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Volunteering

In France we make a distinction between “bénévolat” (volunteering) and “volontariat” (voluntary service). Volunteering

A volunteer is someone who performs or offers to perform a service out of his or her own free will, without payment, usually in support of a non-profit organization, mission-based initiative or community. Volunteering can be occasional or regular, part-time or full time. The volunteer can work a few hours per day or month during one week or many years.

  • Volunteering in France

If you are coming to France for your studies or for work and you look for some voluntary activities, you should contact the nearest Volunteer Centre. They will inform you about all the volunteer opportunities in your place of residence. To find the addresses of those centres, have a look at: www.associations.gouv.fr

 

You can volunteer in two types of associations: international solidarity associations and community associations. The first ones are acting for great causes, like environment protection or human rights. The second take care of local community: education, sports and cultural activities for disadvantaged children, support and advice for immigrants or the unemployed, visit to the sick or the elderly. Here are some associations looking for volunteers:

You can also search for voluntary activities on: www.francebenevolat.org

 

 

Voluntary service It refers to specific, full-time project-based voluntary activities that are carried out on a continuous basis for a limited period of time. Voluntary service activities may occur at home and abroad. Volunteers should receive appropriate training and management, reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as well as appropriate accommodation and subsistence allowances as agreed between the volunteer and the non-profit organization.

  • Voluntary service in France

You can come to France for a specific voluntary project. You have to contact a sending organisation, active in projects which promote the common good and non-profit making. For France, it will probably be projects in the field of cultural heritage and environment preservation or fight against social exclusion.  Sending organisations carry out training and preparation of volunteers before they leave their home country. They provide language and intercultural training both before they leave and in the host country. Pocket money, board and lodging and insurance are provided in-service as well as support by mentors during the projects. Projects are regularly evaluated and volunteers are followed upon return to their home country. Of course, this is especially true for long-term volunteers. If you come to France for a summer voluntary camp, you will not get the same preparation and follow-up. To come to France as a volunteer, contact the following organisations:

  • SECOURS CATHOLIQUE (www.secours-catholique.asso.fr): 9 to 12 month-projects in the fields of social exclusion and fight against poverty.
  • APARE ( www.apare-gec.org ): 3 to 5 week short term projects in the field of cultural heritage and intercultural learning or 6 to 9 month long term projects in the field of environment and sustainable development. 
  • ICYE- International Cultural Youth Exchange (www.icye.org): 6 to 12 month-projects in the field of welfare, help to the disabled or the disadvantaged. 
  • COMPAGNONS BATISSEURS ( www.compagnonsbatisseurs-grandsud.org ): long term project in the social field and youth camps during the summer.
  • JEUNESSE ET RECONSTRUCTION ( www.volontariat.org ): 3 week camps during the summer.  
  • REMPART (www.rempart.com): youth camps all year round. 
  • SOLIDARITES JEUNESSES ( www.solidaritesjeunesses.org ) youth camps all year round. 

You can also check the voluntary work programs on this website: www.volunteerabroad.org

  • European Voluntary Service (EVS)

What is a European Voluntary Service project? An EVS project allows a young person to be a volunteer in another country for a specified period, normally between 6 and 12 months. Voluntary service activities can take place, for example, in the field of the environment, arts and culture, activities with children, young people or the elderly, heritage or sports and leisure. Volunteers’ travel costs, insurance, food, accommodation and a small allowance are covered by the grant from the YOUTH IN ACTION programme. European Voluntary Service involves a sending partner known as the "sending organisation". The sending organisation is responsible for arranging the preparation, the follow-up, the visa and insurance of the volunteer. EVS also involves a "hosting organisation". By welcoming a volunteer, a host organisation will bring new ideas and intercultural elements into its regular activities. Any type of non-governmental organisation, an association, a local authority or any other non-profit-making local initiative can be a host organisation.  Who is eligible? EVS is open to all young people who are a legal resident in a Programme country or in an eligible third country and are, in principle, aged between 18 and 30. Certain exceptions regarding the upper age-limit are allowed for young people with less opportunities, if justified, and are judged on a case-by-case basis. Information on the EVS can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/program/guide/action2_en.html

Sources: AVSO , CIDJ and European Commission

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