Volunteering
Over nearly thirty years, I have helped facilitate volunteer placements in Europe, North America and Australia, mainly through Camphill communities and partner organisations.
I can assist prospective volunteers and host organisations with placement design, coordination, roles, safeguarding, preparation and the practical arrangements that support a worthwhile placement.
Connect Association can provide administrative and coordination support. Connect Association is not itself currently accredited under an EU programme. Where an opportunity involves EU funding, participation must be arranged through an eligible or accredited partner organisation.
What Volunteers Do
Placements I have helped facilitate have taken place in diverse communities. Activities commonly fall into three areas:
Work Life
Providing social and other support for people, farming, gardening, woodwork, weaving, forestry, bakery, cooking, and housekeeping.
Community Life
Staff/coworker meetings, community gatherings, shared meals, and building meaningful relationships across cultures and abilities.
Cultural Life
Singing, dancing, plays, seminars, skiing, films, and thematic discussions in evenings and on weekends.
What a good placement should provide
Accommodation: The host organisation should provide suitable housing for the duration of the placement.
Food: Arrangements should be clear in advance; many community placements include shared meals.
Language support: Formal or informal language support may be available where needed.
Mentorship: A named mentor or supervisor should meet regularly with the volunteer.
Training: The host or programme should provide a clear introduction and appropriate ongoing learning.
Time off: Rest days and any vacation should be agreed with the host organisation in advance.
Who this may suit
Community-based placements may suit people with an open mind, an interest in shared life, a willingness to carry responsibility and the flexibility to meet unfamiliar situations.