Brethren Volunteer Service: Ulster Quaker Service Committee

  Northern Ireland

Belfast

Dates: Inquire for specific dates

Description: Quaker Service seeks Voluntary Staff to live and work at Quaker Cottage, a cross-community family support center situated on the side of Black Mountain, overlooking West Belfast. Quaker Cottage is a very special day center that provides care and support for disadvantaged families referred by social services. Typically the families have experienced some form of trauma in their lives or have difficulty coping with day to day living. All live in areas most affected by the conflict in Northern Ireland. Quaker Cottage aims to provide a safe and caring environment where increased self esteem, greater family understanding and cooperation, improved social and life skills, enhanced development and mutual understanding and respect are actively promoted. Volunteers will principally be involved in working with children, from 0-18 years old, using a very individualized and effective model of child care. All of these children come from areas which have experienced a high level of violence and much of the behavior that they display is negative. An attitude of tolerance and understanding is imperative. The working week is Monday to Friday and may include some early evening work. Other tasks include cooking, cleaning and minibus driving. Volunteering at Quaker Cottage can prove incredibly rewarding but it can also be physically and emotionally difficult.

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: Commitment to giving 100% to the children. Experience with children is helpful, love for them is essential. You should also be experienced driving a minibus with stick shift or at least willing to learn! One week in six you will be expected to prepare a meal for 10 adults and 12 children. Volunteers are provided with purpose-built accommodation and transport.

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