Iona in Mission is a student-led educational service immersion program that can take place over a weekend or up to two weeks for all members of the Iona College community. This unique learning experience breaks down the walls of the classroom and offers students the opportunity to serve those most in need and become immersed in a radically different culture. Iona in Mission provides students with the chance to integrate academia and faith in real life situations while they explore economic, social, political and environmental issues throughout the United States and the developing world. Come see the world and serve on an Iona in Mission project!

Please contact shill@iona.edu for more information.

Projects 2012-2013

I'M Camp Viva - Rhinebeck, New York
Take an HIV/AIDS 101 course and learn about the reality of this disease. Share your time, talents and skills with children and families affected or infected with HIV/AIDS for a week at Camp Viva in late August. Earn three college credits.
Estimated Cost: $100, plus credit charge
Application/Deposit Deadline: 3/29/2013
Contact Mary Pat Draddy for Camp Viva Application

I'M Zambia
May 21 - June 4, 2013
Participants work as a servant-learner, immersing themselves in the African culture and customs while working alongside The Christian Brothers and community members on the educational initiatives.
Estimated Cost: $2,800
Application/Deposit Deadline: 10/12/2012

I'M South Dakota
May 25-31, 2013
The team will travel to the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota to work with RE-MEMBER, a non-profit organization which works with the Oglala Lakota Nation. The participants will work at various projects across the Reservation and be immersed in the culture of the Lakota people to learn about their history and the injustices present on Reservations.
Estimated cost: TBA
Application/Deposit Deadline: 11/2/2012

I'M Agape - Ware, Massachusetts
May 20-24, 2013
At the interfaith Agape Community, students will learn about sustainability, organic gardens, vegetable oil fueled cars, straw bale houses, compost toilets, solar energy and wood stoves for cooking and heating. Simplicity becomes a reality.
Estimated cost: $250
Application/Deposit Deadline: 2/1/2013

I'M Washington, D.C.
May 20-26, 2013
The Pilgrimage seeks to help young adults connect their faith with social awareness and action. In doing this, the Pilgrimage hopes to build communities where people are invested in eradicating hunger, homelessness, and poverty. Come to Washington, D.C. to embark on a transformative week of action and reflection with our neighbors who are poor in our nation's capital.
Estimated cost: $375
Application/Deposit Deadline: 2/1/2013

Completed Projects 2012 - 2013

I'M Peru
Occurred over Winter Break
Students will partner with Los Hermanos in Lima, Peru to construct a home and visit other sites, including an orphanage and school, run by the Christian Brothers. The group will also visit a true world wonder at Macchu Picchu and learn about Peru's indigenous history.

I'M Nazareth Farm, West Virginia
Occurred over Winter Break
At Nazareth Farm, students will learn about the economic challenges of Appalachia and engage in service opportunities such as constructing homes and visiting community members. This week long retreat experience will focus on the elements of simplicity, community, prayer, and social justice.

I'M Cochabamba, Bolivia
Occurred over Spring Break
Students partner with Los Hermanos in Cochabamba, Bolivia, working in the community, visiting families and a nearby orphanage. The team will learn about the rich indigenous culture and environmental sustainability projects in the area.

I'M New Orleans, Louisiana
Occurred over Spring Break
Hurricane Katrina is over, but hardly forgotten. Bring hope to the people of New Orleans by working with Camp Restore. The organization utilizes local and national volunteers to rebuild the homes of the elderly, disabled, or uninsured victims of Hurricane Katrina.

I'M Detroit, Michigan
Occurred over Spring Break
Motown Mission offers an urban work and reflection experience in the heart of Detroit. The group will work at home repair, soup kitchen, and greening sites while getting a taste of Detroit's cultural history and life in the evening.

"My experiences at Agape have helped me in opening my eyes and my heart, looking at the world in a completely different way."
- Gabrielle Witt, Class of 2013

"Experiencing the culture of a nation, the spirit of each village, and the stories of each individual person left me amazed by the strength of the Zambian people, and inspired to do and see so much more of Africa and the world."
- Kimberleigh Costanzo, Class of 2014

"The pure gratitude of the people living [in New Orleans] was relentless and sincere. [It] was one of the best decisions I made since I set foot on Iona's Campus."
- Mike Petre, Class of 2012