Life In Community
The House.
As part of the Tucson Voluntary Service unit you will share community life in a spacious house situated between Shalom Mennonite Fellowship and Community Home Repair Project of Arizona, (CHRPA, one of Tucson’s service placement opportunities). The unit has one vehicle and commuter bikes for volunteers, with easy access to a main bike path. The unit also houses backyard chickens, features an outdoor shower, and is powered by solar panels on the roof.
The City.
Tucson is a vibrant university city (University of Arizona), close to the Mexican border, and neighboring the land of the Tohono O'odham Nation. This unique placement makes Tucson a city rich with heritage and culture, and even has the distinction of being the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States! Tucson offers many free or low-cost activities including: biking, hiking, and camping in four mountain ranges that surround the city, festivals, community bike rides, concerts, museums, shows, and special events.
Daily Life.
Intentional community is encouraged within the house, and in the larger community. Each member takes part fully in the daily activities of cooking, cleaning, and upkeep of the house. The unit is encouraged to share meals together and to engage in fun outings as a house. Weekly and monthly house meetings are seen as opportunities for conducting business and for the mutual sharing and support that is necessary for building close communities.
Experience New Places.
Tucson MVS participants take part in the national MVS retreat during the winter or spring at a Mennonite camp within the US. Our house members have also had opportunities to visit the Grand Canyon, Puerto Peñasco (a beach town in Mexico), and even San Diego (only six hours away). In addition, there are opportunities for camping with Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, hiking, and spending several days touring the Mexican border.