Fundraising doesn’t make sense to me – can you explain?
Each missionary builds a team of mission partners who agree to support their mission work. An important part of the formation offered by CP includes instruction on how to successfully support-raise. We believe that the relationship built between missionaries and their financial support team is an important part of building the foundation upon which The Culture Project thrives. Our missionaries would not be able to execute their mission without the spiritual and moral support of their personal support teams.
The Culture Project’s recognises a non-profit’s success is the direct result of the gratuity of others, and therefore utilises the model of deputised fundraising. Secondly, we affirm the Church’s Social Teachings on the dignity of work and one’s right to a just wage. Therefore, the Culture Project utilises support raising to sustain and compensate its mission staff employees.
Support raising is itself a ministry. By allowing the members of the Church to fund this work, we are reminded that we are working directly for the people of God. Fundraising acts as a unique method of evangelisation to a missionary’s respective home community. Through a personal invitation to become a mission partner, missionaries are able to proclaim the messages of human dignity and sexual integrity to their own communities. Restoration of our culture does not happen solely by interacting with youth, but also through intentionality in our own communities, enriching relationships and learning from those who support our mission
There is a minimum amount per month that each missionary must raise. However, the true amount of monthly income should be based on expenses, bills, loans, administrative fees, and other needs necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. We understand financial provision for these basics are crucial in order to have the freedom to effectively serve on mission. For this reason, the Culture Project provides housing and may provide for other necessities. The Culture Project will also provide the support, encouragement, and time necessary for missionaries to fundraise adequately.
What is the application/interview process like?
All applications are received online. To apply, fill out the application at http://www.thecultureproject.com.au/apply.html. Send your resume, cover letter, and a headshot along with the application. Once your application is reviewed, we will contact you to schedule an initial phone interview. The rest of the application process will be explained to you at that time.
Can I date? What if I am already in a relationship?
The first year of mission is an intense and transformative time. Missionaries commit to giving of themselves completely for a time not only to the apostolate of speaking but also to their community. There is much self-reflection and growth that happens in this first year that calls for investment spiritually and emotionally. By participating in a 'dating fast' during their first year, missionaries have the freedom to wholeheartedly invest themselves in friendships and enter into a transformational time of mission in a way that will form and prepare them for future relationships and vocational discernment.
If a potential missionary is already in a committed relationship before applying to The Culture Project Mission Program, they do not need to end their relationship in order to be considered for the acceptance.
We would ask that a missionary not take a step forward into engagement during his or her first year of mission. This would be discussed further during the interview process.
Will this position prepare me for my future professional endeavours?
Absolutely! The training we provide to missionaries will foster growth in an array of professional skills. Soft and hard skills gained by a missionary year include public speaking, professional fundraising, writing, project management, networking, communication and problem-solving skills–all of which would make any Culture Project veteran a great hire!
In addition, The Culture Project’s mission program is a great aid for those discerning the priesthood and/or religious life. Our community structure is based on the simple Benedictine model of “work and prayer”. We invite and encourage all of our applicants and missionaries to consider this kind of vocational calling.
Would I ever have time off?
Though working for The Culture Project is much more than a 9-5 job, the missionaries have adequate personal time. Whether it is in staying fit, practicing music, painting, brewing, reading, or any hobby, it is important that missionaries engage in activities of leisure, which contribute to their personal flourishing. We serve this mission best when we do things that awaken our passion and help us to be fully alive.
Where would I live?
The Culture Project has different teams of missionaries. Those who serve on stationary teams live in our men’s and women’s community houses. Travel teams typically either stay with host families or other accommodations provided by the diocese in which they serve. Team placement happens after the initial month of training. Each speaker is placed on a team based on mutual discernment between the missionary and the support staff.
What if I’ve never given a talk before?
Don’t worry! Every missionary undergoes intensive speaker training as part of the formation process. Even missionaries who previously had a fear of public speaking have finished their year confident and comfortable presenting in front of groups!
Would my university degree or other previous qualifications be utilised?
The level of professionalism expected from all Culture Project team members is that of a university graduate. Our missionaries come from many different backgrounds and fields of study. We strive to utilise and develop the different talents and areas of expertise possessed by each and every one of our missionaries.
What qualifications should I have to become a missionary?
It is encouraged that missionaries finish university before embarking on this mission program; however, we will consider applicants who do not have a university degree. Post-graduate work experience is a great asset to our organisation, though not necessary to apply.
When does each mission year begin?
Training for new and current missionaries takes place during the month of February, but some years also feature a mid-year missionary intake. Please get in touch with us if you'd like to find out more!
What does a Culture Project missionary do on a daily basis?
Daily schedules differ slightly for each team. Some days consist of back-to-back talks in schools, others could be hosting youth or young adult groups, working in the office on various projects, attending conferences or events for ongoing formation, and/or preparing for evening events with your community. In all the different avenues of our mission, missionaries commit to a joyful service in both large and small tasks.
Each missionary builds a team of mission partners who agree to support their mission work. An important part of the formation offered by CP includes instruction on how to successfully support-raise. We believe that the relationship built between missionaries and their financial support team is an important part of building the foundation upon which The Culture Project thrives. Our missionaries would not be able to execute their mission without the spiritual and moral support of their personal support teams.
The Culture Project’s recognises a non-profit’s success is the direct result of the gratuity of others, and therefore utilises the model of deputised fundraising. Secondly, we affirm the Church’s Social Teachings on the dignity of work and one’s right to a just wage. Therefore, the Culture Project utilises support raising to sustain and compensate its mission staff employees.
Support raising is itself a ministry. By allowing the members of the Church to fund this work, we are reminded that we are working directly for the people of God. Fundraising acts as a unique method of evangelisation to a missionary’s respective home community. Through a personal invitation to become a mission partner, missionaries are able to proclaim the messages of human dignity and sexual integrity to their own communities. Restoration of our culture does not happen solely by interacting with youth, but also through intentionality in our own communities, enriching relationships and learning from those who support our mission
There is a minimum amount per month that each missionary must raise. However, the true amount of monthly income should be based on expenses, bills, loans, administrative fees, and other needs necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. We understand financial provision for these basics are crucial in order to have the freedom to effectively serve on mission. For this reason, the Culture Project provides housing and may provide for other necessities. The Culture Project will also provide the support, encouragement, and time necessary for missionaries to fundraise adequately.
What is the application/interview process like?
All applications are received online. To apply, fill out the application at http://www.thecultureproject.com.au/apply.html. Send your resume, cover letter, and a headshot along with the application. Once your application is reviewed, we will contact you to schedule an initial phone interview. The rest of the application process will be explained to you at that time.
Can I date? What if I am already in a relationship?
The first year of mission is an intense and transformative time. Missionaries commit to giving of themselves completely for a time not only to the apostolate of speaking but also to their community. There is much self-reflection and growth that happens in this first year that calls for investment spiritually and emotionally. By participating in a 'dating fast' during their first year, missionaries have the freedom to wholeheartedly invest themselves in friendships and enter into a transformational time of mission in a way that will form and prepare them for future relationships and vocational discernment.
If a potential missionary is already in a committed relationship before applying to The Culture Project Mission Program, they do not need to end their relationship in order to be considered for the acceptance.
We would ask that a missionary not take a step forward into engagement during his or her first year of mission. This would be discussed further during the interview process.
Will this position prepare me for my future professional endeavours?
Absolutely! The training we provide to missionaries will foster growth in an array of professional skills. Soft and hard skills gained by a missionary year include public speaking, professional fundraising, writing, project management, networking, communication and problem-solving skills–all of which would make any Culture Project veteran a great hire!
In addition, The Culture Project’s mission program is a great aid for those discerning the priesthood and/or religious life. Our community structure is based on the simple Benedictine model of “work and prayer”. We invite and encourage all of our applicants and missionaries to consider this kind of vocational calling.
Would I ever have time off?
Though working for The Culture Project is much more than a 9-5 job, the missionaries have adequate personal time. Whether it is in staying fit, practicing music, painting, brewing, reading, or any hobby, it is important that missionaries engage in activities of leisure, which contribute to their personal flourishing. We serve this mission best when we do things that awaken our passion and help us to be fully alive.
Where would I live?
The Culture Project has different teams of missionaries. Those who serve on stationary teams live in our men’s and women’s community houses. Travel teams typically either stay with host families or other accommodations provided by the diocese in which they serve. Team placement happens after the initial month of training. Each speaker is placed on a team based on mutual discernment between the missionary and the support staff.
What if I’ve never given a talk before?
Don’t worry! Every missionary undergoes intensive speaker training as part of the formation process. Even missionaries who previously had a fear of public speaking have finished their year confident and comfortable presenting in front of groups!
Would my university degree or other previous qualifications be utilised?
The level of professionalism expected from all Culture Project team members is that of a university graduate. Our missionaries come from many different backgrounds and fields of study. We strive to utilise and develop the different talents and areas of expertise possessed by each and every one of our missionaries.
What qualifications should I have to become a missionary?
It is encouraged that missionaries finish university before embarking on this mission program; however, we will consider applicants who do not have a university degree. Post-graduate work experience is a great asset to our organisation, though not necessary to apply.
When does each mission year begin?
Training for new and current missionaries takes place during the month of February, but some years also feature a mid-year missionary intake. Please get in touch with us if you'd like to find out more!
What does a Culture Project missionary do on a daily basis?
Daily schedules differ slightly for each team. Some days consist of back-to-back talks in schools, others could be hosting youth or young adult groups, working in the office on various projects, attending conferences or events for ongoing formation, and/or preparing for evening events with your community. In all the different avenues of our mission, missionaries commit to a joyful service in both large and small tasks.
"I can honestly say that I am having the time of my life doing mission work. The Culture Project has taught me the key to authentic love and true masculinity, which is to sacrifice myself for others. My peers have inspired me to grow as a man in many areas of life such as friendship, dating, sexual integrity, and sacrificial love."
Chad Etzel
Travel Team
