Brethren Volunteer Service

  Northern Ireland

Belfast

Dates: Inquire for specific dates

Description: Ulster Quaker Service Committee seeks Voluntary Staff to live and work at Quaker Cottage, a cross-community day care center for low-income families. Volunteers work with other voluntary and paid staff to provide programs which assist the development of mothers and children and improve mutual understanding between the Protestant and Catholic communities. Voluntary staff work almost entirely with the children.

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 basic human needs; maintaining the integrity of creation.

Qualifications: Experience in working with children (birth to 11 years), knowledge of self, genuine love for children, driver's license essential. Additional application process and interviews necessary.

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