Introduction of KVT

What is KVT?
KVT is a peace organisation that aims to promote equality, social acceptance and respect for the environment. The full name of KVT, Kansainvälinen vapaaehtoistyö, literally translates as International Voluntary Service.

What do we do?
KVT's most important activity is organising international workcamps in Finland and sending volunteers to workcamps abroad. In addition, KVT coordinates long-term volunteering projects of 3 to 12 months. KVT is run by volunteers working in various working groups and local groups.
KVT works actively throughout the year. There are various ways to participate in KVT's activities including monthly volunteer meetings/events in the office of KVT in Helsinki. Please contact the office for further information.

How did we start?
KVT was established in Finland in 1947. The first volunteers came to Finland to help rebuilding Finnish Lapland after World War II. KVT is the Finnish branch of Service Civil International (SCI) which was established in 1920. There are SCI branches, groups and partner organisations in over 50 countries around the world. More than 5000 volunteers take part in more than 1000 workcamps each year. (Linkki nro 1)
SCI was the inspiration of the famous Swiss pacifist, Pierre Ceresole. Ceresole organised the first workcamp in Verdun, France. Volunteers from Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain and Hungary worked side by side rebuilding a village destroyed by the First World War and fostering grass roots reconciliation between the former enemies. The United Nations awarded SCI the title "Messenger of Peace" in 1987 in recognition of its work for peace and international understanding.

What are workcamps?
Workcamps are a unique form of doing voluntary work. They bring people together from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds to live and work on projects of benefit to local communities. The projects are designed to support and encourage local initiatives which are continued after the workcamp has ended. Workcamps are designed to help local organisations achieve a particular task, as well as supporting their longer-term goals and working for a more just and peaceful world.
Workcamps are:
· 2 to 4 weeks in length
· working together with a team of 5 to 25 international volunteers
· facilitated by a Workcamp Leader, who will liaise with the local community on behalf of the volunteers. The leader manages the workcamp budget (for food, etc) and organises cultural activities, team-building exercises, etc.
Workcamps have three main purposes. One is the practical assistance given to local communities by the volunteers; the second is to introduce volunteers to problems which local communities face in their struggles for peace, social justice and environmental sustainability, and the third is the cultural exchange which takes place between the volunteers on the workcamp, and between the volunteers and the local community in which they are working. In these ways, the misunderstandings and prejudices which separate people and nations are gradually broken down and paths to peace are established.

Applying for workcamp outside Finland
If you are living temporarily or permanently in Finland you can apply for a workcamp through KVT. If you are not living in Finland, please contact the SCI branch or partner organisation in your own country. Contact details and the full listing of countries can be found here.

How do I apply for a workcamp?
· Search from 1 to 6 camp alternatives from workcamp search engine
· Pay KVT´s membership fee 10€/17€ and a camp fee 85€/120€ to the account: Sampo 800012-69517, and spare the receipts
· Fill the application form.
· Send the application form and the receipts to the office of KVT by letter, fax or by e-mail
· The answer normally takes about a week
The application form and the receipts can be sent to one of the following addresses:

Mail:

KVT ry
Veturitori 3
00520 HELSINKI

E-mail:
outgoing(at)kvtfinland.org

Fax:
+358 9 143 657


How is the process?
After receiving your application we will automatically send it to the first choice on your camp list. The answer normally takes less than a week. If the camp is already full, we will automatically send the application to your next choice (you can choose up to six camps in order of preference) until you are placed on a camp. If there is a situation where all the camps you have listed are full then we will contact you so you can select other options. The summer exchange starts in mid-April and the most popular camps are full quickly, so the earlier you apply the easier it is to get a place on a camp. In case you cannot find a suitable camp we will pay back the exchange fee. The KVT membership fee will not be refunded.

How much should I pay?
*When paying the membership fee, please give your name, age, gender, address, email and other possible (contact) information.
It is necessary to be a current member of KVT when applying for a workcamp. As a member, you will receive a free copy of annual camp list, bi-weekly e-bulletins and information about KVT activities and events.

FAQ about workcamps
Workcamps in Finland 2009
N.B. The camps in Finland are principally meant for volunteers outside Finland. There are some exceptions, though like asylum seekers in Finland who have a right to apply for Finnish workcamps with reduced fees. If you are interested about camps held in Finland and you are living in Finland, please contact the office before applying!