VAP News > News archive > 7th May 2019: VAP Newsletter Spring 2012
Calling all active civilians!...and no this isn’t an austerity measure..
VAP Newsletter Spring 2012
Feeling apathetic? Too much freedom of choice?? Well get busy, make a decision and relieve your mind!
Fresh Links and Opportunities
Volunteer Action for Peace (VAP) has awoken from its winter slumber and has a database quickly growing with thousands of exciting and affordable projects world wide! Join our active facebook group by following the link on the homepage and meet other budding volunteers. So get clicking at our database to get moving!
Don’t talk to us about Big Society
For those not in the know, VAP works globally towards creating and preserving international peace, justice and human solidarity for our local communities, through the very special medium of volunteering. It actually works! Just ask Nuno, the VAP badger at action@vap.org.uk. Plus it’s all done on a shoe string budget....it would make George Osborne proud.
An interesting alternative during a time of growing UK unemployment?
Why not ease your own quantities by surfing the VAP database. Many of the projects accommodate and feed volunteers for free, leaving only travel expenses and our competitive fee of £150-190 to cover organisational costs. In keeping with our grassroots approach, if there are any other charges, they are paid straight into the community that supports the volunteer during their stay. On top of this, some of the long term placements are completely free, offering the participant an invaluable education, food, accommodation and spending money in an exciting new place!
Speaking of which...Say YES to EVS!
That’s European Voluntary Service to those lucky enough to avoid the “shop talk” acronyms... EVS is a wonderful program for those younger then 30 who want to gain experience and skills whilst having a fun and exciting new life in another country for up to a year! However, due to the struggling Euro, there is some speculation as to how long this programme will continue to be funded by the EU. If you want to know more, the EVS Guru is holding an information day on Saturday April 21st in South London, so come along and plug your brain into a stream of inspiring possibilities! Contact Cedric at cedric@vap.org.uk
VAP Training Weekend 15th- 17th June
And after last year’s successful swaray, the VAP Project Co-ordinator training and North-South Training will again be a joint event held at our local partner’s outstanding location – the Clow Beck Eco Centre near Darlington. Check out the video of last years training made by VAPtech Joana, and just see for yourself - learning can be fun! http://www.vap.org.uk/vap-training-programmes/
The VAP Swallow
Nigel the swallow has just returned from a long flight to Africa. Sleeping on the wing, he visited various old and prospective partners in mind for the coming VAP 30 Plus Programme. The volunteering sector can be very youth orientated and VAP has recognised the lack of opportunities for people in later stages of their life, and is committed to developing long term placements for such volunteers. He visited our current partners in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia, and other potential partners in Kenya. Read his Zimbabwe story on our website.
The Buddha likes VAP
This summer, VAP welcomes a further new workcamp with the Buddhist organisation Triratna. After last years successful workcamps, we will now also host a group of volunteers at Buddhafield East Festival in Norfolk. It promises to be a smaller and more itimate affair, but nonetheless briming with activities amongst a warm community. Ohmmmmm... www.buddhafieldeast.com
EuropEducation?
VAP is excited to welcome the partnership of EuropEducation. This new and dynamic organisation aims to provide UK students with an exciting alternative to our expensive university system. VAP will act as a gateway, placing volunteers on projects to gain language skills before attending equally good but much more affordable degree courses. Check this space for further news about the launch of their website coming soon.
And finally...
Have you got an idea? VAP is always on the hunt for new partners or ideas, especially on home turf. If you think you have a good suggestion please get in touch!
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