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IVS GB

[edit] International Voluntary Service

British Branch of Service Civil International

IVS GB is a peace organisation working for the sustainable development of local and global communities throughout the world. We are the leading charity involving volunteers in international exchanges (international voluntary projects). IVS GB is the British branch of Service Civil International (SCI), a world wide network of like minded branches and partner organisations supporting the mutual exchange of volunteers to work on projects of direct benefit to local communities.

IVS' aims are: - To foster peace and understanding between people and nations through voluntary work. - To provide volunteer help to international projects and organisations working for the benefit of the community whilst not replacing paid labour. - To organise international projects and other activities in the UK. History of IVS: In 1921 a group of French and German volunteers worked together to repair a French village that had been destroyed during the war. They were led by Pierre Ceresole, a Swiss national who set up Service Civil International to further the aims of peace, justice and understanding in the world.

The first international project in Great Britain, to build an outdoor swimming pool for the colliery town of Bryn Mawr, Wales, was in 1931. This was the beginning of International Voluntary Service.

There are now over 800 international projects worldwide every year, welcoming volunteers from all nations. Volunteers work, live and study together, learning about each other and about the wider issues in the community around them.

Organisation

IVS's paid staff are three regional co-ordinators based in Colchester, Leeds and Edinburgh along with a Youth Worker based in Leeds and a Temporary Placement officer employed over the summer season. The offices are also assisted by volunteers able to commit themselves regularly. IVS staff are supported by elected regional committees. A Co-ordinating Council deals with national, international and inter-regional issues. Activities IVS's biggest activity is to run a programme of international projects. A typical international project consists of 6 to 15 volunteers from several countries working and living together on an international project for 1 to 3 weeks. International projects are diverse, ranging from environmental conservation to helping refugees, and from holiday playschemes for children to working with people with learning difficulties.

IVS initiates some international projects and organises others for a wide range of sponsors; eg, ecological trusts, community groups, charities, social service departments and refugee organisations.

IVS also enables GB volunteers to take part in similar international projects abroad, facilitates East / West and North / South exchanges, and runs local groups and special interest weekends.

Finances

IVS has practically no funds of its own. Outside support is essential to continue the international project programme, meet the need for new volunteers and build up the organisation's facilities.

IVS is run by a minimum of staff and active volunteers, your money does make a difference. If you are a taxpayer, you can help IVS to reclaim the tax you have paid on your membership and registration fees.

Equality of Opportunity

IVS has an Equal Opportunities Policy. We welcome and respect everyone who wants to join our activities whatever your age, gender, faith, cultural heritage, sexuality or socio-economic background.

More information available at www.ivs-gb.org.uk [1]