What We Believe

Notre Dame Mission Volunteers believes that education is the central tool in the struggle of the poor for human dignity, self-esteem, and willpower. We seek to build community among our members, as well as the people with whom we work by reaching out across culture and class. We are committed to helping people help themselves. Our goal is to promote and encourage education, community empowerment, leadership development and multicultural harmony.  Check out this video to learn more. 

 Who We Are - Timeline



  • Notre Dame Mission Volunteers (NDMV) was founded in 1992 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
  • NDMV promotes literacy and education. We place volunteers  with communities around the world.
  • In 1995, NDMV partnered with AmeriCorps to form Notre Dame – AmeriCorps (NDA). Now over 400 NDA members serve  in 24 cities each year.
  • In 2006, NDMV began Notre Dame – International (NDI). NDI places volunteers with Sisters abroad. The volunteers educate and train women and children. In 2016, the Boulangerie Notre Dame launched in Les Cayes, Haiti. Visit our international page for more information.
 


How We Serve

NDMV teams serve with local partners to expand access to education.

NDMV’s primary approach is to offer small-group and 1-on-1 instruction. Members serve in crowded classrooms and community centers.

Notre Dame AmeriCorps members serve full-time for 11 months. A local site director oversees and supports members.

During the service year, AmeriCorps members receive professional development in the form of biweekly team meetings, a training conference in Maryland, and opportunities for additional training and retreats.

Learn more here.

  

Notre Dame AmeriCorps at Five Rivers MetroParks

Notre Dame AmeriCorp members serving at Five Rivers MetroParks sites* help connect youth and adults to nature through after-school programs, the installation of vegetable/habitat gardens, environmental education classes, and more! Learn more about each site below. *Note: AmeriCorps positions with Five Rivers MetroParks will not be available for 2025 due to a loss of AmeriCorps funding.
  
  
  • Adventure Central at Wesleyan MetroPark* serves youth in Dayton during out-of-school hours. NDA members at Adventure Central assist with after-school programs, day camp, activity night, and parent engagement programs. They will gain experience with designing and leading K-12 STEM academic enrichment activities.
 
  • Germantown MetroPark* - The School Engagement Naturalist will learn many of the skills needed to become an environmental educator by working with the Green Schoolyards program to help promote youth access to gardens and habitats. Members also provide animal care, assist with programming and community outreach, and train volunteers. Please contact Doug Horvath Doug.Horvath@metroparks.org for more details.
  
  • Cox Arboretum MetroPark* -The School Engagement Naturalist works with schools in the Miami Valley to promote opportunities for students and teachers to connect with nature. Members will assist with field trips, trainings, and the development of education materials. They will gain experience with both environmental education and working with teachers and administrators.  Please contact Pamela Lyons Gromen Pamela.LyonsGromen@metroparks.org for more details.
 

To learn more about these sites and NDA positions with Five Rivers MetroParks*, contact the referenced Five Rivers MetroParks staff member or email dayton@ndmva.org. To apply for a position click here. 

*Note: AmeriCorps positions with Five Rivers MetroParks will not be available for 2025 due to a loss of AmeriCorps funding.