In addition to the list of European volunteer projects below which are available now, here's another one for Germany:
1028. Hamburg, Germany
“Brot und Rosen,” an intentional Christian community of core members living in and around a house of hospitality for homeless refugees in need, seeks a Live-in Volunteer to share daily life and household duties of the community. Tasks include cooking, cleaning, weekly community meetings, answering phone and door, talking with the guests in the community. There are children living in the household (German and refugee), and the community would appreciate openness for children and in taking part at times in child-care duty. The volunteer is encouraged to participate in additional community activities and to seek another volunteer activity outside the community one day a week. Requirements: Basic knowledge of and willingness to learn German well, desire to live in ecumenical Christian multi-cultural community and participate in daily morning devotions, maturity, flexibility, ability to structure one's day in a community household, interest in peace and justice issues, acceptance of people of the Muslim faith (most of the house guests).
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.brot-und-rosen.de/
12 October 2009
26 August 2009
Volunteering in Europe
Here’s a list of all of the current BVS openings in Europe, as of August 2009. For more information about BVS, please look at the www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org website or contact me at brethrenservice@worldcom.ch . (At the bottom of this blog entry, I’ll list the placements which are currently/soon to be occupied.)
FRANCE
812. Rouen, France
The Emmaus Community, part of a 50+ year old worldwide movement of communities offering a home and work to the homeless, seeks a Volunteer to play an active role in this community of 45 men, women and couples, as well as with its recycling projects (e.g. furniture, clothing, metal, paper). Tasks include working alongside and animation of the companions, possibly being in charge of one of the clothing sorting/shops, other duties are flexible according to the skills and interests of the volunteer. Requirements: Genuine interest in people, basic-to-good level of French and willingness to learn more, independence, ability to work in a team, able to see what needs to be done, willing to take on responsibility if needed.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.emmaus-international.org/
BELGIUM
1164. Brussels, Belgium
Pax Christi International, a Catholic movement promoting peace, international understanding and justice, seeks a Volunteer for the international secretariat. (A) Youth Volunteer: To coordinate and plan for involvement of youth at the Pax Christi Triennial World Assembly in Strasbourg in May 2010, as well as follow-up, youth projects, and other office tasks as needed. Requirements: English mother tongue, writing and communication skills, ability to think creatively, focus on details, work independently as well as in cooperation with others. Desired but non-essential qualities: previous youth work experience, other languages (French, Spanish). (B) Web Development Volunteer: To maintain & update the Pax Christi public as well as internal websites, intranet site, maintain the referencing program, and attend communication workshop meetings. Requirements: Bilingual English and French (and Dutch an asset), excellent knowledge of HTML, JAVASCRIPT, MySQL, and PHP (5), experience with Apache webserver and windows webserver; ability to think creatively, focus on details, and work independently. (C) Information and Communication Technology Volunteer: To assist staff with hardware and software problems, maintain email accounts, computers, systems, and office machines. Requirements: Bilingual English and French (and Dutch an asset), excellent knowledge of MS windows XP system, office suits; some experience with MySQL and PHP; ability to think creatively, focus on details, and work independently; patience.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.paxchristi.net/
NORTHERN IRELAND & IRELAND
232. Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Greenhill YMCA, offering children, youth, and adults outdoor education, personal development, and cross-community programs in a caring atmosphere motivated by Christian concern, seeks Outdoor Tutors/Instructors to facilitate and lead groups in center programs, ensuring the safety and well being of individuals and groups using the center. Tasks would include escorting, assisting, and instructing groups on center activities; assisting cross-community sessions; acting as 24-hour on-call instructor as required; assisting staff in domestic and grounds maintenance; participating in own training programs as needed or relevant. Outdoor education activities include canoeing, climbing, archery, ropes courses. Requirements: Initiative, flexibility, patience, self-motivation, responsibility; willingness to participate in staff training and uphold the center's rules and safety standards; respect for and willingness to work with cross community, adult, youth, disabled groups; experience/enjoy working with groups, particularly in outdoor settings.
Additional Information (PDF)
609. County Kilkenny, Ireland (three houses in/near small town and in village)
611. Dublin, Ireland (two houses in city)
612. Tecklenburg, Germany (three houses in small town)
613. Belfast, Northern Ireland (one house in city)
615. Cork, Republic of Ireland (five houses in and near city)
BVS placements are available in these locations at some of the many L'Arche communities in Europe. L’Arche invites Assistants to come and share life with people with intellectual disabilities building a community where everyone is valued regardless of ability, creed or culture. Requirements: 21 years old; open to living with people of varying abilities in a community where God is recognized as the source of life and difference is seen as a gift; accepting of people of different cultures, social origins, and practices; driver's license helpful but not essential.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.larche.ie/ (609, 611, 615)
http://www.larchebelfast.org.uk/ (613)
http://www.arche-deutschland.de/ (612)
NETHERLANDS
1112. Alkmaar, Netherlands
The International Secretariat of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) seeks (A) a Communications Officer for correspondence, printed/electronic publications, and general administration in the International Secretariat, and (B) a Fundraiser for developing and implementing a fundraising strategy in close cooperation with the fellowship's branches worldwide. Duties for A include maintaining database/server, processing electronic/printed materials, research/news writing, updating website, grant proposal writing, computer work, and proofreading. Duties for B include contacting and visiting member branches for initiatives, research and networking with donors, building coalitions and designing/compiling proposals, and reconnecting the branches within the fellowship. Other duties reflect the skills of the volunteer(s) and the needs of the organization (note: this description is not definitive). Requirements: Commitment to peace and non-violence, self starter, college degree, organizational skills and ability to set priorities, computer knowledge, writing/editing skills, willingness to do varied tasks, second language helpful (especially French and Dutch). Prior experience for fundraising position would be advantageous, but not required.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.ifor.org/
Communications Officer position: Available summer or fall 2010
GERMANY
NEW: 1101.8. Laufdorf-Schoeffengrund, Germany
Church and Peace is an ecumenical, European network of faith communities, groups, and individuals committed to becoming the peace church of Jesus Christ in daily life and action. Members consider the nonviolence of the gospel an essential characteristic of the Church, calling for a witness of service, reconciliation, and peacemaking. The International Office seeks a Communications and Events Assistant to support Church and Peace’s communications work, manage conference logistics, and provide administrative support for the International Office. Duties include: support of coordination and development oversight of C&P communications work; support the production of all C&P printed materials; assistance in managing logistics for meetings and conferences; providing IT and administrative support for the International Office. Requirements: experience and/or studies in communications work, preferably with an NGO; excellent written communication skills; facility with computers; facility with or ability to learn design software package; experience with or ability to learn Content Management Systems; good organizational skills/attention to detail; ability to work independently within a team, manage multiple projects, work under time pressure; interest in Christian peace & reconciliation work and life in a Christian community; intermediate German or willingness to learn German; French an asset.
http://www.church-and-peace.org/
1115. Hamburg, Germany
The German branch of Peace Brigades International (PBI) seeks an International Volunteer. PBI is an international NGO working on nonviolent conflict transformation with projects in Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Indonesia, and Nepal. The tasks of the volunteer are to support the work of the German branch through daily office duties, public relations, participating in decision-making meetings, supporting fund-raising activities, information dissemination, and participation in educational activities. Requirements: Interest in nonviolent conflict transformation. Good knowledge of German and willingness to improve. Flexibility, adaptability to other cultures, ability to work in groups and with group decision-making processes. Basic computer proficiency; additional computer skills would be desired but not necessary. Any knowledge of the conflicts and countries in which PBI has projects would be an asset. Other skills which would be assets but not required include public speaking, conflict analysis, writing reports/articles, and translating (German-English and German-Spanish).
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.peacebrigades.org/
1131. Minden, Germany
The International Fellowship of Reconciliation IFOR is an organization of people believing in non-violence as a lifestyle and as a method of personal, political, and social change. The German branch of IFOR - Internationaler Versoehnungsbund, Deutscher Zweig would like to give young interested people the opportunity to learn about peace work in Germany and seeks an International Volunteer to work in the national office in Minden. Duties include assistance in, preparation of, and participation in the annual conference, board meetings, summer camps, youth gatherings and other events, as well as support of projects and campaigns. Requirements: Nonviolent convictions; ability to work in a team as well as alone; basic computer skills/knowledge (at least Word, and Excel and/or graphics programs welcomed); prior knowledge of spoken and written German would be helpful, but not essential - if the volunteer is willing and motivated to learn the language at the start of term; communication skills; flexibility, initiative and creativity. Experience in public relations and/or event planning useful.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.versoehnungsbund.de/
1188. Berlin, Germany
Aktion Suehnezeichen Friedensdienste (Action Reconciliation - Service for Peace), a volunteer organization desiring to set a “sign of atonement” for the crimes of the Nazi era, seeks a Volunteer for its public relations and fund-raising department. Duties include routine office work (answering inquiries, helping with mass mailings, etc), maintaining periodical, video, photo and slide archives, assisting in organizing “Projekt Blickwechsel” (preparing a meeting of voluntary workers, coordinating former volunteers’ school visits), as well as helping organize ASF participation in the annual Christopher Street Day events, and assisting with fundraising and donation campaigns. Opportunity for weekly visit with elderly members of the Jewish Congregation in Berlin. Requirements: Good knowledge of verbal and written German, computer skills, willingness and ability to take initiative, flexibility, familiarity with Central European history.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.asf-ev.de/
1822. Bonn, Germany
Germanwatch, a non-profit north-south initiative engaged in directing German political policy towards sustainability (motto: "to change the north so that the south can survive"), striving for a political framework to combat global warming, for a fair world trading regime, and increased socially responsible investment, seeks a Program Assistant. The main field of work would be in the global warming program (climate responsibility campaign). Duties include co-organizing campaign events and expert meetings, writing/translating/correcting English texts, and daily routine office work. Depending on skills, additional duties are possible. Requirements: College degree or higher, good knowledge of German and willingness to improve, good command of written English, computer skills, willingness to do routine office work about one-third of the time, ability to work independently and in a team. Strong interest in (and good basic knowledge of) at least one of the following topics: global warming, global governance, north-south politics, WTO, financial markets.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.germanwatch.org/
2025. Neuwied, Germany
EIRENE International Christian Service for Peace, an ecumenical volunteer and development agency, providing an alternative to the obligatory military service in Germany, seeks a Volunteer for the North and East Program. Around 50 volunteers are sent annually as part of EIRENE's North and East programs to do voluntary service on projects promoting nonviolence, justice, inter-religious dialogue and environmental concerns in Northern Ireland, Ireland, France, Belgium, USA, Canada, Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This office volunteer will be responsible for volunteer accompaniment and administrative tasks in the North and East Program such as: processing inquiries, distribution of volunteers' newsletters, address administration, preparation of financial transfers, helping organize the five different kinds of EIRENE seminars for volunteers before, during and after their terms of service, helping to host guests and other tasks as needed in the EIRENE headquarters, and participation in various EIRENE meetings and commissions. Requirements: Previous experience in or at least openness to the ecumenical movement, background in the voluntary service sector helpful, outgoing personality, ability to multi-task, good knowledge of German or willingness to improve at start of term, computer skills (word processing, data base, internet), office/administration knowledge/experience, previous group work or pedagogical experience helpful.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.eirene.org/
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
1646. Prijedor, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bread of Life, a Christian humanitarian association founded by Protestant churches in Serbia, with an office in northwest Bosnia-Herzegovina since 1996, originally provided food and material aid for the needs of refugees, displaced, and marginalized persons, and is now developing programs to promote income-generation, long-term employment and self-sustainability of its beneficiaries. Some of these programs include a trial project of interest-free loans and other support to dairy farmers; an employment project of loans and support to young people involved in agriculture and crafts in a rural area; low-cost English and computer courses at an education center; annual distribution of Christmas presents to the area schoolchildren; and capacity building of the organization. Bread of Life seeks a co-worker/assistant for income-generation projects. Duties include assisting the director and program manager with writing and implementing income-generating projects, assistance with fund-raising for new projects, contact with new/existing donor organizations, and assistance with creation/development of new/existing capacities of the organization. Requirements preferred: experience in the NGO sector in a developing country or Eastern Europe; ability to adjust easily to new environments and cultures; expertise in fields of economics or agriculture. Willingness to learn the local language.
http://www.breadoflife.rs.ba/
CROATIA
1101.3 Sesvete/Zagreb, Croatia
RAND (Regional Address for Nonviolent Action) is a small organization which promotes nonviolence as a lifestyle and a way of relating, through training courses and networking. RAND considers nonviolence an important tool of resistance to passive acceptance of inequity in communities as well as to military and violent conflicts. RAND tries to weave together spirituality, societal involvement, and continuous learning. An International Volunteer is invited to join our work especially for the areas of website development, public relations support and press work, creating promotional and information materials, as well as with fundraising development. The volunteer can also accompany us to our trainings in the various Balkan countries and can take part in the informal aspects of the gatherings, possibly to interview the participants. Requirements: Experience or training in areas of website development, public relations work and/or fundraising development. Motivation to promote nonviolence; knowledge about topics such as structural violence and nonviolent resistance and willingness to share; roots in a peace church and willingness to share history and theological background with us; interest in interfaith dialogue, knowledge of Croatian language or willingness to learn quickly; knowledge of German language would be very helpful. Flexibility and adaptability to cultural differences and irregular working hours.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.rand.hr/
BVS PLACEMENTS IN EUROPE currently/soon to be occupied by volunteers (and which will be open in the future):
NORTHERN IRELAND/IRELAND
113. Belfast, Northern Ireland: QUAKER COTTAGE
210. Belfast, Northern Ireland: FORTHSPRING INTER-COMMUNITY GROUP
611. Dublin, Republic of Ireland: L’ARCHE DUBLIN
1100.3 and 1101.4 Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland: THE JUNCTION & HOLYWELL CONSULTANCY (combined)
1137. Coleraine, Northern Ireland: KILCRANNY HOUSE
NETHERLANDS
1112. Alkmaar, the Netherlands: IFOR communications officer post
HUNGARY
1100.7. Budapest, Hungary: World Student Christian Federation Europe Office
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
1110. Mostar, BiH: OKC ABRASEVIC
GERMANY
1028. Hamburg, Germany: BROT und ROSEN COMMUNITY
FRANCE
812. Rouen, France
The Emmaus Community, part of a 50+ year old worldwide movement of communities offering a home and work to the homeless, seeks a Volunteer to play an active role in this community of 45 men, women and couples, as well as with its recycling projects (e.g. furniture, clothing, metal, paper). Tasks include working alongside and animation of the companions, possibly being in charge of one of the clothing sorting/shops, other duties are flexible according to the skills and interests of the volunteer. Requirements: Genuine interest in people, basic-to-good level of French and willingness to learn more, independence, ability to work in a team, able to see what needs to be done, willing to take on responsibility if needed.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.emmaus-international.org/
BELGIUM
1164. Brussels, Belgium
Pax Christi International, a Catholic movement promoting peace, international understanding and justice, seeks a Volunteer for the international secretariat. (A) Youth Volunteer: To coordinate and plan for involvement of youth at the Pax Christi Triennial World Assembly in Strasbourg in May 2010, as well as follow-up, youth projects, and other office tasks as needed. Requirements: English mother tongue, writing and communication skills, ability to think creatively, focus on details, work independently as well as in cooperation with others. Desired but non-essential qualities: previous youth work experience, other languages (French, Spanish). (B) Web Development Volunteer: To maintain & update the Pax Christi public as well as internal websites, intranet site, maintain the referencing program, and attend communication workshop meetings. Requirements: Bilingual English and French (and Dutch an asset), excellent knowledge of HTML, JAVASCRIPT, MySQL, and PHP (5), experience with Apache webserver and windows webserver; ability to think creatively, focus on details, and work independently. (C) Information and Communication Technology Volunteer: To assist staff with hardware and software problems, maintain email accounts, computers, systems, and office machines. Requirements: Bilingual English and French (and Dutch an asset), excellent knowledge of MS windows XP system, office suits; some experience with MySQL and PHP; ability to think creatively, focus on details, and work independently; patience.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.paxchristi.net/
NORTHERN IRELAND & IRELAND
232. Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Greenhill YMCA, offering children, youth, and adults outdoor education, personal development, and cross-community programs in a caring atmosphere motivated by Christian concern, seeks Outdoor Tutors/Instructors to facilitate and lead groups in center programs, ensuring the safety and well being of individuals and groups using the center. Tasks would include escorting, assisting, and instructing groups on center activities; assisting cross-community sessions; acting as 24-hour on-call instructor as required; assisting staff in domestic and grounds maintenance; participating in own training programs as needed or relevant. Outdoor education activities include canoeing, climbing, archery, ropes courses. Requirements: Initiative, flexibility, patience, self-motivation, responsibility; willingness to participate in staff training and uphold the center's rules and safety standards; respect for and willingness to work with cross community, adult, youth, disabled groups; experience/enjoy working with groups, particularly in outdoor settings.
Additional Information (PDF)
609. County Kilkenny, Ireland (three houses in/near small town and in village)
611. Dublin, Ireland (two houses in city)
612. Tecklenburg, Germany (three houses in small town)
613. Belfast, Northern Ireland (one house in city)
615. Cork, Republic of Ireland (five houses in and near city)
BVS placements are available in these locations at some of the many L'Arche communities in Europe. L’Arche invites Assistants to come and share life with people with intellectual disabilities building a community where everyone is valued regardless of ability, creed or culture. Requirements: 21 years old; open to living with people of varying abilities in a community where God is recognized as the source of life and difference is seen as a gift; accepting of people of different cultures, social origins, and practices; driver's license helpful but not essential.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.larche.ie/ (609, 611, 615)
http://www.larchebelfast.org.uk/ (613)
http://www.arche-deutschland.de/ (612)
NETHERLANDS
1112. Alkmaar, Netherlands
The International Secretariat of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) seeks (A) a Communications Officer for correspondence, printed/electronic publications, and general administration in the International Secretariat, and (B) a Fundraiser for developing and implementing a fundraising strategy in close cooperation with the fellowship's branches worldwide. Duties for A include maintaining database/server, processing electronic/printed materials, research/news writing, updating website, grant proposal writing, computer work, and proofreading. Duties for B include contacting and visiting member branches for initiatives, research and networking with donors, building coalitions and designing/compiling proposals, and reconnecting the branches within the fellowship. Other duties reflect the skills of the volunteer(s) and the needs of the organization (note: this description is not definitive). Requirements: Commitment to peace and non-violence, self starter, college degree, organizational skills and ability to set priorities, computer knowledge, writing/editing skills, willingness to do varied tasks, second language helpful (especially French and Dutch). Prior experience for fundraising position would be advantageous, but not required.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.ifor.org/
Communications Officer position: Available summer or fall 2010
GERMANY
NEW: 1101.8. Laufdorf-Schoeffengrund, Germany
Church and Peace is an ecumenical, European network of faith communities, groups, and individuals committed to becoming the peace church of Jesus Christ in daily life and action. Members consider the nonviolence of the gospel an essential characteristic of the Church, calling for a witness of service, reconciliation, and peacemaking. The International Office seeks a Communications and Events Assistant to support Church and Peace’s communications work, manage conference logistics, and provide administrative support for the International Office. Duties include: support of coordination and development oversight of C&P communications work; support the production of all C&P printed materials; assistance in managing logistics for meetings and conferences; providing IT and administrative support for the International Office. Requirements: experience and/or studies in communications work, preferably with an NGO; excellent written communication skills; facility with computers; facility with or ability to learn design software package; experience with or ability to learn Content Management Systems; good organizational skills/attention to detail; ability to work independently within a team, manage multiple projects, work under time pressure; interest in Christian peace & reconciliation work and life in a Christian community; intermediate German or willingness to learn German; French an asset.
http://www.church-and-peace.org/
1115. Hamburg, Germany
The German branch of Peace Brigades International (PBI) seeks an International Volunteer. PBI is an international NGO working on nonviolent conflict transformation with projects in Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Indonesia, and Nepal. The tasks of the volunteer are to support the work of the German branch through daily office duties, public relations, participating in decision-making meetings, supporting fund-raising activities, information dissemination, and participation in educational activities. Requirements: Interest in nonviolent conflict transformation. Good knowledge of German and willingness to improve. Flexibility, adaptability to other cultures, ability to work in groups and with group decision-making processes. Basic computer proficiency; additional computer skills would be desired but not necessary. Any knowledge of the conflicts and countries in which PBI has projects would be an asset. Other skills which would be assets but not required include public speaking, conflict analysis, writing reports/articles, and translating (German-English and German-Spanish).
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.peacebrigades.org/
1131. Minden, Germany
The International Fellowship of Reconciliation IFOR is an organization of people believing in non-violence as a lifestyle and as a method of personal, political, and social change. The German branch of IFOR - Internationaler Versoehnungsbund, Deutscher Zweig would like to give young interested people the opportunity to learn about peace work in Germany and seeks an International Volunteer to work in the national office in Minden. Duties include assistance in, preparation of, and participation in the annual conference, board meetings, summer camps, youth gatherings and other events, as well as support of projects and campaigns. Requirements: Nonviolent convictions; ability to work in a team as well as alone; basic computer skills/knowledge (at least Word, and Excel and/or graphics programs welcomed); prior knowledge of spoken and written German would be helpful, but not essential - if the volunteer is willing and motivated to learn the language at the start of term; communication skills; flexibility, initiative and creativity. Experience in public relations and/or event planning useful.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.versoehnungsbund.de/
1188. Berlin, Germany
Aktion Suehnezeichen Friedensdienste (Action Reconciliation - Service for Peace), a volunteer organization desiring to set a “sign of atonement” for the crimes of the Nazi era, seeks a Volunteer for its public relations and fund-raising department. Duties include routine office work (answering inquiries, helping with mass mailings, etc), maintaining periodical, video, photo and slide archives, assisting in organizing “Projekt Blickwechsel” (preparing a meeting of voluntary workers, coordinating former volunteers’ school visits), as well as helping organize ASF participation in the annual Christopher Street Day events, and assisting with fundraising and donation campaigns. Opportunity for weekly visit with elderly members of the Jewish Congregation in Berlin. Requirements: Good knowledge of verbal and written German, computer skills, willingness and ability to take initiative, flexibility, familiarity with Central European history.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.asf-ev.de/
1822. Bonn, Germany
Germanwatch, a non-profit north-south initiative engaged in directing German political policy towards sustainability (motto: "to change the north so that the south can survive"), striving for a political framework to combat global warming, for a fair world trading regime, and increased socially responsible investment, seeks a Program Assistant. The main field of work would be in the global warming program (climate responsibility campaign). Duties include co-organizing campaign events and expert meetings, writing/translating/correcting English texts, and daily routine office work. Depending on skills, additional duties are possible. Requirements: College degree or higher, good knowledge of German and willingness to improve, good command of written English, computer skills, willingness to do routine office work about one-third of the time, ability to work independently and in a team. Strong interest in (and good basic knowledge of) at least one of the following topics: global warming, global governance, north-south politics, WTO, financial markets.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.germanwatch.org/
2025. Neuwied, Germany
EIRENE International Christian Service for Peace, an ecumenical volunteer and development agency, providing an alternative to the obligatory military service in Germany, seeks a Volunteer for the North and East Program. Around 50 volunteers are sent annually as part of EIRENE's North and East programs to do voluntary service on projects promoting nonviolence, justice, inter-religious dialogue and environmental concerns in Northern Ireland, Ireland, France, Belgium, USA, Canada, Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This office volunteer will be responsible for volunteer accompaniment and administrative tasks in the North and East Program such as: processing inquiries, distribution of volunteers' newsletters, address administration, preparation of financial transfers, helping organize the five different kinds of EIRENE seminars for volunteers before, during and after their terms of service, helping to host guests and other tasks as needed in the EIRENE headquarters, and participation in various EIRENE meetings and commissions. Requirements: Previous experience in or at least openness to the ecumenical movement, background in the voluntary service sector helpful, outgoing personality, ability to multi-task, good knowledge of German or willingness to improve at start of term, computer skills (word processing, data base, internet), office/administration knowledge/experience, previous group work or pedagogical experience helpful.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.eirene.org/
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
1646. Prijedor, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bread of Life, a Christian humanitarian association founded by Protestant churches in Serbia, with an office in northwest Bosnia-Herzegovina since 1996, originally provided food and material aid for the needs of refugees, displaced, and marginalized persons, and is now developing programs to promote income-generation, long-term employment and self-sustainability of its beneficiaries. Some of these programs include a trial project of interest-free loans and other support to dairy farmers; an employment project of loans and support to young people involved in agriculture and crafts in a rural area; low-cost English and computer courses at an education center; annual distribution of Christmas presents to the area schoolchildren; and capacity building of the organization. Bread of Life seeks a co-worker/assistant for income-generation projects. Duties include assisting the director and program manager with writing and implementing income-generating projects, assistance with fund-raising for new projects, contact with new/existing donor organizations, and assistance with creation/development of new/existing capacities of the organization. Requirements preferred: experience in the NGO sector in a developing country or Eastern Europe; ability to adjust easily to new environments and cultures; expertise in fields of economics or agriculture. Willingness to learn the local language.
http://www.breadoflife.rs.ba/
CROATIA
1101.3 Sesvete/Zagreb, Croatia
RAND (Regional Address for Nonviolent Action) is a small organization which promotes nonviolence as a lifestyle and a way of relating, through training courses and networking. RAND considers nonviolence an important tool of resistance to passive acceptance of inequity in communities as well as to military and violent conflicts. RAND tries to weave together spirituality, societal involvement, and continuous learning. An International Volunteer is invited to join our work especially for the areas of website development, public relations support and press work, creating promotional and information materials, as well as with fundraising development. The volunteer can also accompany us to our trainings in the various Balkan countries and can take part in the informal aspects of the gatherings, possibly to interview the participants. Requirements: Experience or training in areas of website development, public relations work and/or fundraising development. Motivation to promote nonviolence; knowledge about topics such as structural violence and nonviolent resistance and willingness to share; roots in a peace church and willingness to share history and theological background with us; interest in interfaith dialogue, knowledge of Croatian language or willingness to learn quickly; knowledge of German language would be very helpful. Flexibility and adaptability to cultural differences and irregular working hours.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.rand.hr/
BVS PLACEMENTS IN EUROPE currently/soon to be occupied by volunteers (and which will be open in the future):
NORTHERN IRELAND/IRELAND
113. Belfast, Northern Ireland: QUAKER COTTAGE
210. Belfast, Northern Ireland: FORTHSPRING INTER-COMMUNITY GROUP
611. Dublin, Republic of Ireland: L’ARCHE DUBLIN
1100.3 and 1101.4 Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland: THE JUNCTION & HOLYWELL CONSULTANCY (combined)
1137. Coleraine, Northern Ireland: KILCRANNY HOUSE
NETHERLANDS
1112. Alkmaar, the Netherlands: IFOR communications officer post
HUNGARY
1100.7. Budapest, Hungary: World Student Christian Federation Europe Office
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
1110. Mostar, BiH: OKC ABRASEVIC
GERMANY
1028. Hamburg, Germany: BROT und ROSEN COMMUNITY
06 August 2009
The Bill (Climate Justice)
At the Euro BVS retreat in July we visited one of our projects, Germanwatch, and got a preview of this short film...
13 July 2009
BVS Retreat in Bonn
This was the 10th time we held the retreat at the "Malteserhof" near Bonn - always a memorable venue. Here's a photo from our last day's venture into the vineyards - just before a deluge.
15 June 2009
Some fun in Noord Holland
A few weeks ago Arjan, a Dutch friend that's been with IFOR for over 6 years, took three of us in his car for a tour of an area in Noord Holland where he grew up. We stopped along the way to show Pauline and Aktuigun, two WPP interns that were here for six weeks, some windmills and then walked around some older towns (de Rijp and Volendam) in de Beemster polder. The Beemster polder (dry lake) is where that famous cheese that you see in the shape of big, yellow wheels is produced.
We also met Arjan's wonderful parents (who live in de Beemster), his mom had prepared a traditional Dutch lunch and treats for us. We spent some extra time in Volendam, as this is a special "dorp" with an interesting history. Seems that most everyone that is born there stays there their entire lives. Generations go back for centuries, and the people of Volendam continue to wear traditional clothing and shoes.
Later we ended up at John (IFOR's Executive Director) and his wife Irene's house for dinner, another "lekkere" Dutch meal. John is the only IFOR staffer living in Alkmaar, so his and Irene's friendship has been a big plus for me. They arrived in Alkmaar about the same time as I, and since, we've spent days exploring bike paths, events in Alkmaar, and small towns like Egmond aan Zee on the North Sea.Veilig fietsen!
13 May 2009
Jen in Belgrade
I am alone in the office at the moment and so am taking the time to fulfill a promise to Katie H and actually write something for the BVS blog.
In many ways this blog is probably a reaction to the BVS newsletter, which I have finally read. I have over the last month or so spent a great deal of time, once again, thinking 'What am I doing here?!' This may have been a reaction to my six month point, to the notorious leader of WiB, to my own feelings of inadequacy, to stalking friends on facebook. I often feel like a mascot to be brought out at parties and special events, "solidarity doll" coming soon to a store near you, and have to search for any real reason I should be here. I no longer read or correct other peoples English, I write grants, and a monthly news bulletin, I research for publications, I translate, I stand, I make coffee. I actually enjoy my work (though sometimes not the amount or pace of my work), but realize that there are people here who could translate better and more quickly then me, no one reads the monthly bulletin, there are people here who could write grants as well if not better then me, and no matter how strong my father makes his coffee, the image of an American woman making coffee for Serbian people is still amusing to me. Rarely is what I do intellectually stimulating, and daily I have to remind myself to 'think small', advice a former BVSer gave about this position. What I write has nothing to do with me, with what I think, or what I want. I am here to help fulfill other people's missions, ideas, hopes, plans. If I take pride in my work I get my feelings hurt when it is not used or when S. puts me in my place for going off message. For a while I tried to stop thinking, stop analyzing, stop questioning because it brought me nowhere, but to the question "do I believe in the message I am spouting?" "am I doing any good?".
Last week during a particularly difficult period, I was talking to a friend about this feeling I sometimes have that I, as an individual, do not matter here. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I knew coming into BVS, into WiB, that humility would be central to my mental survival, but no matter how you prepare yourself, as an American, maybe as a person, I have found that not mattering wears on you. One of the nice things about "solidarity dolls", apart from showing them off to impress all your friends, is that they are interchangable. Rachel, Katie, Dana, Jenni... the name on the box may change, but you can comfort yourself with knowing that they are really all the same.
Okay, okay, obviously I do not believe that we are all the same person. However, this idea of our 'sameness' or 'interchangability' (the idea that you can exchange us if need be) which I found when I first arrived, has lingered. When I go in two years I know that someone new will come and everything will go on as it did before, the women will call her Janet, Katie, Rachel, Jenni; and in the end nothing I have done will matter in the slightest.
I recognize this sounds all doom and gloom, but I actually love Belgrade. I love my friends, the city, and nearly all of the women I work with. They are affectionate and kind. They call me love and drink my truly terrible coffee, they tell me that I am beautiful (well some of them do, others tell me "If you lost 8 kilos we could both fit into the kitchen at the same time"). Being small, being unimportant, letting go of the importance of being an individual is not necessarily a bad thing. I think that thinking small, thinking communally, this is all part of an important life lesson. Individualism can be unhealthy for both the community and the individual. Who I am, what I think, and what I want are not important; the group is important.
This may not always be an easy lesson for me to learn, but I think it will be the most important lesson of my time here.
In many ways this blog is probably a reaction to the BVS newsletter, which I have finally read. I have over the last month or so spent a great deal of time, once again, thinking 'What am I doing here?!' This may have been a reaction to my six month point, to the notorious leader of WiB, to my own feelings of inadequacy, to stalking friends on facebook. I often feel like a mascot to be brought out at parties and special events, "solidarity doll" coming soon to a store near you, and have to search for any real reason I should be here. I no longer read or correct other peoples English, I write grants, and a monthly news bulletin, I research for publications, I translate, I stand, I make coffee. I actually enjoy my work (though sometimes not the amount or pace of my work), but realize that there are people here who could translate better and more quickly then me, no one reads the monthly bulletin, there are people here who could write grants as well if not better then me, and no matter how strong my father makes his coffee, the image of an American woman making coffee for Serbian people is still amusing to me. Rarely is what I do intellectually stimulating, and daily I have to remind myself to 'think small', advice a former BVSer gave about this position. What I write has nothing to do with me, with what I think, or what I want. I am here to help fulfill other people's missions, ideas, hopes, plans. If I take pride in my work I get my feelings hurt when it is not used or when S. puts me in my place for going off message. For a while I tried to stop thinking, stop analyzing, stop questioning because it brought me nowhere, but to the question "do I believe in the message I am spouting?" "am I doing any good?".
Last week during a particularly difficult period, I was talking to a friend about this feeling I sometimes have that I, as an individual, do not matter here. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I knew coming into BVS, into WiB, that humility would be central to my mental survival, but no matter how you prepare yourself, as an American, maybe as a person, I have found that not mattering wears on you. One of the nice things about "solidarity dolls", apart from showing them off to impress all your friends, is that they are interchangable. Rachel, Katie, Dana, Jenni... the name on the box may change, but you can comfort yourself with knowing that they are really all the same.
Okay, okay, obviously I do not believe that we are all the same person. However, this idea of our 'sameness' or 'interchangability' (the idea that you can exchange us if need be) which I found when I first arrived, has lingered. When I go in two years I know that someone new will come and everything will go on as it did before, the women will call her Janet, Katie, Rachel, Jenni; and in the end nothing I have done will matter in the slightest.
I recognize this sounds all doom and gloom, but I actually love Belgrade. I love my friends, the city, and nearly all of the women I work with. They are affectionate and kind. They call me love and drink my truly terrible coffee, they tell me that I am beautiful (well some of them do, others tell me "If you lost 8 kilos we could both fit into the kitchen at the same time"). Being small, being unimportant, letting go of the importance of being an individual is not necessarily a bad thing. I think that thinking small, thinking communally, this is all part of an important life lesson. Individualism can be unhealthy for both the community and the individual. Who I am, what I think, and what I want are not important; the group is important.
This may not always be an easy lesson for me to learn, but I think it will be the most important lesson of my time here.
11 May 2009
Suddenly Spring
The weather in Sarajevo took a long time to warm up... and to be honest so did my work for Musicians without Borders. Suddenly though both of these have swung into action with alacrity. In April, the snow finally stopped and the sun actually chose to shine- and May has been even more amazing, with one dizzingly gorgeous day after another. It's always hard to believe weather like this actually exists on a consistent basis, unless you're experiencing it first-hand. If I sound a bit giddy and manic right now, it's because I am.
And not only is the weather amazing just now- but work seems to be going well too. This is a departure from what I have come to expect to be the norm here because getting general information from some of my co-workers (ahem, my Bosnian male co-workers) is like pulling teeth. However, the month of April alone brought Winds of Change concerts (my last! hooray!), planning for a new Women's Singing Project in Srebrenica, and planning for additional activities in Srebrenica with the support of a UK theater (errr, theatre) company. I've been encouraged because of these last two developments to spend more time in Srebrenica, which so far has been a very exciting change of scenery and also an opportunity for me to work on my language skills a little more seriously. Unfortunately, it is telling that all of this work-related excitement is in conjunction with internationally catalyzed projects. The singing project is being primarily developed by Musicians without Borders International, and the other activities (as mentioned) are coming from the UK.
It seems without outside support and encouragement, most projects here either a) never get off the ground, or b) move slower than molasses in January. Visits from international guests seem to provide brief injections of energy and excitement, but all too often big plans are dreamed up without any follow-through; simple castles in the clouds. Some would tell you this because of the post-conflict environment, others would it's post-communist or a collective society. And sadly, it seems it's not just the projects of Musicians without Borders BiH and other NGOs which suffer from these maladies. The entire country in fact is in a state of paralysis- Mostar has no mayor and therefore no budget, the number of laws passed by parliament in the last year is laughable, and agreements which would make more EU money available to the country are going unsigned. Over and over this last year and these last weeks I find myself having the same conversations- whether with locals, internationals, residents or visitors. What is the solution? How do we fix this country, this government, how do we MOVE? Unfortunately, like the cultural projects of MwB which take place on a small scale and benefit from outside attention, the government of BiH is in need of increased international attention. Not that it isn't already getting this- but it needs to be intensified, amplified and sustained. No one would expect a band-aid to heal a gaping head wound. I'm all for taking responsiblity for oneself (or one's own country as it were), but when one realizes how invasive the lethargy is here, I think it doesn't take a genius to see that leaving the country more or less to it's own devices is not the answer. That was what Europe and the west seemed to think the answer was in 1992...
Oh wait, remeber when I said I was manic? Well, apparently there's a depressive side to that too... which is all the more strange when I resurface again to look out the window and see the idyllic beauty of spring. And the great thing about the culturally-based work I am doing is that to succeed, we don't have to solve all the sweeping issues of a post-conflict society in one fell swoop. Finding funding for theater costumes, bringing a local celebrity to Srebrenica, or just writing a simple report so one more person can learn what's going on - these are the small victories in which I am now taking pleasure. And in the meantime, I'll be sure to spend plenty of time outdoors...
And not only is the weather amazing just now- but work seems to be going well too. This is a departure from what I have come to expect to be the norm here because getting general information from some of my co-workers (ahem, my Bosnian male co-workers) is like pulling teeth. However, the month of April alone brought Winds of Change concerts (my last! hooray!), planning for a new Women's Singing Project in Srebrenica, and planning for additional activities in Srebrenica with the support of a UK theater (errr, theatre) company. I've been encouraged because of these last two developments to spend more time in Srebrenica, which so far has been a very exciting change of scenery and also an opportunity for me to work on my language skills a little more seriously. Unfortunately, it is telling that all of this work-related excitement is in conjunction with internationally catalyzed projects. The singing project is being primarily developed by Musicians without Borders International, and the other activities (as mentioned) are coming from the UK.
It seems without outside support and encouragement, most projects here either a) never get off the ground, or b) move slower than molasses in January. Visits from international guests seem to provide brief injections of energy and excitement, but all too often big plans are dreamed up without any follow-through; simple castles in the clouds. Some would tell you this because of the post-conflict environment, others would it's post-communist or a collective society. And sadly, it seems it's not just the projects of Musicians without Borders BiH and other NGOs which suffer from these maladies. The entire country in fact is in a state of paralysis- Mostar has no mayor and therefore no budget, the number of laws passed by parliament in the last year is laughable, and agreements which would make more EU money available to the country are going unsigned. Over and over this last year and these last weeks I find myself having the same conversations- whether with locals, internationals, residents or visitors. What is the solution? How do we fix this country, this government, how do we MOVE? Unfortunately, like the cultural projects of MwB which take place on a small scale and benefit from outside attention, the government of BiH is in need of increased international attention. Not that it isn't already getting this- but it needs to be intensified, amplified and sustained. No one would expect a band-aid to heal a gaping head wound. I'm all for taking responsiblity for oneself (or one's own country as it were), but when one realizes how invasive the lethargy is here, I think it doesn't take a genius to see that leaving the country more or less to it's own devices is not the answer. That was what Europe and the west seemed to think the answer was in 1992...
Oh wait, remeber when I said I was manic? Well, apparently there's a depressive side to that too... which is all the more strange when I resurface again to look out the window and see the idyllic beauty of spring. And the great thing about the culturally-based work I am doing is that to succeed, we don't have to solve all the sweeping issues of a post-conflict society in one fell swoop. Finding funding for theater costumes, bringing a local celebrity to Srebrenica, or just writing a simple report so one more person can learn what's going on - these are the small victories in which I am now taking pleasure. And in the meantime, I'll be sure to spend plenty of time outdoors...
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