Volunteer Venture trips are facilitated by upper-class student leaders who are excited to meet you and make this the trip of a lifetime! We hope to make your introduction to Washington and Lee a memorable and meaningful experience. For questions about the Volunteer Venture program, please contact Jenny Davidson, Assistant Director of the Shepherd Program, jdavidson@wlu.edu or 540-458-4669.  For questions regarding registration, please email theleadingedge@wlu.edu or 540-458-8754.

“Volunteer Venture has definitely had an impact on me in that I am more confident in my ability to get involved in the community in which I live.” -VV2019 Participant

“I deeply enjoyed the discussions we shared as a group. The trip leaders were extremely open and understanding throughout all our conversations. The bonding activities were also great because we all got to know one another well from the start, which enriched the discussions we had since we all felt comfortable sharing our perspectives with honesty, humility, and respect.” -VV2020 Participant

Trip Highlights and Overview:

•  Meet your group and trip leaders the first afternoon for an official welcome and start of programming. You’ll spend the first night in your dorm room before heading out Monday morning.
• Upon arriving in your destination city you’ll arrive at your housing (most often a church gymnasium) and begin orienting to the city and topic of choice.
•  Breakfast will be provided at your housing each morning and you’ll pack brown bag lunches throughout the week. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated but please be sure to communicate any needs to your trip leaders.
•  Be sure to pack clothes for a variety of volunteer sites and one nicer outfit for an alumni event. Don’t forget a sleeping bag, toiletries, a water bottle, hats, closed toe shoes and sunscreen!
• There will be a bit of down time each day, but most of the time will be spent in the group participating in group activities or involved in service.
• Trips return to campus by noon on Friday. Reflect on the experience in the afternoon and conclude with a Leading Edge dinner on Canaan Green.

We hope to make your introduction to Washington and Lee a memorable and meaningful experience. For questions about the Volunteer Venture program, please contact Jenny Davidson, Assistant Director of the Shepherd Program, jdavidson@wlu.edu or 540-458-4669.  For questions regarding registration, please email leadingedge@wlu.edu or 540-458-8037.