Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity

2018 Homes Program

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION / ANSWER
1. Does an idea hub exist for local partners to share ideas on how to help encourage Thrivent members & congregations to participate on these builds? / Marketing materials are available on the Thrivent Builds Resources website to connect with volunteers.
We are testing a concept called Faith Build forum, a platform for Faith Build groups to share ideas and practices. We don’t currently have a platform built for the traditional Thrivent Builds Homes program, but encourage build teams to share ideas organically.
2. Are the volunteer benchmarks a requirement for 2018? / Thrivent’s overarching purpose for the Thrivent Builds program is to engage Thrivent members. While not a requirement, we have established the following as benchmarks for volunteer participation on each Home:
  • 15 Volunteer Build Days
  • Use best efforts to recruit and mobilize 12 volunteers per build day
  • 25% being Thrivent members
  • 25% being volunteers from churches

3. What is the expectation for communication with Thrivent members? / We encourage the Affiliate and Community Engagement Team to discuss member engagement as part of your planning process. The Community Engagement Leader will take the lead in coordinating communication with members.
4. Have local teams seen success with ‘member-only’ or ‘member + guest’ build days? / Although we aren’t aware if these types of events are common, they do hold promise in some areas.
5. Could you provide some examples of volunteer / member engagement activities other than participating (swinging a hammer) on build days? /
  1. Volunteers signed and wrote special messages to the homeowners on squares painted/drawn throughout the house.
  2. Groundbreaking celebration; surprise the partner family with the home offer at the event. Great opportunity to share family’s story.
  3. Action Teams
  4. Check out these ideas to help you get started on an activity to support the local build and partner family!
  5. Partner with youth organizations (church youth groups, scouts, etc.) on an Action Team project.

Updated: 08/15/2018 Page 1 of 2