Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept international work interns? If so, what visa requirements do you have?
The CAC does accept international work interns. The basic visa requirement is that you have a visa that allows you to receive compensation in exchange for work while in the USA. A visitor’s visa will not meet this requirement; however, so far our international candidates have been successful in acquiring an R-1 visa.
Will I have wireless Internet access in my living quarters?
The work interns are given a key to a computer room at the main CAC building, located one block away from their residence, where a computer and wireless Internet access are available for their use. Stillpoint, the work intern house, does not have Internet access.
What will my mailing address be?
Mail is delivered daily to the mailbox at Stillpoint. You may use the following address:
1823 Five Points Rd. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
Would there be space in my room for a cello?
Because you will be sharing a room with another work intern, there is not much extra room for large items such as musical instruments. Please contact a formation supervisor directly to make a request for larger items such as a cello, which would have to be stored in shared spaces such as the living room.
Will a professional wardrobe be useful at CAC, or is it a jeans and t-shirt kind of place?
The Center for Action and Contemplation is a jeans and t-shirt kind of place. You are free to dress comfortably and casually in the workplace. There will be occasions where you might want to dress up a little more, such as the yearly conference, but otherwise there is just a modest casual dress code.
I'm not sure what is meant by meals for work interns being self-serve. Does that mean we cook, or do we help ourselves to what is provided?
Work interns are given $75/week per person to purchase and prepare their own meals. The food stipend is given to each individual work intern to use as they wish.
Each group of work interns is invited to work out what staples or meals they would like to hold in common.
What storage is available in the bedrooms?
Each bedroom has one closet or wardrobe and some dresser/drawer space, as well as a shared desk.
How can I get around Albuquerque if I do not bring my own car?
When possible, the Center for Action and Contemplation makes a slightly senior Ford Focus station wagon available for use by the work interns. The vehicle is maintained and fueled by the CAC, although the work interns are asked to use it for occasional shorter trips (up to one hour or so away).
About a twenty minute walk away (to Central Ave./Old Route 66) you have access to the Rapid Ride bus system. The bus arrives approximately every 10 minutes and runs to Old Town, downtown, and the University/Nob Hill area.
There are also two older bicycles in the rastra shed available for use by the work interns.
Are there bikes available to work interns? May I bring/store my own bike?
There are two older bicycles available for use by work interns. You may bring and store your own bike in the rastra shed in the backyard of Stillpoint, although space is rather tight. It is advised that before riding in Albuquerque you treat your tubes with slime to protect against the goatheads and thorns that are prevalent in the Southwest.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes, you will share a room with another work intern of the same gender, or with your spouse if you are coming as a married couple.
What is your vacation policy?
Units are eleven weeks long, followed by two-week interim breaks, much like a school quarter system. You are given four paid vacation days per unit, which may be used for vacation or for sick days, as needed.
You are also invited to use the two-week break between each unit for unpaid vacation time—visiting family, traveling, relaxing, etc. During unpaid vacation time, you do not receive a food stipend, but your room at Stillpoint is free to you.
May I work during unit breaks?
You may work during unit breaks, in which case you will be paid your usual stipend and receive the food stipend.
Are we able to have overnight visitors at Stillpoint?
Yes, there is usually one room in Stillpoint as well as the Hermitage (which does not have bathroom facilities) available for your personal overnight visitors. We do ask that they pay for their lodging at 50% of the cost that regular guests would pay ($17.50/night for one person and $22.50/night for two staying in the same room instead of the regular $35 or $45/night). Reservations are made in communication with the Stillpoint manager and supervisor.
How much contact does a work intern have with Fr. Richard Rohr?
We understand that Father Richard Rohr is a large reason why many want to come to the CAC. He is an integral part of the work and daily routines here; however, he is traveling over half of the year with his public ministry and is writing and working on other projects when he is in Albuquerque. As such, he is not personally a key component of this program; however, this program draws largely from his teachings and ministry. We do try to arrange one session per unit where the work interns are able to meet as a group with Fr. Richard.
How much will we be engaged in social justice work?
During the Spring and Summer units, work interns will have a work assignment in the community for approximately 4 hours/ week.
Is the CAC an intentional community?
The Center for Action and Contemplation is not an intentional community. We are, however, a group of individuals who have come together to help promote the vision/mission of the CAC.
|
