Volunteer Web

Volunteer with us in El Salvador

"FIAT," the word

FIAT was first the word of Mary: “Fiat, let God make it happen in me,” let God’s will be done in sending the Son, Jesus. FIAT is the motto of Handmaids who through the focus of Ignatian spirituality, propose to “Seek and find God in all things.”

FIAT, the project

Project FIAT stateside began many years ago with Handmaids volunteering some summer free time for service projects to reach out to needy communities. It has continued through community outreach in Miami, Philadelphia, Peru, Panama, Jamaica, Cameroon, and El Salvador.

During Project FIAT International, participants leave the comfort, efficiency, and competitiveness of their culture, to enter to some extent into the values, experiences, and limiting circumstances with which billions of the world’s people live. Read about one volunteer's experience here.

Couples and families are welcome to join us for a life changing experience. A Canadian couple has shared with us their moving "turning point" in El Salvador. If you, too, are ready for a turning point, apply today.

FIAT participants accompany a Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to San Salvador, El Salvador, where sisters and friends have built Casa del Voluntariado Santa Rafaela Maria (a residence for volunteers). Participants stay approximately ten days. Longer stays can be arranged.

Upcoming Mission Experiences 2009:

Dec 27, '08 - Jan 3
Jan 3 - 10 (filled)
Jan 10 - 17
Feb 28 - March 7
March 7 - 14
June 1 - 9
June 11 - 19
June 22 - 30
July 2 -10
July 12 - 20
July 22 - 30
August 11 - 19

Other dates can be arranged for groups of ten or more volunteers.

We invite you to learn about our mission by viewing the Project FIAT International manual and List of Supplies (PDFs available below). The manual describes how we approach the volunteer experience, what we expect of our volunteers, and details such as immunization requirements and fundraising. The list of supplies tells you what to bring and what not to bring to your El Salvador experience. Once you apply to participate, we can supply you with a fundraising letter which introduces potential donors to our mission in El Salvador.

To apply for a mission experience, click here to apply online, or click here to view a printable application form which you can mail to us.

Application Form

Project FIAT Manual

List of Supplies

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Read what the press has to say about our mission!
¡O en español aqui!