Through participation in 4Boston students will:

1. Engage their communities beyond Boston College, through regular volunteering, civic advocacy, and professional discernment
   
   
2. Cultivate regular spiritual practices and habits of discernment and reflection.
   
   
3. Identify systemic pathways of injustice, consider their individual privileges and proximity to marginalized communities, and incorporate their daily understanding of these systems and experiences in daily choices.

What is the volunteer application process?

Interested students should attend an information session before applying online via the Campus Ministry website. Information sessions are typically held in late August and early September of each year and provide the chance to learn more about the various community partners and day-to-day experiences with 4Boston.

ALL participants, both new and returning, must complete an online application each fall. The application asks for basic personal information, brief short-answer responses (for new applicants only), and schedule availability. From there, applications are reviewed and students may or may not be invited to interview to be matched with a 4Boston community partner. Due to the high volume of applicants and matching process, students’ maximum reported schedule availability on their online application is the greatest predictor of a successful volunteer match.

What is the time commitment?
Participating in 4Boston is a significant, year-long commitment, from October to April. We ask all volunteers to dedicate a minimum of 5 hours per-week. Additionally, we ask all participants to attend three-four mandatory program events throughout the year.

How do volunteers get to community partners?
4Boston relies heavily on the MBTA for transportation to and from community partners, and annually distributes Charlie Cards to volunteers. Most 4Boston volunteers use these cards to take the train or bus to their community partner. 4Boston also distributes a select number of Lyft codes each year, reserved exclusively for volunteers serving at sites that are difficult to access via MBTA. A few 4Boston partners are within walking distance from BC’s campus. Additionally, some students with access to a vehicle and parking may choose to drive themselves or carpool to their shift.

What do volunteers do?
4Boston’s community partners broadly span the categories of: Healthcare (i.e. Perkins School for the Blind), Social Service (i.e. St. Francis House), Education (i.e. EVKids).

Within these categories, however, the work of 4Boston varies widely, including a foot washing clinic, disability care and education, eldercare, preschool, adult education, prison education, after school mentoring, classroom support, shelters for adult men and women, and youth shelters.

Do I have to be Catholic to participate?
Our volunteer work and small group reflections raise universal questions of life's meaning and purpose. While 4Boston relies on the Judeo-Christian tradition and Ignatian Spirituality to address these and other issues, people of all faiths and those of no specific religious affiliation are welcome to participate in 4Boston.

What paperwork do volunteers need to fill out in order to participate?
Each 4Boston community partner requires a different set of intake forms before volunteers are able to start, including, but not limited to:

• Vaccination records
• Background checks
• Fingerprinting

Once matched with a community partner, volunteers should confirm with their student leader what documents, if any, they need to submit. All volunteers must attend the 4Boston Commissioning in September—site-specific paperwork and orientations will be covered at this event.

What happens when my Charlie Card runs out?
Charlie Cards are distributed at the 4Boston Commissioning in September of each year.
If you need a replacement Charlie Card you can collect a new one during office hours from the 4Boston Student Office located in Carney 373.

To confirm 4Boston office hours, contact Joseph Citera

How do I get a 4Boston shirt?
Shirts will be available for purchase online. Shirts can be purchased or picked up during 4Boston office hours. All volunteer shirt pre-orders will be distributed at the 4Boston Fall Retreat.

To confirm 4Boston office hours, contact Joseph Citera.

What if I have a conflict and can’t attend a volunteer shift or reflection?
We expect that 4Boston volunteers will not miss more than four (4) volunteer shifts or reflections per year or two (2) volunteer shifts or reflections each semester.

If a volunteer knows they will be late/absent to a volunteer shift, they must notify their Student Leader AND Volunteer Coordinator 48 hours before via email or text message.

If a volunteer knows they will be tardy/absent to a reflection, they must notify their Student Leader 24 hours before via email or text message.

If a volunteer is found to be missing more than the allotted number of shifts or reflections, they will be asked to meet with the Program Director to determine whether their priorities are aligned with the 4Boston’s goals; extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration by the Program Director and Student Leaders during this discussion.

Who do I talk to if...?

• I need a letter of recommendation.
• I have a great idea for a new 4Boston partner.
• I have a great idea for a small group reflection.
• I have a great idea for a keynote speaker for a 4Boston event.
• I'd like to promote an event/fundraiser that's happening at my community partner site.
• There's been an incident at my volunteer shift or in my reflection.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Joseph Citera, Program Director

For general inquiries, contact us at: 4bostonvolunteers@bc.edu