Become A HRA
While HRAs are sponsored by United Methodist Men, one does not have to
belong to UMMen to serve as an HRA. Indeed, Hunger Relief Advocates
are men and women called to serve Conferences, Districts and local
churches as advocates, educators, and enablers of action to relieve hunger
in America.
- As advocates, they provide a link with local, regional and national
United Methodist and ecumenical agencies that address issues of hunger
and poverty.
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As educators of others, HRAs resource, alert, and
mobilize United Methodists for specific hunger action.
- As enablers, they focus on bringing the church into hands-on ministry
to meet the needs of the poor. Each Conference HRA will establish a
gleaning ministry within the conference.
Hunger Relief Advocates at the conference level are appointed by
the Society of St. Andrew in consultation with the General Secretary
of the General Commission on United Methodist Men. |
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There are two kinds of
Conference HRAs. One type of Conference HRA is an employee of the
Society of St. Andrew who receives a modest stipend ($500/month).
The other type is a volunteer. Both paid and volunteer HRAs are
accountable to the Society of St. Andrew. The only real difference
between paid and volunteer Conference HRAs is that those receiving a
stipend are expected to devote at least 15 hours per week, on average, to
their HRA duties. Volunteer HRAs devote whatever time they are able.
Conference HRA Qualifications
A Conference UMMen Hunger Relief Advocate must have a commitment to the
Lord Jesus Christ and should be a creative and highly motivated individual
with excellent organization and communication skills. Conference UMMen
Hunger Relief Advocates must be “self-starters” in developing and carrying
out program needs and objectives. Some physical labor when leading
gleaning events can be expected. Travel throughout the Conference is
required.
Expectations
The Conference HRA is either volunteer or a part-time paid position.
In either case, it requires a deep commitment to ministry as a primary
interest. During the harvest seasons, most of the person’s time will be
devoted to gleaning activities in the conference. During the off season,
the person will devote most of his/her time to cultivating Meals for
Millions growth and other Hunger Relief Advocate activities.
Compensation
A paid HRA receives $500 per month. Both paid and volunteer
Conference HRAs receive local mileage reimbursement up to $2,000 per year
(31 cents per authorized mile) as well as reimbursement for additional
expenses such as phone, postage, and office expenses (receipts required).
Health and other similar benefits are not provided.
District and Local Church
HRA Qualifications
The HRA Initiative envisions a nationwide network of Hunger Relief
Advocates at all levels of the church. These dedicated advocates
will help lead the United Methodist Church to take concrete steps toward
the elimination of hunger in America as the first step to ending global
hunger. District and Local Church HRAs are volunteers.
How to Become a HRA
District and Local Church HRAs
At the District level HRAs are volunteers who generally are
appointed by the District President of United Methodist Men. Local
Church HRAs are volunteers appointed either by the UMMen President or by
the appropriate church body. The HRA is not by virtue of his or her
position an official officer of the church or district. However, the
HRA is expected to work within the church or district to lead its members
toward addressing hunger issues in their community and across the nation.
If there is a Conference HRA, the church or district HRA should work with
the conference HRA in achieving goals.
Conference HRAs
Conference HRAs are appointed by the Society of St. Andrew. Those
interested in serving as a Conference HRA should
contact us.
  
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