Frequently Asked Questions

LeaderworX involves two primary components: community membership & volunteer placements. Both aspects are essential to the formation experience as a whole.

Community Membership

When we talk about the “formation” of community members, we are referring to the process of retreats, conversations, prayer, education and other experiences that help you to discern your direction with other members of the LeaderworX community.

As a community, we will share regular discussions, presentations by Center staff and others, explore readings, celebrate Mass, visit with local organizations and, of course, build a community. During past summers the formation process has included trips to visit a variety of faith and justice organizations including the United Nations, Bread for the World, NETWORK, The Center of Concern, and Catholic Relief Services. Often times these trips afford community members the opportunity to lobby actual public officials on social justice issues.

Volunteer Placements

Your volunteer placements will involve serving in a capacity similar to a camp counselor at our high school and junior high school programs. You will be trained to lead these young people on a weeklong experience of community service, faith development and justice awareness. While these work placements involve a lot of work, past LeaderworX participants have consistently referred to them as the most rewarding jobs of their lives. At LeaderworX, your summer internship is the chance to change the life of a young person. How’s that for fulfillment?!?

But it’s not all work and reflection. We include time to relax, projects tailored to your interests, and chances for the community to have fun. We frequently go out together and participate in recreational activities.

Who can participate in LeaderworX?

LeaderworX is a highly selective internship program limited to twenty young adults from across the country. All participants must be at least twenty-one years old. For those who are not yet twenty-one two week volunteer placements are available on a case by case basis. Please contact the Program Director if you are interested in such a position. In addition to the age requirement, applicants should:

• Have a minimum of three years driving experience, possess a valid drivers license, clean driving record and proof of insurance
• Be a practicing Catholic with a strong sense of Catholic identity
• Be comfortable sharing their life and faith journey in public
• Have an interest in learning more about the social teachings of the Church
• Be willing to live in community with other young adults for the duration of their stay
• Posses a strong work ethic; hours are long and the work demanding
• Be eager to work with young people and to serve at-need populations
• Have a good sense of humor
• Have proven leadership skills

Put another way, we are looking for people of faith committed to the ongoing development of their spiritual life, seeking to respond to the prophetic call of the Gospel. LeaderworX candidates are committed persons of faith, recognize the essential element of community, and are passionate about issues of service and justice. Strong leadership skills, the capacity to take direction, and the ability to live and work with a diverse group of people is essential.

What are the dates for LeaderworX?

Applicants have a couple of options. You may choose to apply for a whole or half summer experience. The whole summer experience begins on June 14th and runs through August 22nd.

If you choose to apply for the first half of the summer only, the program runs from June 14th to July 18th.

If you choose to apply for the second half of the summer only, the program runs from July 18th to August 22nd.

Who runs LeaderworX?

The Center for FaithJustice, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing transformative experiences of faith in action through service, peace and justice, sponsors the LeaderworX program.

What are the accommodations like?

LeaderworX participants will reside at The Center for FaithJustice’s facility in Lawrenceville, NJ - “the CASA.” Located just minutes from beautiful Princeton and one hour by train from New York City and Philadelphia, the Retreat House is an ideal spot to spend a summer. The area has tons of interesting places to visit as well as a bunch of restaurants, music clubs and movie theaters nearby. There is always something to do in your free time!

Details on Room, Board and Stipend

Through the generosity of The Center for FaithJustice, community members will be provided with free room and board for the entirety of their time in the program. Additionally a stipend will be awarded to each LeaderworX participant for each session in which they participate.

FaithJustice Fellowship Scholarship Award

For those applicants whose life circumstances necessitate they generate more income the allotted stipend, the Center for FaithJustice is offering an opportunity to apply for a FatihJustice Fellowhsip Award. The scholarships range in amount from $500 to $2500 and will be awarded based upon each candidate’s application. Scholarship awards will be disbursed upon the successful completion of the Fellowship program. Those accepted to the Fellowship program may have additional duties beyond their volunteer placements.

Can I have a second job while I am at LeaderworX?

No. In addition to the fact that you will be very busy for the duration of the summer, community members are expected to spend time with their community when possible. It is also very important that you take time to relax, reflect and rest! The Fellowship awards reflect our understanding of your need to earn money. By providing room and board, the Center can significantly decrease spending you might otherwise do.

Can I have visitors?

Of course! Visitors are welcome, particularly during non-program periods. Due to safety guidelines and space limitations visitors will have to be cleared with the Program Director. We will attempt to accommodate out of town guests, however incurred expenses (i.e. additional lodging, meals, activity fees, etc.) are at the expense of your visitor.

How do I apply?

The first thing you should do is read through the information on this site. Make sure you understand the nature of this commitment and that you are excited about the possibility. If you are interested, complete the application and send it in to our Program Director. Once your application has been received it will be reviewed by Center staff who will then contact you to discuss your interest. This may lead to a formal interview. Your application and interview responses will then be reviewed. You will be advised within four weeks of your interview about your application status.