This is a video that was produced in a youth video workshop in Abrasevic in May 2008, with the American NGO My Hero.
30 November 2010
25 October 2010
2010 Retreat
Here's a sunny photo from our August European BVS retreat in Berlin - the tenth time we stayed at Haus Kreisau in Kladow.
30 August 2010
Volunteer Openings in the Balkans!
Here are our listings for the four openings we have in the Balkans - new volunteers are needed!
1102.1 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Small Steps and MCC, two organizations in Sarajevo, would like to share a Volunteer.
The Association for Dialogue in Family and Society SMALL STEPS promotes peace and non-violence at all levels of society, is committed to gender equality and an interfaith vision of peace based on the history of diverse religious traditions and position of women in society in Bosnia-Herzegovina. SMALL STEPS works on raising awareness of women in peacebuilding activities, developing interfaith dialogue, gender equality, and promoting nonviolent actions through trainings, seminars, round tables, and publishing books. The volunteer consultant for project proposals would help analyze and consult about lists of possible donors and sponsors, writing proposals, contacting donors, and writing reports. Requirements: education in field of peacebuilding; experience in writing project proposals desired but not required if volunteer is willing to learn.
Priorities for the Mennonite Central Committee office for Southeast Europe are peace (interreligious bridgebuilding, trauma healing, peacebuilding), community development and social service (empowering local institutions for long term services), and relief (focus on vulnerable populations). The special projects assistant volunteer would first focus on language learning, then assist with office computer work and research for projects related to trauma healing, interfaith bridgebuilding, the NGO Council, and other English editing as needed. Other activities might include occasional trips or accompanying visitors, support for MCC partner organizations, and learning about peacebuilding methodologies. Requirements: strong leadership and managing skills, good computer and internet skills, interest in networking with other organizations and individuals.
Requirements for both: college degree, maturity, flexibility, communication and organizational skills, strong motivation to learn Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian language.
Additional Information, Small Steps (PDF)
Additional Information, Mennonite Central Committee (PDF)
http://www.seeurope.mcc.org/
http://www.malikoraci.com.ba/
1110. Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina
The Abrasevic Youth Cultural Center believes that positive change is possible in post-war Mostar, and therefore offers programs and resources to promote social change, and to develop civil society and a cultural scene in the city and region. OKC Abrasevic started in 2003 as a response to the need for an active and safe space which would offer youth (ages 15-35) the possibility for creative expression, cultural education, open-minded social discussion, analysis and critique. Activities include regular cultural events (films, concerts, exhibitions, performances), festivals, discussions, and ongoing reconstruction of the building and grounds. An International Volunteer would be welcome, ideally someone familiar with non-profit cultural management and relevant European/regional contacts (artists and funders)—how to bring concerts, films, performances, etc to the center and find funding to do so—or with knowledge of marketing to help OKC more effectively strategize and market their programming to reach a wider audience. Other needed skills: education and/or experience in the fields of finance/accounting, management, computer technology, cultural activities, fundraising, video, graphic design, IT/web maintenance. Requirements: Good communication and interpersonal skills, willingness to learn the local language, general computer skills, high level of autonomy/independence, flexibility, adaptability, patience, ability to work under stress as well as to enjoy relaxed social atmosphere.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.okcabrasevic.org/
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.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.breadoflifesite.com/
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 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 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; interest in interfaith dialogue. If the volunteer comes from a peace church background, we would appreciate willingness to share that history/theological background. 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/
1102.1 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Small Steps and MCC, two organizations in Sarajevo, would like to share a Volunteer.
The Association for Dialogue in Family and Society SMALL STEPS promotes peace and non-violence at all levels of society, is committed to gender equality and an interfaith vision of peace based on the history of diverse religious traditions and position of women in society in Bosnia-Herzegovina. SMALL STEPS works on raising awareness of women in peacebuilding activities, developing interfaith dialogue, gender equality, and promoting nonviolent actions through trainings, seminars, round tables, and publishing books. The volunteer consultant for project proposals would help analyze and consult about lists of possible donors and sponsors, writing proposals, contacting donors, and writing reports. Requirements: education in field of peacebuilding; experience in writing project proposals desired but not required if volunteer is willing to learn.
Priorities for the Mennonite Central Committee office for Southeast Europe are peace (interreligious bridgebuilding, trauma healing, peacebuilding), community development and social service (empowering local institutions for long term services), and relief (focus on vulnerable populations). The special projects assistant volunteer would first focus on language learning, then assist with office computer work and research for projects related to trauma healing, interfaith bridgebuilding, the NGO Council, and other English editing as needed. Other activities might include occasional trips or accompanying visitors, support for MCC partner organizations, and learning about peacebuilding methodologies. Requirements: strong leadership and managing skills, good computer and internet skills, interest in networking with other organizations and individuals.
Requirements for both: college degree, maturity, flexibility, communication and organizational skills, strong motivation to learn Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian language.
Additional Information, Small Steps (PDF)
Additional Information, Mennonite Central Committee (PDF)
http://www.seeurope.mcc.org/
http://www.malikoraci.com.ba/
1110. Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina
The Abrasevic Youth Cultural Center believes that positive change is possible in post-war Mostar, and therefore offers programs and resources to promote social change, and to develop civil society and a cultural scene in the city and region. OKC Abrasevic started in 2003 as a response to the need for an active and safe space which would offer youth (ages 15-35) the possibility for creative expression, cultural education, open-minded social discussion, analysis and critique. Activities include regular cultural events (films, concerts, exhibitions, performances), festivals, discussions, and ongoing reconstruction of the building and grounds. An International Volunteer would be welcome, ideally someone familiar with non-profit cultural management and relevant European/regional contacts (artists and funders)—how to bring concerts, films, performances, etc to the center and find funding to do so—or with knowledge of marketing to help OKC more effectively strategize and market their programming to reach a wider audience. Other needed skills: education and/or experience in the fields of finance/accounting, management, computer technology, cultural activities, fundraising, video, graphic design, IT/web maintenance. Requirements: Good communication and interpersonal skills, willingness to learn the local language, general computer skills, high level of autonomy/independence, flexibility, adaptability, patience, ability to work under stress as well as to enjoy relaxed social atmosphere.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.okcabrasevic.org/
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.
Additional Information (PDF)
http://www.breadoflifesite.com/
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 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 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; interest in interfaith dialogue. If the volunteer comes from a peace church background, we would appreciate willingness to share that history/theological background. 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/
10 August 2010
Reporting from the field
NEW YORK, May 2, 2010
Some 10,000 people participated in a mass demonstration in New York on Sunday, calling for a world free of nuclear weapons. The rally was held one day prior to the the opening of the UN Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which was scheduled to open on Monday. As Communications Officer for my project, IFOR, I was invited to participate by FOR USA's Executive Director Mark Johnson.
May 2, 2010 organized march on the UN Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York City.
CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin (lt) and Stan Morris (rt) discuss CODEPINK's early formation and activism in San Francisco, CA; both images by Linda Kelly, FOR USA Development.
Some 10,000 people participated in a mass demonstration in New York on Sunday, calling for a world free of nuclear weapons. The rally was held one day prior to the the opening of the UN Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which was scheduled to open on Monday. As Communications Officer for my project, IFOR, I was invited to participate by FOR USA's Executive Director Mark Johnson.
May 2, 2010 organized march on the UN Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York City.
CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin (lt) and Stan Morris (rt) discuss CODEPINK's early formation and activism in San Francisco, CA; both images by Linda Kelly, FOR USA Development.22 June 2010
Volunteer in Bosnia!
1110. Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina
The Abrasevic Youth Cultural Center believes that positive change is possible in post-war Mostar, and therefore offers programs and resources to promote social change, and to develop civil society and a cultural scene in the city and region. OKC Abrasevic started in 2003 as a response to the need for an active and safe space which would offer youth (ages 15-35) the possibility for creative expression, cultural education, open-minded social discussion, analysis and critique. Activities include regular cultural events (films, concerts, exhibitions, performances), festivals, discussions, and ongoing reconstruction of the building and grounds. An International Volunteer would be welcome, ideally someone familiar with non-profit cultural management and relevant European/regional contacts (artists and funders)—how to bring concerts, films, performances, etc to the center and find funding to do so—or with knowledge of marketing to help OKC more effectively strategize and market their programming to reach a wider audience. Other needed skills: education and/or experience in the fields of finance/accounting, management, computer technology, cultural activities, fundraising, video, graphic design, IT/web maintenance. Requirements: Good communication and interpersonal skills, willingness to learn the local language, general computer skills, high level of autonomy/independence, flexibility, adaptability, patience, ability to work under stress as well as to enjoy relaxed social atmosphere.
http://www.okcabrasevic.org/
POSITION OPEN STARTING FALL 2010!
12 May 2010
L'Arche in focus
Take a look at the relaunched new L'Arche Ireland website: www.larche.ie
(We have Matt at L'Arche Dublin, and Micah and Lucy at L'Arche Belfast.)
There's a 10 minute video on this new relaunched one, and it's a great way to get an impression of what L'Arche communities in Ireland (north & south) are like. There are a lot of scenes from Matt's community's 2 houses, and one brief glimpse of Matt painting walls, I think. Scattered through it are scenes from L'Arche Belfast (where Lucy & Micah have been for 2 months), and toward the end is a moving piece by Belfast's community leader.
Kristin
(We have Matt at L'Arche Dublin, and Micah and Lucy at L'Arche Belfast.)
There's a 10 minute video on this new relaunched one, and it's a great way to get an impression of what L'Arche communities in Ireland (north & south) are like. There are a lot of scenes from Matt's community's 2 houses, and one brief glimpse of Matt painting walls, I think. Scattered through it are scenes from L'Arche Belfast (where Lucy & Micah have been for 2 months), and toward the end is a moving piece by Belfast's community leader.
Kristin
09 April 2010
What I Learned in Nederland
Songs learned...
A friend named Hein, that I met at our local library, challenged me to learn two Dutch songs (first and third below), as a way to improve my language skills. An other friend, Nico, suggested the last song, and then things really got out of hand.
1. Ode aan Maastricht by Benny Neyman.
Srdan Kekanovic, of Music without Borders, suggested that he and I perform this song at our next borrel (cocktail party), with him on the guitar and me singing. This created so much amusement that we were asked to do the "act" again and again.
2. Anna Paulowna by Rob de Nijs.
Then Srdan suggested that he and I perform, as before, this song for our colleague Helga de Goede on her birthday. He knew that Helga had been born and raised in the tiny town of Anna Paulowna in North Holland.
3. Malle Babbe, written by Boudewijn de Groot and Lennaert Nijgh.
The song became a "top ten" hit in 1975, as arranged and sung by Rob de Nijs. Malle Babbe is also a painting by the Dutch Baroque artist Frans Hals, also from Haarlem, created between 1633 and 1635. Research in the Netherlands municipality of Haarlem showed that a real Malle Babbe actually existed. She was included in a list of residents of a work house (Het Dolhuys), which served as a host for the mentally ill. Around 1642, Pieter Hals, a son of Frans Hals, was also in this work house. Hals and this Malle Babbe had probably already met by this time, as she was a known personality in Haarlem, although none other of her biographical details survive.
4. 15 Miljoen Mensen by Fluitsma and Van Tijn, advertiser Frank Pels.
The song was originally designed as a commercial for Postbank NV. The commercial, featuring well known and lesser-known Dutch artists, including Herman Brood and Bettine Vriesekoop, acquired great fame and the song appeared as a single. Eventually, it became a number 1 hit in the Top 40.
Words learned…
I began trying to read Dutch newspaper soon after arriving, just because I found them so interesting and also because you can learn so much more about Dutch culture, especially in a small town like Alkmaar, if you do.
1. Best newspaper: De Telegraaf.
2. Best magazine: Hollands Diep.
TNT Post Mercur Lancering best magazine of the year (2007). Received a complimentary copy of the August 2009 issue featuring film director Pedro Almodóvar during the Provadja's showing of Los Abrazos Rotos. One hundred sixty-five pages, the "thickest" standard size magazine I could find at our local library.
Books read...
I began reading Dutch literature at the beginning of my second year, as a more interesting way to learn Dutch, and "I just had to find out what was in those books." The first and last authors are two well known Dutch writers of the 20th century.
1. Twee vrouwen by Harry Mulisch.
Appeared in 1975 as a daring Dutch novel. It was the chosen book for the Nederland Leest 2008. Nederland Leest is an annual event that takes place in October and November and is organized by the Stichting Collectieve Propaganda van het Nederlandse Boek (CPNB). Nederland Leest first appeared in 2006, and the event is based on an American initiative called "One Book, One City."
2. Spitzen by Thomas Rosenboom.
The 2004 Boekenweekgeschenk: A well-known Dutch or Flemish writer is asked to write a book, usually a novella, called the Boekenweekgeschenk (book week gift). The Boekenweekgeschenk is given by book shops upon the purchase of books in the Dutch language or when someone becomes a member of a library.
3. Oeroeg by Hella S. Haasse, classic Dutch literature written in 1948 and the chosen book for the Nederland Leest 2009.
Movies seen...
In two years I have seen 23 films at our local "film house" Provadja. Many of these films had won recent awards at the Cannes Film Festival and were of French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Belgian, and other origins. They were sub-titled in Dutch, except for the Dutch films that had no sub-titles. This posed quite a challenge for a person that knew only English, but after learning a little Dutch I dove right in. As a side note, I know the girlfriend of the “Program Director” for the Provadje, with whom I discuss these films with frequently to see whether of not “I got it.”
1. De laatste dagen van Emma Blank (2009).
Directed by Alex van Warmerdam. With Alex van Warmerdam, Gene Bervoets, Annet Malherbe. A woman living in a large country home drives her servants to mutiny.
2. Los abrazos rotos (2009).
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar. With Penélope Cruz, Lluís Homar, Blanca Portillo. Harry Caine, a blind writer, reaches this moment in time when he has to heal.
3. Micmacs à tire-larigot (2009).
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. A man and his friends come up with an intricate and original plan to destroy two big weapons manufacturers.
What else did I learn in Nederland...
Ice skating, on hockey and the more difficult touring skates. "Fietsen!" Dutch bicycling is an art of its own, the posture is so important for style and watching out for the other twenty or so bicycles coming at you from all directions is a must.
Tot ziens,
Stan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)