Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering with JVS please download our volunteering booklet (publihsed 2023) for full details.
We welcome all volunteers who can commit to our principles of non violence and come with the aim to support the Palestinian resistance and to end the Israeli Occupation. If you are interested in working with us please email us at: info@jordanvalleysolidarity.org.
We have a really strong team of Palestinian activists working with local communities, but the campaign is always stronger when we have more activists working with us. We appeal to both Palestinian and international volunteers to come and work with us in the Jordan Valley, whether you can come for a few days, a few weeks or a few months. You will always be welcome.
Internationals have been involved in supporting threatened communities, documenting of human rights abuses, and practical solidarity work.
A. Practical solidarity work
As a campaign we have been developing sustainable building methods in the valley by building homes, schools and the Friends Meeting House with mud bricks and local materials. We run water pipes to communities who have no other access to fresh water, plant trees, run youth and children’s activites. Our work is varied depending and the situation on the ground and what local communities need.
We do this work with local communities and the support of internationals is always valuable: helping with the work and providing an international presence at the same time.
We always welcome anyone who wants to organise activities with the children from our communtiy schools, which are run entirely by volunteer teachers.
B. Supporting threatened communities
When families face the demolition of their homes, are having their water resources or land stolen by the illegal settlers, or are facing harrassment, abuse and violence, they often request the support of our international friends. We work with internationals to provide a non-violent presence that is focussed around the needs of the families and communties concerned.
C. Documenting human rights abuses
Writen accounts of what is happning in the Jordan Valley, along with good quality photographs and film are really important. We can use these on our own website, but are also really pleased when volunteers spread this information to a wider audience by having their own blogs, speaking to supporters, contacting the international meadia, and lobbying those in power to take action.
Conditions
The campaign has a house in the central Jordan Valley where volunteers live together. Living communally, eating and working together means that you are never alone and always supported by other volunteers and people from the local area. Working and living in the Jordan Valley means that you will have to live in basic conditions and respect the Palestinian culture and traditions. This include dressing appropriately (long sleeves, long trousers and high neck).
Volunteers in the past have stayed with the campaign from anywhere between 1 day and 2 years. No experience is necessary, the only thing that we ask is that people commit to our principle of non violence and that you come with the aim to support the Palestinian resistance and to end the Israeli Occupation.
We expect no money for accommodation, but if you are able to make a small donationw e appreciate it. All other costs during your stay are covered by yourself. We do ask that once your time with us in the Valley ends that you use your experience and knowledge to spread information globally about the situation here.
Planning your visit
To find out if there is any training planned email jvsolidaritynetwork@gmail.com.
Get involved wherever you are!
Even if you can’t join us in Palestine at the moment, please think of other ways you can support our grassroots campaigning, by doing solidarity actions where you are, organising fundraising events, or making a donation.
