The next orientation weekend will be the 28th-30th November 2008 in Edale, Peak District.  We are now taking applications.

The first step in becoming a volunteer is to attend a PBI orientation weekend which provides a useful general introduction to the principles, aims and policies of Peace Brigades International. It is designed to be an informative and enjoyable weekend for anyone wanting to learn more about the work of PBI and international accompaniment.

PBI UK organises three orientation weekends a year. The weekends are led by returned field volunteers and take the form of an intensive residential training over 2-3 days. In the sessions, the trainers deal with the principles of non-violence and non-partisanship together with their practical application to the specific country where the project works.

Please contact the office for booking

Issues such as non-violence, consensus decision making and non-violent conflict resolution are explored through discussions, informative presentations, role-plays, team exercises, workshops and games. The weekend also gives time for self-evaluation; time to assess your personal abilities and suitability as a prospective volunteer.

"I found it [the orientation weekend] stimulating, fascinating and really enjoyable. I found the philosophy and practice of PBI particularly heartening because it also underpins the work I do in conflict resolution and mediation. I was very impressed with the range of skills and qualities volunteers have and the highly skilled work they do in difficult circumstances." Liz Lawrence

Topics include:

• The role of an international NGO in a conflict zone
• PBI's mandate, structure & projects
• Political analysis, consensus decision making, principles of non-violence and non-partisanship

Attending this weekend does not mean that you have to make a commitment to the organisation, nor to joining a team. However, if you are applying to volunteer abroad on a PBI project, you need to attend.

The whole weekend is a time for self-evaluation in terms of personal abilities and suitability to work in a PBI team. On the last day there will be the opportunity to undertake a more formal (but friendly) self-assessment in conjunction with the trainers.

The facilitators are experienced PBI volunteers, having worked for country groups, on field teams and international committees. Between them they bring a diversity and wealth of experience in working for human rights.

The weekends run from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon and cost £65 waged, £55 low-waged and £45 un-waged. Contact the PBI-UK office at the address at the bottom of the page for more information about the next weekend, or send in the form above to reserve a place.

Contact the office for more information.