Application process

AVODAH is no longer accepting applications for the 2008-2009 program year. If you would like to be notified when the application for the 2009-2010 program year becomes available, please e-mail info( put the “at” symbol here )avodah.net.

Important Dates

• Reference Deadline: TBA
• Application Deadline: TBA
• Interviews: Typically, this happens in February and March. We will interview candidates with completed applications on a rolling basis.
• Matching Process: This process runs from March through May.

The following are the steps to be accepted into the program.

1. Fill out on-line Application
   • Complete Essays
   • Upload Resume and Photo
   • Make sure your computer has the right settings to complete the application
2. Submit Reference Letters
   • Submit 3 letters of reference from a volunteer or work supervisor who is familiar with you and your professional/volunteer experience. We do not accept letters of reference from family members, friends, or academic references from professors.
   • Download the reference form here if necessary
3. Interview
   • We will contact qualified applicants to set up a phone interview.
   • If you live or are visiting one of our program sites we encourage you to let us know so we can schedule a meeting or an in-person interview. Please do not go out of your way to travel to one of our program cities since we interview most applicants over the phone.
4. Receive Notification of Your Status
   • After your interview you will be notified if you will be admitted to the matching process, placed on a wait list, or not accepted to the program. Please note that if placed on the wait list there is still a good chance that you will be accepted into the program.
5. Match with Your Placement Site
   • If selected, the next stage is matching you with one of the anti-poverty non-profit organizations with which we have negotiated excellent positions. You will receive a list of available worksites and position descriptions. You will be asked to review the list and rank your top three choices.
   • Your rankings will be sent to non-profit organizations. They will contact you if interested in moving forward with an interview.
   • You may be asked to have several interviews with different worksites. This process can take a few weeks as there are many candidates, so it is important that you are available by phone to speak with potential employers.
   • The matching process can have several rounds, and not everyone will match in the first round. You have only been officially accepted to the program once you have been matched with a worksite.
6. Acceptance into AVODAH
   • You will be asked to sign a three-way contract with AVODAH, and your worksite. This contract lists expectations and commitments for the program year. Once you have successfully matched with a worksite, you will be asked to make a one-year commitment to AVODAH by signing the agreement.
   • Upon acceptance to AVODAH, we will ask that you raise money towards your participation in the program, with a goal of raising $1,000.  AVODAH’s success is based on strong working partnerships between AVODAH, Corps members and alumni, placement organizations, and hundreds of community supporters. We make this request both to address practical needs and because we believe that fundraising is an invaluable skill for people who want to bring about change. It serves as a way for incoming Corps members to engage friends, family and others in the excitement about their new adventure.  Upon acceptance to the program, AVODAH will provide fundraising training, tips, and support so that you can get started right away.
   • Please note that reaching the fundraising goal is not a requirement for participation in AVODAH, but new Corps members will to be asked to join this effort upon acceptance to the program. Please feel free to speak with an AVODAH staff person at any time if you would like further information or have concerns.