{"id":43081,"date":"2019-09-03T18:11:42","date_gmt":"2019-09-03T22:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=43081"},"modified":"2019-09-06T13:08:43","modified_gmt":"2019-09-06T17:08:43","slug":"mccs-voluntary-service-program-salt-places-four-from-emu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2019\/mccs-voluntary-service-program-salt-places-four-from-emu\/","title":{"rendered":"MCC\u2019s voluntary service program SALT places four from EMU"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Three Eastern Mennonite University graduates and a rising sophomore have begun terms with the Serving and Learning Together<\/a> (SALT) program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As participants in the year-long Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) cross-cultural voluntary service program, \u201cSALTers\u201d serve with a local agency while living with host families or in communal settings such as dormitories or teacher housing. Their assignments correlate to their skills and professional interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s 39 SALTers have been placed in 25 countries, said program coordinator Wade Snowdon. The program has historically attracted a number of EMU graduates. In 2015, a record-high number of nine EMU alumni<\/a> served (out of 51 total participants).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At that time, Snowdon noted that EMU alumni are characterized by their proven \u201cdesire for and understanding of peace and social justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey come to us with a firm foundation in what it means to humbly work alongside communities in need in ways that are empowering and help to maintain the dignity of those we serve,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The year of service often contributes to a strong resume and the development of attributes that employers find attractive, including strong communication skills, creativity and adaptability, and a well-rounded and versatile skill set, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three 2019 graduates and their assignments, which include some in areas of sensitivity, are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n