IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MULTI-STATE & CANADA JOBS more

Camphill Communities offer a life of celebration, service, and community building in which all members may flourish. Volunteer coworkers live and work with children, youth, and adults with developmental and other disabilities in rural communities in California, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania as well as in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada. Since everyone in Camphill contributes to the community according to his or her ability, the work is varied. Work life may mean providing human support and caregiving, teaching a craft, working on the farm or garden, cooking wholesome food, engaging in the healing arts, or celebrating seasonal festivals together. Some coworkers come for a short-term experience, while others make it a long-term way of life. Coworkers with families are also welcome (a Waldorf education for long-term coworker children is provided). Benefits include room, board, medical insurance, a modest stipend, vacation time, and training and education in social therapy, organic and biodynamic agriculture, the healing arts and crafts; an AmeriCorps educational award of $4,725 is possible after a year of service. Prospective coworkers with a genuine interest in others, a willingness to do what is needed, flexibility, tolerance, and cheerfulness are eagerly sought by each community. Current volunteer opportunities for each Camphill community can be found online.

• In addition to providing human support for those with developmental disabilities, Camphill coworkers can share their passion for the arts in one of many craft workshops offered at each community.

KENTUCKY JOBS more

Are you flexible, cooperative, dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented? Based in eastern Kentucky Appalachian counties, the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) helps foster self-sufficiency in economically, socially and/or physically challenged people. Volunteers are needed year-round to serve in a variety of programs, including child and family development centers, outreach services, adult education, elderly services, housing and home repair, youth/teen services, disability services, other various professional placements and more. In addition, volunteer camp counselors, lifeguards and medical personnel are especially needed every summer to staff two overnight summer camps. Short-term service commitments are available from 3 weeks to 8 months, while longer-term staff serve from 9 months to a year (or more). Benefits include room, board, training and support, spiritual retreats and a potential AmeriCorps education award. Long-term volunteers also receive a stipend and health insurance. Short-term volunteers must be at least 18; long-term volunteers must be at least 21. Request an information packet online or call 800.755.5322 for more information. The required application is brief, but does include a background check and feedback from 3 references.

• Volunteering time and talent is a great way to make a difference in people's lives, make friends, visit new places, understand different cultures and learn more about yourself. CAP offers a variety of different service-oriented experiences that fit most any need and interest.

MASSACHUSETTS JOBS more

Located both in Boston and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, Gould Farm is a compassionate, respectful family environment where people with mental illness learn to build more meaningful lives for themselves through work, recreation and community life. The services at the farm remain rooted in the belief that every person has something to contribute despite mental or emotional limitations. Serving as informal counselors, work team leaders and role models, most volunteers engage small groups of guests through work tasks that are required to run this 600-acre farm. Volunteers generally work in one specific area of the farm, such as gardening, farming, forestry, dairy management, crafts, cooking, childcare, administration or clinical work. Boston area program interns live in a smaller community and provide support, guidance, and advocacy for clients who are well on their way to leading more independent lives. A minimum commitment of 12 months is necessary, with opportunities available throughout the year. Benefits include a monthly stipend, housing in privates rooms, wholesome meals and full medical coverage. Mature, well-rounded and people-oriented individuals who are interested in learning and living in a therapeutic community are encouraged to apply.

• The unique spirit that resides in the rural community lifestyle at Gould Farm offers both meaningful work coupled with recreation, singing, music, crafts and a celebration of nature and life.

NEW MEXICO INTERNSHIPS more

Are you looking for a unique experience with an innovative program that will shape your life forever? Serving thousands of homeless men, women and families, St. Elizabeth Shelter creates an atmosphere of loving concern that respects the dignity of each individual and provides the homeless with hope for the future. Case management, transitional and educational programs are provided—helping many to achieve independent living. Residential interns are responsible for most of the hands-on operation of the shelter, ranging from assisting homeless guests, organizing meals, processing donations, providing case management and maintaining the facilities. St. E's also strives to facilitate an internship experience that will bring a mutually satisfying experience for both the intern and the residents. Positions are available full-time from 6-12 months with flexible start dates. Benefits include a $6/hour wage, housing (in a fully-furnished private suite above the shelter with shared living/kitchen space), food allowance and training in crisis resolution, mediation and nonprofit management. Those who commit for one year will also receive health and dental insurance. Applicants must have a high school degree and 2 years of college or work experience and be willing to work hard at helping the homeless. Spanish language ability and prior work in the social services field is a plus. Apply at www.steshelter.org.

A prospective intern was hoping to find an entrée into the social work field, learn about operating a nonprofit, and get some experience in case management. Sarah Dolan's internship journey at St. Elizabeth Shelter explores how the expectations were fulfilled beyond her wildest dreams.
Read more »

VERMONT JOBS more

Do you have a willingness to share life with a community of diverse people while helping those with mental illness cope with and lead more fulfilling lives? Located on 600 acres in Vermont's Green Mountains, Spring Lake Ranch is a residential therapeutic community with a common purpose to engage in the lives of others and the life of the land, and in so doing, to engage more fully in our own lives. Your role as a house advisor and work crew leader will not only be an intensely rewarding experience, but one that will challenge you mentally, spiritually, and physically. Whether you're growing vegetables, building Adirondack chairs, collecting sap for maple syrup or helping a resident with sewing or cooking, the ranch program demands flexibility and emotional spontaneity from its staff. Benefits include a weekly stipend of $244, room, meals, dental/medical insurance, educational opportunities, and the many less tangible benefits that come from living and working in a close-knit community. A minimum six month commitment is necessary, with a rolling application and interview schedule throughout the year.

The house advising job brings men and women, often recently out of college, to Spring Lake Ranch for six months to two years. Read more about how they contribute a steady stream of energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to give of themselves to the residents. Read more »

VIRGINIA JOBS more

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Global Youth Village is situated on a beautiful 86-acre wooded site with a stream, playing fields, basketball court, classroom buildings, pool, outdoor stage, gardens, art studios and a dining facility. Whether working as a workshop instructor, in administration, as a counselor or program specialist, in food services or on the health care team, summer staff live and work with people from all over the world, while developing a deeper understanding of community development issues, discovering the broader implications of daily actions and choices, and exploring the complexity of political and social situations. Benefits include a stipend (between $900 to $1,700 for the season depending on the position and length of employment), housing, wholesome meals and laundry service. The 2008 summer season kicks off in late June (with a 10-day training period) and concludes in early August. (Positions open for either 5 or 7 week periods.) Applicants must have previous youth work experience, be at least 21 years of age and seek to enhance professional youth work or teaching experience. If you're looking for a unique international camp to work and learn at this summer, the Global Youth Village is one you don't want to overlook. Contact Leila Baz for more information or call (540) 297-5982.

• This summer contribute your own thread of education, thought, personality and dreams! Very different from an academic environment, the Global Youth Village staff experience is an intensive and fulfilling learning opportunity that requires active, responsible participation.

Set in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Innisfree Village is a life-sharing community for adults with developmental disabilities. Coworkers and residential volunteers work together on this 600-acre farm in a model therapeutic environment emphasizing empowerment, interdependence and mutual respect of all community members. Serving as houseparents, volunteers live together with coworkers in family-style homes throughout the village. After a 1-month orientation period, responsibilities include cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping, and finances of the house as well as caring for the personal needs of each coworker. Volunteers are also engaged in therapeutic and meaningful work in the bakery, gardens, weavery, woodshop, and kitchens. Benefits include a private room, meals, a monthly stipend of $250, 15 paid vacation days, medical insurance and two consecutive days off per week. Ten to fifteen people, all with various backgrounds and nationalities, are needed each year. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and able to make a one-year commitment.

Read about how the Innisfree Village community empowered Lisa Gerlits to find a new way to move through the world while volunteering again and again and again (and having all expenses covered). Read more »

UNIQUE RESOURCES

Expand your meaningful work job search by exploring these keywords:

Adventure to Peru through the eyes of a volunteer's experience with Cross-Cultural Solutions. You will be a part of something bigger than yourself—serving mankind and fanning a flame of hope and joy that for so many has grown faint. Read more »

Through an extensive leadership and service training program, AMIGOS volunteers jump in with head, heart and hands to contribute to sustainable health, education and environmental service projects in one of nine countries in Latin America.

JOB CHANNELS—EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
• U.S. ADVENTURE JOBS
• WORLDWIDE ADVENTURE JOBS
• WILDERNESS THERAPY VENTURES
• JOBS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
• ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION JOBS
• SUSTAINABLE LIVING & FARMING WORK

• CAMP & RANCH JOBS
• RESORT & HOSPITALITY JOBS
• MIND, BODY & SOUL QUESTS
• MEANINGFUL WORK
• TEACHING GIGS WORLDWIDE
• WORK, VOLUNTEER & INTERN ABROAD