Volunteering with Amida

This item provides a brief introduction to the Volunteer Scheme for overseas projects. Full details can be found at www.buddhistpsychology.info/volunteering.htm

The Amida Volunteer Scheme trains and places individuals who have a gap period available for socially constructive work overseas. The training takes place in England or France and the placements are generally with Amida projects overseas, but may sometimes be with other Buddhist agencies. Volunteers in Amida placements receive good supervision and support and further training on the job. Currently we use placements in India and in Zambia. There are propects of placements in Vietnam and in Hawaii at future dates. If you would like to read about the experiences of those involved in this scheme, do visit the Amida Volunteer Weblog. You can also listen to a BBC interview with Amida volunteers "Azam and Georg talk to the Buddhists"

Main Scheme
The main scheme involves a period of training, usually four to six weeks, usually in September-October, followed by a six month placement. On this scheme volunteers make a financial contribution (currently £800) that compares favourably with most other similar schemes. All travel and accommodation arrangements are made by Amida Trust. At the end of the six month placement volunteers return to UK for a debriefing session.

Ad Hoc Volunteering
In addition to the main scheme a certain number of ad hoc volunteers are accepted, these generally being mature applicants with particular skills to offer. These volunteers do not receive full formal training, but can access our training in the UK and on training retreats held periodically in France where they contribute toward running costs. Otherwise they only contribute to cover costs where they stay. They make their own travel arrangements, and join an Amida project overseas for a period of less than six months.

Extended Scheme
We are currently giving consideration to an Extended Scheme. In the extended scheme volunteers would make a larger contribution (probably around £2000), would receive their training at the Amida Retreat Centre in France and remain there for about ten weeks working on land management projects, then go to either India or Zambia to join volunteers on the Main Scheme for 10 weeks, followed by 2 weeks free time in which they may travel on their own account; then go to the Amida Hawaii project for a further 10 weeks where they will participate in ecological and other projects in association with Amida Hawaii and our partner organisation the New Moon Foundation, followed by a week of debriefing and a further two weeks of free time in Hawaii before return to UK or home.

There are also opportunities for volunteering in UK - see separate entry.

Contact
If you are interested in any of these three schemes or in volunteering generally, do get in touch with Sr Modgala and tell her about your interest.

Comments

[Michael Stretch]

Dear Sr Modgala,
The Amida Network was recently brought to my attention via the Network of Engaged Buddhists. Members of this Network were present at the Climate Change Camp Heathrow which I was engaged.

Last year I took part in two Ecovillage Trainings in Findhorn, Scotland. This year I succesfully did a 2nd year degree module in Permaculture. Have sustained passion in the 'green' movement which is so vital in this fossil fuel era that humankind has developed.

Became acquinted with the Buddhist practice during the course of a 7 month period. Have taken refuge initiation and the 5 lay voys. Been to Hamberg to attend HH Dlai Lama's 5 days teachings. Feel truely liberated to continue the path to enlightenment.

Your environmental training programmes are very impressive. Would appreciate further details a about them as planning to volunteer in Nelanda Monastery, France in the next few months. Prehaps I could co-ordinate the Amida volunteer training into the visit to France?

Would appreciate details about the training.