Some of you are looking for snow flakes and Christmas presents- we are looking for volunteers and angels, who fill up our account. Without these angels the weight on the wings is too heavy to continue to fly, but together with you we are successful once more. We want to thank you for your support, however you were supporting us. You were making a contribution to get the ball rolling, to help with your own hands and to help humanity.

Workcamp Saison finished with a party

In October our season was finished- and with the closing of our season all the projects, that took place in Switzerland. We are looking back to an all-round, exciting, but also turbulent season. It's not always easy to please everyone, but we got supported by motivated young people, who are ready to spend their holiday for a beneficiary dedication.

As every year we were organising a nice party at the end of the season. With over 30 persons we were looking back to the workcamp season, made our mind and looked at some pictures. Less interesting was our presentation of the figures, but the presentations of two volunteers. Martin Ludin told the guests about his project in Greenland, whereas France Secchi was expressing in a very impressive way, how you can raise a smile from a kid in Indonesia. Even today he still remembers these experiences he made and he's trying to tell about it to his friends and colleagues.

Rehabilitation of Ex- prisoners in Vermont

The "Rutland Dismas House" provides a housing opportunity to men an women getting out of prison so they can successfully reconcile with the community before living independently.

They are looking for a volunteer for three to six months. Work A good deal of computer and office work, participation in various components of fundraising activities, student recruitment, representing Dismas at speaking engagements on college campuses and at civic organizations, working with clothing and food donations and participating in house group activities. Volunteers will visit prisons with the Co-Directors and will have an opportunity to observe the interview screening process.

As a resident of the house, volunteers will live as an equal to and with the same expectations as the former prisoner residents: Absolutely NO alcohol or drug use permitted during the stay; presence at the evening meal Monday through Friday is required, as is presence at the weekly house meeting one evening during the week; no smoking inside the house; no intimate relationships between residents permitted. SPECIAL REMARKS: Volunteers must be 24+, able to speak and understand a better than basic level of English, and have basic computer skills. A 90-day/3 month commitment is required, but volunteers are welcome to stay for up to 6 months.

Time period: January until June 2010

Concordia is looking for an office-assistant for the season 2010 in Brighton

Concordia is a small Non-Profit Organisation and is organising international volunteer projects. They are working together with partner organisations from all over the world. Workcamp Switzerland is one partner organisation of them. For the coming season Concordia UK is looking for a volunteer, who will support the team in the office during the high season. You will work from Monday to Friday, depending on the work it can also include the weekend from time to time.

You will be responsible for following jobs: preparation of the international Workcamp programme, answering telephone and Emails, placement of incoming and outgoing volunteers into appropriate Workcamps, contact with partner organisations, helping out during the campleader trainings and volunteer preparation weekends and general administrative tasks.

Concordia is paying for accommodation and food a maximum of 90 pounds a week. Additional you will get 55 pounds weekly for living expenses. You are responsible to find a suitable accommodation. This can be in a community house or at a guest family.

Time period: March until August. Application deadline: 11th of January 2010.

Rebuilding of historic neighborhood in New Orleans

Lowermine.org is a non-political, secular organization dedicated to helping this historic neighbourhood recover and return to its former vibrant self.

These Volunteers are wanted: Experienced carpenters, roofers, plumbers, painters and other tradesmen needed for rebuilding homes in the flood-damaged Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Unskilled volunteers will be trained by skilled staff. All aspects of home rebuilding will be addressed, from roofing to finish carpentry. To have talent in trading and to be healthy is required. The accommodation is two miles east of the French quarter.

Time period: one to three months, starting date from now on.

Engagement in our organisation

Are you initiative, creative and motivated for an honorary engagement during your spare time? Do you want to bring your experiences in our directorate? To work in our association means an interesting and various assignment, experiences in the non formal youth work, contact with people around the world and a new challenge you can even mark out in your reference.

Because we are a small association we are happy about all the support we can get. Experiences in an association would be nice, but it's not obligatory.

If you feel too compressed to work in the directorate we would be even happy, if you can help out from time to time. This could be during an event, a presentation in schools or other irregular activities.

Anyway we are thankful for every support. We are intensely planning the next season.

Good bye!

The end of the year is close and also my last working day at Workcamp Switzerland. In 2010 I will start a new challenge. I will use the theories I've learnt during my studies of journalism and I will realise it. I'm looking forward to this new challenge, especially because I can make my hobby to become a profession. The last two years were unforgettable: I will learn from the experiences I made and I will learn from the mistakes that happened. I will stay in contact.

I want to thank you all for the great cooperation. Greetings, Nathalie Schoch.

Happy, New Year

Workcamp Switzerland is on holiday from the 24th of December until the 3rd of January. We wish you a relaxing holiday and all the best for the New Year.

The next Newsletter will be published at the end of March 2010.

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