Volunteering @ SCIHelping men and women of maritime commerce

seamenschurch.org

Another world ... just around the corner

Looking at a loaded tank barge, you might be surprised to hear that it carries enough gasoline to keep 2,500 automobiles running for an entire year.

Waking up in a place where George Lucas-type creatures roam the earth, you might think you are on the set of a Hollywood film.

These larger-than-life experiences occur as part of the daily workings of our maritime transportation system, a global industry that moves billions of dollars of goods around the world each year.

On the edges of our towns—on the riverbanks and the docks—exists another world about which we can justly marvel. How can a crew of 25 people be in charge of a colossal ship that from end to end runs longer than three football fields? How can the captain of a towing vessel squeeze a barge tow carrying more than 26,000 tons of cargo into a lock with just 2½ feet of clearance on either side?

The answer lies in a skilled, professional maritime workforce, working night and day in conditions that would intimidate the bravest of souls.

Over 90% of all goods imported to our country arrive on international cargo ships, and inland waterways transport our nation’s grain exports, domestic petroleum products, and coal. It may seem like Hollywood magic, but real men and women make all this possible.

We might think that, in this day and age, the entire shipping industry operates without any risks of personal injury, or that because of super-speed planes and trains, a journey from one continent to another takes just a few hours.

In reality, highly skilled mariners work long days and perform their responsibilities to rigorous standards. They spend extended periods away from their own

Come See for Yourself.

Get Involved. Over time, we have heard many people say when they talk about what happens on their own shores and along their own rivers, “I had no idea!” A glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work of mariners stirs something inside.

Once you get to know the world of the mariner, the work and mission of SCI may inspire you. Since 1834, SCI has cared for the personal, professional, and spiritual needs of mariners working around the globe. With a network of volunteers nationwide, SCI makes sure that no matter where their rigorous work takes them, mariners have someone on whom they can depend.

SCI lifts the veil covering the anonymous work of maritime commerce by asking ordinary persons to come out, witness, and participate in our daily ministry. In the port, aboard a ship, or at one of our centers, there is another world … just around the corner.

Here meet the men and women who transport cargo across the world’s unpredictable waters and get to know people from other places and walks of life with whom we all are connected. Every day, SCI encounters hundreds of mariners and port workers. Their generous spirit and dedication touches us. We think it will touch you, too.

Volunteering at SCI allows a caring community to thank mariners with their gifts of time and talent. Some people volunteer through regular visits to SCI centers. Others volunteer in their own churches or homes. SCI offers many ways volunteers of varying ages and abilities can contribute to the work of the Institute.

homes and families. Mariners routinely face dangerous waters and volatile weather. International seafarers must cope with the threat of pirates.

All of this happens largely undercover. Ask someone from where the shirt on his back comes, and looking at the label, he may say, “China.” Ask how it got here. How did his shirts, computer, car, and the oil in his car get to him?

Knitting

Volunteers from around the country knit garments as tangible symbols of SCI’s mission of hospitality. Each year, SCI distributes these warming gifts to mariners far away from home through its Christmas at Sea program (CAS).

Knitting groups around the country connect with SCI in weekly meetings at churches and at knitting-sponsored events. Through online sites like Ravelry and the CAS blog, SCI works with hundreds of volunteers to make the program effective.

Collecting items for mariners

Perhaps it seems ironic that mariners, who work to deliver goods from around the world to our homes and workplaces, can find it difficult to obtain the same items of modern convenience. With long stretches on the water and great distances from home, mariners miss the conveniences that land-dwellers often take for granted.

In consultation with chaplains and mariners, SCI has compiled a list of items that can be found at most ordinary supermarkets but which make an extraordinary impact in the lives of others. It includes items like hand lotion, lip balm, playing cards and word games in new, unused condition.

Service Projects for Children

SCI provides excellent volunteer service projects that are easy to coordinate. SCI can get you, your church, or civic group set up with the materials needed to get people motivated. Mariners say they most enjoy the handmade Christmas cards they receive from children each year.

Volunteer ship visiting

At international ports, ships dock for only a few hours, and many times seafarers cannot disembark. SCI chaplains and ship visitors take hospitality aboard the vessel, bringing cell phones and phone cards, reading materials, and friendly faces. If seafarers do have shore leave, SCI representatives provide transportation to the International Seafarers’ Center or nearby stores.

Welcoming cruise ship workers

Volunteers work with staff at SCI’s Passenger Ship Terminal Hospitality Center in Red Hook, Brooklyn to welcome thousands of cruise ship workers each year, providing pastoral care and business services like wire transfers, calling cards, Internet, and cell phones.

Offering hospitality at SCI’s seafarers’ centers

SCI’s hospitality centers provide smiling faces and helpful hands. Volunteers make seafarers feel at home. They greet visitors, exchange stories, play games, watch television, and share cups of coffee.

Other Opportunities

Volunteers at SCI have many different schedules, personalities, and interests. They bring special talents, and SCI values the variety of their contributions. If you have a skill to offer or an interest in participating in fundraising for the Institute, let us know.

Want to Find Out More?To learn more about volunteer opportunities at SCI, speak with a chaplain or email volunteer@seamenschurch.org. To see SCI’s ministry firsthand, arrange a visit to one of our seafarers’ centers by emailing chaplain@seamenschurch.org.

__________________________________________Name

__________________________________________Street Address

__________________________________________City, State, Zip

__________________________________________Phone

__________________________________________Email

I am interested in the following volunteer opportunities:

Greeter/Hospitality Service Projects Driver Knitter Ship Visitor Other __________________________________

Please summarize your background as it relates to your chosen volunteer activity.

Certain volunteer assignments may require a background check depending on the responsibilities. Volunteers are representatives of SCI and are required to follow SCI policies and Code of Conduct.

I cannot volunteer but would like to donate $ _____________________________ .

I would like to provide the following in-kind gift to assist SCI with its mission:

I am interested in becoming an SCI volunteer.

Application

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