Frequently Asked Questions
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In a nutshell, what is RV’s on a Mission (ROAM)?
Answer: It is an organization for people who have RVs and are interested in giving of their time and skills to help Nazarene camps, churches and special projects such as disaster response and compassionate ministry centers.
I have been helping churches and camps for years so why should I join ROAM?
Answer: ROAM provides a service to match up skills and talents with much needed projects. It also provides a current listing of Nazarene camps, churches, schools, and areas of disaster relief that could benefit from ROAM volunteers. Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter keeping them updated on new projects, results of completed projects, etc. By working in teams, often more can be accomplished than one person working alone can.
Must I pay a membership fee to join ROAM? If so, how much?
Answer: ROAM members pay an annual membership fee of $40 per RV unit, per year to help defray office expense including printing of various forms and brochures for advertising at district assemblies, reporting hours worked, new member packets, postage, etc.
How may I become a member of ROAM?
Answer: You should read and complete the ROAM Membership Commitment and complete a Membership Application and Skill Sheet form. (Click on Membership Tab at top of page to view and print the forms.) Send the completed form along with your $40 and $5 per person for the ROAM office to complete a background check as instructed on the membership form. If you cannot print the forms, call (816) 941-7711 to request printed forms.
What kind of recreational vehicle (RV) must I have?
Answer: There is no RV type requirement. Popups, trailers, 5th wheels, and all styles of motorhomes are used. Some camps will allow ROAMers to stay in cabins or dorm rooms if available if they prefer not to bring their RV.
What skills do I need to work on projects?
Answer: New construction would obviously require skills in cement, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, roofing, painting, etc. but many people receive on-the-job training if they are willing to learn.
I don’t have building or construction skills. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Answer: While many of the projects require construction skills, frequently camps and schools need help in campus landscape and maintenance, painting, kitchen work, snack bars, lodge and dorm clean up, office work, etc. Even construction jobs can use unskilled people to act as “gofer,” to clean up and to assist those who have skills.
Do both husband and wife work?
Answer: Yes, normally, both husband and wife work on projects. Physical limitations are considered and the job assignment matches the ability of the person to perform.
How many hours must I work per day/week?
Answer: Men usually work six hours a day, 4 days a week and women work 3 hours, 4 days a week. The typical workday begins starts at 8:00a .m. A 30-minute break with refreshments at mid-morning gives opportunity to visit and rest. Lunch is usually at 12:30. Men return to work at 1:30 p.m. and finish the day at 3:30 p.m.
lf I only work 4 days, what is expected of me Friday, Saturday and Sunday?
Answer: It’s your chance to do whatever you want to do. The Team Leader or host will have suggestions for places of interest to visit in the area including the location of Wal-Mart!
What is the expected length of time to work on a project?
Answer: Projects are usually for 3 weeks beginning the first Monday of the month. In months where holidays fall on the first Monday work generally starts the second Monday. The project will end on Thursday of the 3rd week of work.
What types of projects are available?
Answer: ROAM projects are divided into three categories: 1) District Camps, 2) Churches and 3) Special Projects (Compassionate ministry centers and disaster relief)
Must I pay a fee to work on a project?
Answer: No, there is no fee to work on an official ROAM project. Compassionate ministry projects such as hurricane or flood restoration may charge a nominal fee to cover insurance for these special projects.
Am I expected to donate funds to pay for the materials used in the project?
Answer: No, the host understands that funds must be available to do the work before it is approved as a ROAM project.
How much do I pay for the RV site while working on the project?
Answer: The host (camp, church or special project) furnishes complimentary sites with hookups in return for your labor. Many times sites include full hookups with water, electric and sewer. Upon completion of the project month, at the host's discretion, the ROAMers occupying an RV space may stay at their site an additional week (usually the last week of the month) until Friday of that week without charge.
Am I covered by the project’s accident insurance plan while on the job?
Answer: No, you must have your own medical and/or accident insurance. The host is not obligated to insure ROAM personnel.
Is there a required number of projects I must work each year?
Answer: No, there is no required number; however, members are encouraged to work as many as possible, for the need is great! Many more worthwhile projects could use help than we have available people.
Can I choose when and where I want to work on projects or are they assigned to me?
Answer: Yes, you may choose where you wish to go. The ROAM website provides up-to-date information on current projects describing the anticipated types of work available and the months ROAM workers are needed.
How do I sign up for a project?
Answer: After you decide on your project, you may call the ROAM office at (816) 941-7711 or you may email your request to office@rvsonamission.org. Include the name of the project and the month(s) you wish to work since most projects last several months.
Why do I need to let the ROAM office know when and where I want to go? Can’t I just show up?
Answer: It is critical that you notify the ROAM office to be assured of an RV space. Many locations have only a limited number of RV sites available and those are assigned on a first-reserved, first-served basis. Also, when you notify the office, a month before you are scheduled to arrive at the project, a copy of your skill sheet is sent to the ROAM team leader and the host project manager. This enables them to plan for the best use of your skills.
Since this is volunteer work for a tax-exempt organization, are my travel expenses deductible?
Answer: Many times certain expenses can be deducted in accordance with IRS guidelines. Travel expenses including food, park fees and gas or diesel incurred to and from the project site are examples. Check with your tax professional or the IRS for details. IRS Publication 526, dealing with donations to qualified tax-exempt charities, may be viewed and/or downloaded from the www.lRS.gov website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf.
I’ve heard that my local church can receive 10% Giving credit toward missions if I report my ROAM project expenses to them. Is this true and if so, how?
Answer: Projects must meet certain criteria for your expenses to be credited toward 10% missions giving for your local church. Only projects meeting those requirements are approved as ROAM projects. To report your expenses so that your local church will receive credit you may download and print the form (Click here) or request a preprinted form from the ROAM office. Complete the form, and then mail it as directed on the form to the Work and Witness office at Nazarene World Headquarters to the address shown on the form.
What is the purpose of the ROAM Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)?
Answer: DAFs are a popular way of giving that feature the following benefits:
The fund also provides an opportunity for those who wish to support the ROAM ministry until the Lord returns. After the fund reaches a certain level, ROAM will use the earnings of the fund each year and your principal gift stays intact.
How can I give to the Nazarene Foundation for the ROAM Donor Advised Fund?
Answer: Cash may be given, but especially suited are gifts of appreciated property or stocks. If you sell an appreciated property outright the difference between your purchase price and the sale price may be subject to capital gains tax. If the property or stock is given directly to the Foundation for the Fund before selling it, the entire amount of your gift may qualify as a tax deduction for you! See your CPA for details.
Example:
If you bought a property for $50,000 and sold it for $100,000, you might pay capital gains taxes on the $50,000 profit. Your contribution would be reduced by the amount of capital gains taxes which can be sizable. If on the other hand, you made an outright gift of property to the Nazarene Foundation for the ROAM Fund, the total proceeds of the net sale would go toward your gift and you could get a tax deduction for the entire amount. Here are a few ways to contribute to the ROAM DAF as part of your estate plan:
For more information and examples of charitable giving facilitated by the Nazarene Foundation, click the following link: www.nazarenefoundation.org
In a nutshell, what is RV’s on a Mission (ROAM)?
Answer: It is an organization for people who have RVs and are interested in giving of their time and skills to help Nazarene camps, churches and special projects such as disaster response and compassionate ministry centers.
I have been helping churches and camps for years so why should I join ROAM?
Answer: ROAM provides a service to match up skills and talents with much needed projects. It also provides a current listing of Nazarene camps, churches, schools, and areas of disaster relief that could benefit from ROAM volunteers. Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter keeping them updated on new projects, results of completed projects, etc. By working in teams, often more can be accomplished than one person working alone can.
Must I pay a membership fee to join ROAM? If so, how much?
Answer: ROAM members pay an annual membership fee of $40 per RV unit, per year to help defray office expense including printing of various forms and brochures for advertising at district assemblies, reporting hours worked, new member packets, postage, etc.
How may I become a member of ROAM?
Answer: You should read and complete the ROAM Membership Commitment and complete a Membership Application and Skill Sheet form. (Click on Membership Tab at top of page to view and print the forms.) Send the completed form along with your $40 and $5 per person for the ROAM office to complete a background check as instructed on the membership form. If you cannot print the forms, call (816) 941-7711 to request printed forms.
What kind of recreational vehicle (RV) must I have?
Answer: There is no RV type requirement. Popups, trailers, 5th wheels, and all styles of motorhomes are used. Some camps will allow ROAMers to stay in cabins or dorm rooms if available if they prefer not to bring their RV.
What skills do I need to work on projects?
Answer: New construction would obviously require skills in cement, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, roofing, painting, etc. but many people receive on-the-job training if they are willing to learn.
I don’t have building or construction skills. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Answer: While many of the projects require construction skills, frequently camps and schools need help in campus landscape and maintenance, painting, kitchen work, snack bars, lodge and dorm clean up, office work, etc. Even construction jobs can use unskilled people to act as “gofer,” to clean up and to assist those who have skills.
Do both husband and wife work?
Answer: Yes, normally, both husband and wife work on projects. Physical limitations are considered and the job assignment matches the ability of the person to perform.
How many hours must I work per day/week?
Answer: Men usually work six hours a day, 4 days a week and women work 3 hours, 4 days a week. The typical workday begins starts at 8:00a .m. A 30-minute break with refreshments at mid-morning gives opportunity to visit and rest. Lunch is usually at 12:30. Men return to work at 1:30 p.m. and finish the day at 3:30 p.m.
lf I only work 4 days, what is expected of me Friday, Saturday and Sunday?
Answer: It’s your chance to do whatever you want to do. The Team Leader or host will have suggestions for places of interest to visit in the area including the location of Wal-Mart!
What is the expected length of time to work on a project?
Answer: Projects are usually for 3 weeks beginning the first Monday of the month. In months where holidays fall on the first Monday work generally starts the second Monday. The project will end on Thursday of the 3rd week of work.
What types of projects are available?
Answer: ROAM projects are divided into three categories: 1) District Camps, 2) Churches and 3) Special Projects (Compassionate ministry centers and disaster relief)
Must I pay a fee to work on a project?
Answer: No, there is no fee to work on an official ROAM project. Compassionate ministry projects such as hurricane or flood restoration may charge a nominal fee to cover insurance for these special projects.
Am I expected to donate funds to pay for the materials used in the project?
Answer: No, the host understands that funds must be available to do the work before it is approved as a ROAM project.
How much do I pay for the RV site while working on the project?
Answer: The host (camp, church or special project) furnishes complimentary sites with hookups in return for your labor. Many times sites include full hookups with water, electric and sewer. Upon completion of the project month, at the host's discretion, the ROAMers occupying an RV space may stay at their site an additional week (usually the last week of the month) until Friday of that week without charge.
Am I covered by the project’s accident insurance plan while on the job?
Answer: No, you must have your own medical and/or accident insurance. The host is not obligated to insure ROAM personnel.
Is there a required number of projects I must work each year?
Answer: No, there is no required number; however, members are encouraged to work as many as possible, for the need is great! Many more worthwhile projects could use help than we have available people.
Can I choose when and where I want to work on projects or are they assigned to me?
Answer: Yes, you may choose where you wish to go. The ROAM website provides up-to-date information on current projects describing the anticipated types of work available and the months ROAM workers are needed.
How do I sign up for a project?
Answer: After you decide on your project, you may call the ROAM office at (816) 941-7711 or you may email your request to office@rvsonamission.org. Include the name of the project and the month(s) you wish to work since most projects last several months.
Why do I need to let the ROAM office know when and where I want to go? Can’t I just show up?
Answer: It is critical that you notify the ROAM office to be assured of an RV space. Many locations have only a limited number of RV sites available and those are assigned on a first-reserved, first-served basis. Also, when you notify the office, a month before you are scheduled to arrive at the project, a copy of your skill sheet is sent to the ROAM team leader and the host project manager. This enables them to plan for the best use of your skills.
Since this is volunteer work for a tax-exempt organization, are my travel expenses deductible?
Answer: Many times certain expenses can be deducted in accordance with IRS guidelines. Travel expenses including food, park fees and gas or diesel incurred to and from the project site are examples. Check with your tax professional or the IRS for details. IRS Publication 526, dealing with donations to qualified tax-exempt charities, may be viewed and/or downloaded from the www.lRS.gov website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf.
I’ve heard that my local church can receive 10% Giving credit toward missions if I report my ROAM project expenses to them. Is this true and if so, how?
Answer: Projects must meet certain criteria for your expenses to be credited toward 10% missions giving for your local church. Only projects meeting those requirements are approved as ROAM projects. To report your expenses so that your local church will receive credit you may download and print the form (Click here) or request a preprinted form from the ROAM office. Complete the form, and then mail it as directed on the form to the Work and Witness office at Nazarene World Headquarters to the address shown on the form.
What is the purpose of the ROAM Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)?
Answer: DAFs are a popular way of giving that feature the following benefits:
- Bypass capital gains tax.
- Increase income to yourself.
- Give now but distribute to ministries later.
- The option of anonymous giving
The fund also provides an opportunity for those who wish to support the ROAM ministry until the Lord returns. After the fund reaches a certain level, ROAM will use the earnings of the fund each year and your principal gift stays intact.
How can I give to the Nazarene Foundation for the ROAM Donor Advised Fund?
Answer: Cash may be given, but especially suited are gifts of appreciated property or stocks. If you sell an appreciated property outright the difference between your purchase price and the sale price may be subject to capital gains tax. If the property or stock is given directly to the Foundation for the Fund before selling it, the entire amount of your gift may qualify as a tax deduction for you! See your CPA for details.
Example:
If you bought a property for $50,000 and sold it for $100,000, you might pay capital gains taxes on the $50,000 profit. Your contribution would be reduced by the amount of capital gains taxes which can be sizable. If on the other hand, you made an outright gift of property to the Nazarene Foundation for the ROAM Fund, the total proceeds of the net sale would go toward your gift and you could get a tax deduction for the entire amount. Here are a few ways to contribute to the ROAM DAF as part of your estate plan:
- A simple bequest in your estate plan. You can include ROAM for a specific amount or a percentage of your estate.
- Make ROAM one of the beneficiaries of an IRA or retirement plan. This money is subject to tax by your heirs so why not give it to ROAM and avoid the taxes?
- Life insurance is another way to give. Just designate the Nazarene Foundation ROAM DAF as a beneficiary for all or a percentage of the death benefit amount.
For more information and examples of charitable giving facilitated by the Nazarene Foundation, click the following link: www.nazarenefoundation.org