Opportunities for Service
Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) currently manages nine placements in Burundi, the UK and Geneva. QPSW places people with organisations that work at local, national and international level.
Nurturing future peaceworkers
QPSW has long recognised that in order to enable the next generation to commit to peace and social justice, they need not only encouragement but also real experiences in the working world. There also needs to be genuine movement of people in posts in peace. For many years through QPSW Placements young Quakers and other like-minded people have gained practical experience in various aspects of Quaker work in the UK and abroad. Observing Quaker work at close quarters enables them to gain a greater understanding of the values that underpin Quaker beliefs and witness.
Working at the United Nations
Every autumn, two new programme assistants (PAs) begin work at the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO), Geneva. One placement is funded by QPSW and one is supported through project funding. The PA position is a one-year placement that gives somebody the opportunity to live and work in Geneva contributing to the work of the Quaker United Nations Office and gaining valuable experience and unique access to events and people that shape legislation at the UN and other powerful international organizations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The roles are divided between programme specific work and general office administration. Each PA is assigned to the specific areas at QUNO: Human Rights & Refugees and Disarmament & Peace. Key tasks include helping to organise meetings, undertaking research, the quarterly production of QUNO’s newsletter, the Geneva Reporter, and the co-ordination of the annual international Summer School.
Summer school at the UN
In July each year QPSW and QUNO co-ordinate a two-week study tour in Geneva for 25 people interested in international issues. The summer school involves seminars, workshops and attendance at official meetings, including sessions at the WTO, the International Labour Organisation, Quaker House and other organisations.
Participants meet officials working on the topics of trade, labour, human rights, arms control and disarmament in addition to getting a unique insight into how Quakers work at the UN.
In previous years this has been most beneficial to people who have recently completed higher education.
“The new Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, … is intended to facilitate cooperation between the many and varied peacebuilding organisations in the city. To this end I’ve been helping a bit with organising various lunchtime seminars, expert meetings and an upcoming annual conference.”
Adam Drury, QUNO, Geneva
2008/09
Building peace in Britain
Each year QPSW, in collaboration with the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, appoints new Peaceworkers and places them with British based peace organisations. Through these placements, we support and strengthen work being done in Britain for peace and against violence and injustice.
The 1-year scheme helps bring on the next generation of Peaceworkers and enhances the work of British peace organisations. Some of the organisations that have hosted QPSW Peaceworkers include Fellowship of Reconciliation, International Alert, Campaign Against Arms Trade, and Leap Confronting Conflict.
Our experience shows Peaceworkers continue to make valuable contributions to peace work long after their placement ends.
Selina, Sarah, Candia and Dave - UK peaceworkers in 2008
Burundi placements
QPSW has two annual overseas placements in Burundi. They are with American Friends Service Committee and based in Bujumbura. One is focused on capacity building with local partners, the other on advocacy. Both encourage the sharing of experiences in dealing with violence and learning the lessons that help to build a more positive future. They and the organisations work closely with local communities to join in and enable dialogue that allows people the space and freedom to talk about their experiences of war, oppression and bigotry.
“AFSC views peacebuilding and justice in a broad way. Conflict resolution and alternatives to violence training, trauma healing and peace education, women’s rights and empowerment and food security and humanitarian assistance.”
Sarah Jackson, AFSC, Bujumbura
2008/09
Get involved
Read the Journal Letters from the QUNO programme assistants and UK and overseas peaceworkers on the website or call the number below for copies.
Support this work with a donation.
Encourage young people in your meeting to apply for a one-year post.
Invite a former placement worker to speak at your meeting.
Contact
Helen Bradford
QPSW, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ
020 7663 1071
Quaker Peace & Social Witness works with, and on behalf of, the Religious Society of Friends in Britain to translate our faith into action. As Quakers we are impelled by our faith to make our lives an active witness for peace and justice. Our historic testimonies to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth challenge us to alleviate suffering and seek positive social change.
The placements are overseen by QPSW’s Placements Group, which sets policy and determines priorities for QPSW in relation to the placements.
June 2009