Dear Jesuit Volunteers and Site Supervisors in Alaska, Idaho, and Montana:

As the COVID-19 virus spreads, it is increasingly likely that Jesuit Volunteers (JVs) will need to continue service remotely. Many JVs serve in an outward facing capacity and return home to a community of other JVs in similar service at a range of locations. Therefore, there is an increased risk of transmitting COVID-19 within JV communities and then to the people they serve. JVC Northwest has already asked JVs in Oregon and Washington to serve remotely beginning next week, with re-evaluation in two weeks.

In the likely event that remote service is necessary, we want JVs to continue to serve to the extent that is possible. AmeriCorps requires pre-approval for any remote service. While the content submitted should be collaborative, JVs should submit a Remote Service Planning Form and Telecommuting Survey to get this pre-approval and to determine whether JVs will be able to continue their service activities remotely or will pursue training hours.

Once submitted, Site Supervisors will receive an email confirmation and have three days to contest the submittal by emailing us at ACAssist@jvcnorthwest.org if there is a problem with the plan. Otherwise, we will presume Site Supervisor approval.

If you have barriers to completing these forms (site is already closed, etc.), please contact us at ACAssist@jvcnorthwest.org.

We will continue to monitor this rapidly developing situation and will be in touch with you regarding further guidance about remote service and planning for training hours if remote service activities are unavailable.

Thank you in advance for coming together during a difficult time. If you have any questions or concerns around this information, please connect.

Sincerely,

Ben Carver

AmeriCorps Program Manager

Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest