We want to
collaborate with you!
We want to collaborate with you!
Are you carrying the full weight of recruiting, training, and planning for incoming volunteers?
Do you desire to do more in your community but lack the resources to make it happen?
Could you use the support of encouraging and reliable ministry partners?
We value your work and want to partner with you!
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Each year, Experience Mission connects thousands of volunteers to local non-profit organizations and ministries across the U.S. and around the world.
We recruit, train, and support Christian volunteer teams and individuals, as well as provide on-the-ground leadership and facilitation of larger groups.
Become an EM Partner Organization and we'll do everything we can to help your vision thrive while challenging volunteers to love their neighbors and serve in healthier ways.
3 Ways We Partner with YOU
1. Connect individual volunteers with you for 1-6 weeks
EM BRIDGE volunteers (1-3 people) stay with host families or on your campus and help with a specific project or need while they connect to the community, culture, and mission of your organization.
2. Connect volunteer teams to your mission for 6-10 days
EM Group Mission Trip teams (6-40+ people) participate in work projects and relational ministry with your organization. EM is available to help guide teams through any or all parts of the mission trip process (recruiting, servicing support, pre-trip training, and on-the-ground leadership), depending on the level of partnership you select.
3. Bring small teams to your community for 1-2 months
EM IMMERSION teams (5-15 young adults) live with host families and partner with your mission to serve in practical ways while immersing in local culture, life, and community.
FILL OUT AN INTEREST FORM BREAKDOWN OF PARTNERSHIP POSSIBILITIES BREAKDOWN OF PARTNERSHIP POSSIBILITIES
See a way we could support you differently? Let us know on your interest form!
Volunteers to help move your mission forward
Finding volunteers is hard, especially recruiting them from across the country or around the world. We do the work to find groups and individuals who will help you in the ways you need it. From large groups tackling work projects or putting on kids programs to individuals with specific skills in areas your non-profit needs help.
Less time worrying about volunteer logistics
If you've tried managing volunteers on your own, you know it can be a lot of work—but it's the kind of work we love. As an EM partner organization, we let you focus on the work right in front of you as we handle the logistics of recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers in the run-up to their trip. For group trips, we often are able to provide on-the-ground leadership to help guide larger teams through their experience serving.
Exposure to a wider network of future supporters
Connecting to volunteers from across the country or around the world exposes your mission to a wider audience of people who may connect with your work longterm. We've seen over and over how volunteers who have a meaningful experience are moved to give financially or come to serve again, well after they return home.
Opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural exchange
No one knows your community—the people, the history, the needs—quite like you. Hosting volunteers from out of town provides them an opportunity to learn about new realities they wouldn't otherwise encounter. Whether it be issues of race, justice, or merely experiencing life and faith lived out in different ways, this cross-cultural exchange is an incredibly healthy way to build bridges between communities and help each of us to see each other as our neighbor, brother, or sister.
Volunteers to help move your mission forward
Finding volunteers is hard, especially recruiting them from across the country or around the world. We do the work to find groups and individuals who will help you in the ways you need it. From large groups tackling work projects or putting on kids programs to individuals with specific skills in areas your non-profit needs help.
Less time worrying about volunteer logistics
If you've tried managing volunteers on your own, you know it can be a lot of work—but it's the kind of work we love. As an EM partner organization, we let you focus on the work right in front of you as we handle the logistics of recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers in the run-up to their trip. For group trips, we even provide on-the-ground leadership to help guide larger teams through their experience serving.
Exposure to a wider network of future supporters
Connecting to volunteers from across the country or around the world exposes your mission to a wider audience of people who may connect with your work longterm. We've seen over and over how volunteers who have a meaningful experience are moved to give financially or come to serve again, well after they return home.
Opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural exchange
No one knows your community—the people, the history, the needs—quite like you. Hosting volunteers from out of town provides them an opportunity to learn about new realities they wouldn't otherwise encounter. Whether it be issues of race, justice, or merely experiencing life and faith lived out in different ways, this cross-cultural exchange is an incredibly healthy way to build bridges between communities and help each of us to see each other as our neighbor, brother, or sister.
We’d love to connect with you!
We’d love to connect with you!
Relationships are incredibly important to us, so every partnership starts by simply getting to know each other better. Fill out our partner interest form to get started and a member of our team will connect with you about a potential partnership.
FILL OUT AN INTEREST FORM BREAKDOWN OF PARTNERSHIP POSSIBILITIES
BREAKDOWN OF PARTNERSHIP POSSIBILITIES
Only takes a few minutes!
EM’s heart for missions
EM’s heart for missions
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FAQs
FAQs
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Application Process
How do I apply for EM's Summer Missions Internship?
Step 1: Submit an application for 2022 when they open in Fall 2021.
Step 2: We will review your application and determine if you qualify for a video interview with a member of our Missions Program staff team.
Step 3: Desired applicants will receive a summer job offer sometime between December 15 and February 28. We will do our best to keep you in the loop as we review applications, conduct interviews, and offer positions to applicants.
What are the requirements to apply for this position?
Internship applicants must be 18-30, at least one year out of high school, and have past job (or significant responsibility) experience. Preferred candidates will be quick learners who possess strong leadership abilities, good communication skills, and the ability to problem-solve and work with a team. Intangible skills like commitment, perseverance, resilience, and the ability to work hard all make great EM Summer Missions Interns. If that sounds like you, we want you to apply!
What is the general timeline for the Summer internship position?
October 4 - November 30: Applications are open and interviews begin with select candidates
December - February: EM Summer Staff are selected and notified
March - May: Summer Missions Program details finalized
Mid-May: Mandatory 5-day training event for all EM Interns
Mid-May - Mid-August: EM Summer Staff lead and serve in communities across the U.S. and beyond
*All dates are subject to change. We recommend completing your application as early as possible. Hired EM Summer Staff members are not guaranteed service for the entire length of the summer.
Can I serve in both the Spring & Summer?
Yes, you can! If you are interested in both a Spring and Summer paid internship position as a Missions Program Coordinator, please fill out an application for Spring and select that you are interested in both positions. NOTE: Selecting that you are interested in both does not mean you will automatically be hired for both positions if accepted, but it is very helpful to know you are willing and available to serve in both seasons!
Job Details
What does this internship entail?
This internship functions more like a leadership position than an apprenticeship. EM Summer Staff members will fill 1 of 3 roles within an EM Missions Community: Trip Coordinator, Construction Coordinator, or Outreach Coordinator. Collectively, you and your Leadership team will be responsible for building and deepening community partnerships and relationships, preparing for and executing all practical aspects of running mission trips in your community, and handling administrative tasks for your community (managing weekly budgets, creating schedules, sharing blogs and photos, etc.). Download the Summer Missions Internship job description here.
What do you mean by “internship”?
This sort of seasonal opportunity is often called an “internship,” but we believe that title sells this position short and doesn’t accurately portray the nature of the work entailed for members of EM’s Summer Staff. With helpful training and external support, each Leadership Staff team (made up of 3-4 Summer Interns) are empowered to lead EM mission trips on their own. You won’t make “coffee runs” or sit on the sidelines watching others. You will learn and grow by doing and leading every single day. So, you can call it an internship, but this incredible growth opportunity comes with more responsibility than a traditional internship. For that reason, we prefer to call our EM Summer Staff positions a job, and we hope those hired see it as one too. (Hopefully, it's the most rewarding job you’ve had so far!)
How many people will I be working alongside?
Each EM Leadership Staff team consists of anywhere from 3-4 people working together to collaborate with local community partners and coordinate all logistics for mission trip volunteers. As a member of EM Summer Staff, you will have your own specific role and responsibilities, but will also work together with your fellow team members on all details and tasks necessary to make trips happen each week.
What training will I receive?
EM Summer Interns each engage in a two-part training. The first half is a 5-day, interactive training event in West Michigan alongside fellow EM Summer Staff serving in various communities across the U.S. The second half is hands-on, on-site job training in the community the week before leading your first mission trip as a new Leadership Team.
Are there additional requirements for hired EM Summer Staff members?
For the safety of all involved in EM missions programs, all Summer Interns are required to have:
- An up-to-date driver's license (valid through the end of your internship)
- Proof of medical insurance
- Current First Aid Certification
- Current CPR Certification
Compensation
How much will I get paid as an EM Summer Intern?
EM Summer Staff are each paid a weekly stipend of $200/week throughout the duration of your service. All living expenses (food and lodging) will be covered during training events and while you are serving in your community. Interns are also given a platform and resources to fundraise additional financial support for the duration of your service with EM if you desire. See next question!
Am I able to fundraise support in addition to my stipend?
Yes! EM Summer Staff have the opportunity to fundraise support alongside your weekly stipend. This is an opportunity to invite family and friends into serving alongside you by giving financially. To kickstart the process, you will have access to helpful fundraising resources and a personal online donation profile on the EM website. Our staff are also experienced fundraisers who can help you get started.
Will I have to pay for anything myself during this internship?
All living expenses (food and lodging) will be covered during training and while you are serving in your community, but all personal items and expenses will be your responsibility.
The only additional expense you will be responsible for is your travel to EM's training event in Fort Wayne, IN, and your travel to and from your assigned location at the beginning and end of the summer. To help with this cost, EM provides each Summer Intern with a travel stipend to go towards these expenses. This stipend is $350 for those serving in domestic (U.S.) communities and $600 for those traveling to international locations. The stipend will help cover the cost, but you will be required to both arrange and pay for these expenses on your own.
Am I able to receive college credit through this internship?
People have done this in the past, and it depends on the requirements of your school and your own initiative to make it happen! We are happy to fill out evaluations from schools upon request. You are responsible for contacting your academic advisor to find out the necessary requirements in order to receive credit.
Job Locations
Where do EM Missions Interns serve?
Experience Mission facilitates short-term mission trips in over 20 different communities across the U.S. and around the world. EM Summer Staff Interns primarily lead mission trips in EM’s domestic communities (with a few exceptions) throughout the Summer months. While communities are subject to change, we currently expect to send Summer Leadership Staff to:
- Atlanta, GA
- New York City
- Washington, D.C.
- Portland, Maine
- Pike County & Beattyville, Kentucky
- McDowell County & Webster Springs, West Virginia
- Navajo Reservation in Arizona & New Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- The Bahamas
- Cuba
Am I able to choose my internship location?
We work hard to determine the best location and team fit for each EM Summer Staff member. We do take your preferences into consideration, however, the ultimate decision rests on team dynamics, necessary skills, and many other factors that play a part in our final placement decisions. We ask all applicants to be willing to serve wherever they’re most needed.
Will I have the opportunity to serve in an international location?
EM interns primarily serve in domestic mission trip communities. There are a few exceptions (most notably in Cuba and Puerto Rico) but these international positions are extremely limited and require all applicants to be fluent in Spanish. If you speak fluent Spanish, please let us know in your application!
Will my friends or family be able to visit me?
This job will require your full focus while mission trip teams are present in your community, but family and friends are welcome to visit you during an off week or on a weekend, with the approval of your full-time EM Supervisor. We expect EM summer Staff to understand that having outside visitors may not be the best for your hosts, your staff team, or the community where you’re serving. So we simply ask that you be respectful and ask ahead of time.
Work Schedule
What are the start and end dates for EM Summer Missions Internship positions?
Exact start and end dates will depend on the community where you are placed, but all hired Summer Leadership Staff can expect to serve for 6-12 weeks, from mid-May to mid-August.
What does an average week look like for EM Missions Interns?
Each week leading a mission trip team will start with preparation for the upcoming week, beginning on a Friday or Saturday and culminating in the volunteer teams’ arrival and orientation on Sunday evening. Once teams arrive, EM Summer Staff are responsible for almost every detail involving missions volunteers—work and service projects, connections with local Christian ministries, daily schedule, meals, morning devotionals, evening debrief, and more. Monday through Thursday each week are “typical” days, involving service or outreach projects during the day, and most mission trips end on a Friday morning.
Responsibilities begin in the morning and end late in the evening! But over and over, we’ve also seen how people who are willing to genuinely engage with partners, volunteers, and community members find a lot of joy and life amidst the busy schedule. Life-long bonds can form over the course of a whole season in one place.
Will I have time off?
This paid ministry position will require your committed investment 24/7 for 6-12 weeks. On occasion, some interns will have 1-2 “off” weeks during your time of service, but we don’t traditionally build in extended periods of time off during the summer. Most weeks are full with little downtime, and weekends are utilized for resting, exploring the community, and preparing for the upcoming week. Because of this busy schedule, it will be incredibly important to find time to rest and recharge during your time of service. At Summer Staff Training, we will go over strategies for making sure these times happen.
About EM
What is the core mission of Experience Mission?
EM exists to help people love and serve others like Jesus—sacrificially, holistically, and whole-heartedly—with all aspects of each person in mind. We currently do this in 3 ways:
- Engaging People to Serve
EM connects people of all ages and backgrounds to go and participate in service and learning experiences that provide an opportunity to come alongside and serve those living in often-overlooked communities while building bridges across cultural, racial, and socio-economic divides. - Developing Leaders
We provide growth and leadership opportunities for young adults who are passionate about living out their faith, concerned with justice and reconciliation, and who desire to understand what it means to “live their mission” in the world. (That includes this position!) - Empowering Communities
EM builds up and empowers people around the world by coming alongside local visions, working together to discover and provide much-needed opportunities to grow and thrive, and committing to local program leadership. This is often accomplished by activating the generosity of volunteers and supporters around the globe.
What denomination is EM a part of?
Experience Mission is an interdenominational Christian organization and is not directly affiliated with any specific denomination. Participants from all denominations are welcome on our mission trips. Our statement of faith, how we share the gospel, and how we engage people of different faiths can be viewed here.
What does EM’s approach to mission trips look like?
We firmly believe the people we serve on mission trips are not our “mission project.” They are valuable creations of God with so much to offer. While it may be obvious that change needs to happen in certain communities, we believe change needs to happen in each of us as well. The EM Model for Mutual Influence seeks to show how this kind of mutual change can best take place. We believe there is a better way than forcing change or imposing our thinking, values, and beliefs on others. Learn more here.
