AWF Conference UMVIM Coordinator: Open
Click here to watch an informative video about UMVIM and why it is so important and relevant.
What Is UMVIM?
United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) is the official short-term mission agency of the of the United Methodist Church. UMVIM promotes, encourages, and enables Christians to exemplify “Christian Love In Action” through short-term mission service in the United States and abroad. UMVIM "exists to enable the participation of persons from throughout the world in global mission volunteer programs and projects so that affirming, empowering, and trusting relationships are established." (2008 Book of Discipline, ¶1313.5)
Why UMVIM?
UMVIM provides opportunities for service by developing and nurturing relationships with domestic and international leaders. UMVIM continually fosters contacts with leaders to respond to the needs of local communities and to provide comprehensive project information. UMVIM teams are sent to a country or area only when invited by an appropriate church leader or accepted non-governmental agency. Projects are evaluated and project leaders are accountable to UMVIM.
How to Develop an UMVIM Team?
One principle of UMVIM is that team leaders should be trained to appropriately lead teams and that team members should be trained by their leaders in how to properly serve in the mission field. An understanding of expectations before and during a mission experience and an awareness of how to deal with cultural differences is critical to a successful mission experience.
If you are a potential team leader, click here to see UMVIM Team Leader Training opportunities in the Conference. Many Conferences require all UMVIM Team Leaders to be officially trained. Since the Alabama-West Florida Conference has not extensively offered training in the Conference, we are not requiring TLT, but do highly recommend it.
If you wish to develop a mission team through UMVIM, click here to visit the Southeastern Jurisdiction UMVIM Website. Select the type of trip to download forms that must be sent to UMVIM at least two weeks prior to departure (preferably MUCH sooner). There are also forms on this page that should be completed and given to the Team Leader.
Click here to see about the process of sending an UMVIM team. One major advantage of registering with UMVIM is that you can purchase travel insurance at a low price. This insurance is the best around and covers:
See UMVIM Travel Insurance for more information.
To see a video about UMVIM click here. Click on UMVIM, SEJ Intro Video
Conference UMVIM Coordinator
The Alabama-West Florida Conference Volunteers in Mission Coordinator works with the Conference UMVIM Leadership Team to coordinate Volunteers in Mission ministries. The coordinator will work to match volunteers with mission opportunities; to be responsive to volunteers' desire to serve; to train and mobilize volunteers for mission volunteer service; to disseminate information on what is happening in the area for a short-term VIM programs and to educate, equip and empower you to experience "Christian Love in Action.“