Summer Lab - Financial Support
In our culture, we’re taught to see money as our best and most reliable problem-solver. For those who have it, money works pretty well. Money promises us the freedom of self-reliance. This is part of its appeal. If we have enough money, we don’t need to rely on others.
There's actually something dishonest about the way money wants to tell the story. Everything we purchase has an impact on the earth and on human communities around the world. Having personal wealth doesn’t really remove us from this network of relationships.
At QVS, we want to highlight the reality of our mutual reliance. We invite QVS Residents to move beyond the comfort zone of self- reliance. During Summer Lab, you will have limited access to money. However, you will have more access to community.
Seeking abundance in community requires us to ask for what we want. Many of us find this difficult. Asking for what you want doesn’t always mean you will get it. But having this conversation with your community means a network of people can hold this intention with you and look for opportunities to bring you closer to your goal.
Seeking abundance in community also compels us to support one another. Inevitably, you and your Housemates will want different things. Given your differences, what does it mean to create a sense of abundance for everyone? Holding this question as a community is much more complicated than asking separate individuals to stay within their personal budgets. We’re asking you to develop your capacity to engage this question of abundance as a community
Please remember that your experience of community is supported by a larger and more established community. Local Friends care about you. Everyone connected to QVS wants you to experience abundance.
If you ever feel like you don’t have enough, please talk to your Coordinator or SLA.
Abundance in Community
“The intellectual tradition of the West is very individualistic. It’s not community-based. The intellectual is often thought of as a person who is alone and cut off from the world. So I have had to practice being willing to leave the space of my study to be in community, to work in community, and to be changed by community.”
You will receive $600.00 personal stipend for the entire 5-week program and the five 2-hour pre-sessions. It will arrive as a check or as electronic funds deposited directly into your bank account. You are free to spend your personal stipend however you wish.
1st disbursement: $300 - July 8th
2nd and final disbursement: $300 - August 11th upon completion of Program Evaluation Survey
This is not taxable income as it is under $600 total you do not have to report this on your taxes.
Personal Stipend
You’ll receive a monthly pass for public transportation.
QVS pays for your housing, utilities, and wifi (but not cable/tv).
Your access to healthcare is very important. We want you to participate fully as your best self! If you experience physical, emotional, or mental health challenges, please communicate openly with your Coordinator or SLA if you are in crisis.
QVS will reimburse up to $30 emergency medical copays and prescriptions during the program regardless of your insurance carrier. If your copays exceed $30, we will work with you to obtain the support you need. QVS does not pay for over-the-counter medications.
If you experience a personal or family emergency, please talk to your Coordinator about how we can help.
Fellows who complete Summer Lab are eligible to receive the final disbursement of $300 as a program completion stipend. The money provided through the Program Completion Stipend may be used however you see fit. This stipend will be considered taxable income.
Other Material Support
Although it’s unlikely during the 5 weeks of Summer Lab, you may need to request reimbursement. at some point. Unless it’s an emergency situation, please communicate with your Coordinator/SLA before you incur an expense for which you'd like to be reimbursed.
We typically provide reimbursement if your Coordinator has asked you to incur an expense as part of an Experience Day or Retreat. Again, please make sure to ask about a purchase before you request reimbursement.
To request reimbursement, please email the Admin Coordinator and CC your Coordinator/SLA. The email should include your name, a list of expenses by category, with totals for each category, and a PDF of each receipt; receipts need to be PDFs to be compatible with our bookkeeping software. Please submit receipts within 10 days of incurring the expense. If you take more than 45 days to submit your documents, your request may be denied.