Pepperdine Volunteer Center
Volunteer Opportunities
Project Serve: Frequently Asked Questions
How much will this cost?
Project Serve teams have a range of costs depending on length and location. The Project Serve trips for 2009 ranged from $200-$1100 per person. The cost of the trip varies from year to year depending on airline costs, organization fees, and room/board. The specific costs for each trip is listed in the site catalog.
Will there be fundraising opportunities?
There will be three different types of fundraising options for each participant.
1. Individual Fundraising: Each participant will be encouraged to write letters to family, friends, church members, etc. to invite them to contribute to the service that students will be doing on Project Serve. Participants will be given a sample fundraising letter and each team leader will support members in their efforts. Historically, we have found that this is the most successful form of fundraising.
2. Team Fundraising: During your first few meetings with your new Project Serve team you will discuss group fundraising ideas. Your team leader will come up with some ideas, but we encourage group members to think creatively about this as well. Past team fundraisers have included: pizza delivery for the cafe; homecoming calling; car washes; babysitting; pictures with "Santa;" knitting & selling scarves; and bake sales. Team fundraisers can be highly successful, very creative and create great team unity!
3. Project Serve Fundraising: The PS staff and Team Leaders will be working together to develop a large PS fundraiser. The money raised during this fundraiser will be credited to all PS members that actively participate. While this fundraiser will most definitely help, participants should not rely solely on this event. The money raised will be divided among many people and therefore, may have the smallest impact on a participant's fundraising goal.
It is recommended that participants achieve their fundraising goal through all three of these opportunities. It is unlikely that participants will be able to raise all of their money by only participating in one of these fundraising options. However, many students successfully raise a large portion of their program fee. If you are at all concerned about fundraising or the costs in general, please contact Harris Kenny or Kathryn Hosey at x4143.
When will I need to turn in my money?
The first 50% of the program fee is due to the Volunteer Center by December 5, 2008. The second half of the program fee is due to the Volunteer Center by February 2, 2009.
Can I request to go on a specific team?
Absolutely. On the application you will be asked a series of questions to help you determine which team(s) you would like to apply for. It also allows you to tell us what your top four choices are and which teams, if any, you do not want to be on. When making selections we consider your preferences, the number allowed on each team, and the team dynamics. We do our best to place you where you want to go; however, it is important to realize that not all participants get their first choice.
Can I go on a trip with my residence hall, Greek affiliation, or Bible study group?
All team members are selected individually to create a dynamic and specialized team. Project Serve is designed to expand your network of friends and to build new relationships.
When will I know what team I am on?
All Project Serve applicants will find out what team they were selected for at Site Revelation on Wednesday, November 5th beginning at 9PM. At this event, teams will have the opportunity to meet together for the first time and begin getting to know each other better and their site.
Can I purchase my own airline ticket?
In most cases you cannot purchase your airline ticket. We buy them as a group, which not only gives us a reduced rate in some cases, but also ensures that the entire team travels together. This is important for your safety and makes it easier on the organization you are visiting. If you have a special circumstance, please feel free to contact us regarding this issue (i.e. you have frequent flyer miles).
Will we have free time on our trip?
We believe that a good Project Serve trip has a balance of direct service, education, reflection and fun! Therefore, there will be free time and at least one fun group outing built into each teams' itinerary. Please know, though, the purpose of Project Serve is to contribute significantly to the community to which you are traveling. Therefore, you are expected to stay with the group and to participate fully in all of the group's activities. There will not be time for you to site-see on your own.
Who is eligible for this program?
If you are a Pepperdine student, staff or faculty member and willing to serve -- You are eligible!
Who do I contact if I still have more questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Harris Kenny or Kathryn Hosey at projectserve@pepperdine.edu. You can also call the Volunteer Center at (310) 506-4143.
