Brethren Volunteer Service

  Japan

• All Other Areas: 
Hiroshima

Dates: Inquire for specific dates

Description: World Friendship Center (WFC) founded as a peace center in 1965, seeks Co-Directors to manage and operate international guest services which includes scheduling, welcoming and correspondence, breakfast preparation and serving guests, and a full spectrum of cleaning and maintenance duties. Co-Directors teach weekly English conversation and translation classes ranging from basic abilities to advanced topics. Peace activities are promoted through classes, Peace Park tours and Hibakusha (A-bomb survivor) story scheduling, and by attending a variety of community based Peace activities. Co-Directors oversee financial and correspondence operations including updating the website, presenting the Director's Report for Rijikai (Board of Directors) monthly meeting, and participate in a wide variety of community activities and events.

Highlights: Brethren Volunteer Service seeks people willing to act on their commitment, values, and faith. We challenge individuals to offer themselves, their time, and their talents to work that can be difficult and demanding, yet rewarding and joyful.

Since 1948, Brethren Volunteer Service has been about people sharing God's love through acts of service. As a Christian-based volunteer program sponsored by the Church of the Brethren, BVS builds on the churchs strong commitment to service.

Volunteers serve a year or more at projects that commit to one or more of the following goals of BVS: working for peace; advocating justice; serving human needs; caring for creation.

Qualifications: Maturity, two-year commitment, concern for peace, computer and other office skills, and basic repair knowledge are prerequisites. Stamina and good health are helpful - the location of the center requires considerable walking and bike riding. Interest in the Japanese language and culture, the ability to speak and write clearly and to work with others required. A college degree helpful but not essential. a married couple preferred.

Requirements to serve in BVS international assignments include: 21 years of age or older; four-year college degree; sound physical and mental health; willingness to examine the Christian faith; commitment to the goals of BVS; participation in the three-week volunteer orientation. Opportunities for international persons wishing to serve through BVS are very limited.

Salary / Pay: Service benefits include: housing, food, full medical insurance, a monthly stipend between $60 and $80, and the opportunity to serve others. In most cases, qualifying educational loans may be deferred for up to three years.

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Brethren Volunteer Service's Mission Statement: Brethren Volunteer Service is persons giving their time and skills to help a world in need. It is a way for people to work at issues greater than themselves, recognizing that their efforts may not immediately solve deep-rooted problems, but can be part of on-going work for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. Volunteers bring hope to shattered lives, offer food and shelter to those in need, and build understanding between individuals, groups, nations, humanity, and the world we share. It is essential that each volunteer bring a willingness to serve. Important work towards peace, justice, meeting the needs of humanity and the environment calls out for persons willing to serve.

Year Founded: 1948