EVS volunteer wanted to work on the gold mining case of Halkidiki, Greece
CATAPA is looking for a European Volunteer (through the EVS program) to join our team in Ghent, Belgium, to work on the case of the Halkidiki goldmine in northern Greece.
CATAPA is an organization that works with the impacts of large scale mining on communities and the environment in the South, especially in our partner countries Peru, Bolivia and Guatemala. We support local people and organisations in their protests against large scale mining corporations. A similar situation has appeared in the Halkidiki peninsula in Greece. Here, the Canadian Eldorado Gold Corp is looking to construct a large gold mine. However, the local communities do not want a gold mine in their area as it will not bring development but pollute air and water, and destroy the long term potential for their more sustainable livelihoods such as farming and tourism. The people of Greece are informed of the potential ecological and social impact of the gold mine and are taking a stance. The problem has come to a national level, with big protest marches happening all over the country.
Who are we?
CATAPA is a young social and ecological movement, which focuses on globalization and sustainable development. Currently CATAPA focuses on mining conflicts in Latin America, but we want to expand our focus to include the case of Halkidiki, Greece. The fact that this mining conflict is taking place in the European Union goes to show that these situations can arise anywhere, making it an interesting and important case for our organization to explore and discuss with those who may feel this is only a problem of ‘the South/developing countries’.
The sending organization will be European Village, a Greek NGO seeking to spread ideas of and support actions concerning economies of solidarity and sustainable development. Their main target group is youngsters.
Practicalities
For a period of five months between February 1, 2014 and July 31, 2014, we are looking for a volunteer to support the CATAPA team in Ghent, Belgium by deepening our understanding of the Halkidiki case, helping CATAPA build expertise on the case, assisting us in improving our contacts with local organizations in Greece who are working on this issue, and communicate the story more widely.
Concretely, the volunteer will support the daily operation of CATAPA and assist in the preparation and the implementation of activities we organize on the topic of the Greek case.
The activities the volunteer could be involved in consist of:
· Supporting the daily operation of our organization
· Maintaining and enhancing our network with stakeholders within the Greek mining case
· Follow-up of the website and other social media (Facebook, Twitter)
· Follow-up of news about the mining industry in general and especially on gold mining in Greece
· Research on the topic of the Greek mining case
· Writing educational and lobby files, based on own and other research
· Developing workshops and other educational material for secondary schools and an adult public
· Preparing and organizing activities concerning the Greek mining case
· Help to develop campaign strategies for the Greek case and communication with partner organizations in Greece to commence international cooperation
Of course, the volunteer will also be encouraged to develop their own project/initiative according to his/her interest, experience and knowledge.
Profile of the volunteer
Everyone who believes that another world is possible is welcome at CATAPA. We hope to enrich our team with a young, dynamic, enthusiastic and flexible person.
What we expect from the candidate:
· A willingness to work in a team of volunteers and staff, including two other EVS volunteers.
· Openness to other cultures. We are an intercultural organization.
· An interest in or experience with North-South issues and/or ecological movements is a pro. These are the topics we normally work on, and our volunteers’ passion about these issues is one of the main strengths of our organization.
· Because of the content of the position we are looking for a volunteer who speaks both Greek and English.
· Good communication and social skills
· To be in possession of a laptop and a willingness to bring it to the office
We are open to receive candidates with special needs and encourage every volunteer who is willing to commit himself/herself to become an EVS volunteer at CATAPA to apply.
What do we offer?
CATAPA is a place where you can obtain experience doing many different things: there’s a big potential for learning. This call is for a European Volunteer, in the EVS program by ‘Youth in Action’. This means expenses of the volunteer (accommodation, meals and transport) will be covered up to 636 Euros a month. Due to the nature of the Youth in Action program, unfortunately it is not possible for people over 30 years of age or those with a Belgian nationality to apply.
αυτά είναι...
ο "αγνός" αγωνας των "κατοίκων' της Χαλκιδικής
