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Q:
What do I do in the case of an emergency?
A: Work site and volunteer
safety is of paramount concern for the Just Works program. At least one
UUSC workcamp staff is trained in first aid and CPR. In the event of a
serious medical emergency, the volunteer will be taken immediately to
the nearest hospital.
Staff and volunteers will have
access to an emergency mobile phone at all times. A list of emergency
contact numbers will be made to accepted volunteers. Family members needing
to reach volunteers may do so through these emergency contact numbers
provided. All applicants' health insurance information will be on hand
at the workcamp (as provided in the original application).
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Q:
What is the typical daily schedule like?
A: The schedule of
daily activities is always tentative and subject to change as needed.
We request that you remain flexible in understanding that the goal of
the Just Works program is to meet the pressing needs of the community,
which inevitably vary from day to day. Certain things like a five-day
work week (Monday through Friday) and evening group time is standard,
but within that, our programming and activities fluctuate.
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Q:
Will I have free time to myself or with others?
A: Generally evenings
are used for advocacy awareness building, group reflection or recreational
activities. But there is always time for yourself each evening to wind
down, relax or write in your journal. While the daily schedule is not
highly regimented, expect that there will be much to do and cover.
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Q:
What are the expectations and opportunities to participate in any kind
of worship?
A: UUSC is a nonsectarian
human rights and social justice organization. UUSC is separate and
distinct from the Unitarian Universalist Association that is an association
of congregations. UUSC is not a religious organization. We do social
justice work and partner with organizations across the globe to promote
and protect the rights of indigenous populations, women and children and
their communities.
As a nonsectarian human rights
organization, we do not expect workcampers to participate in organized
worship, but opportunities will be available for those who wish to do
so. Workcamp staff will facilitate evening activities that stress personal
reflection and meditation on one's daily experiences. The goal is to provide
an atmosphere where participants can reflect on the workcamp experience
and apply lessons to one's own value system. At times, we will be invited
to participate in local religious ceremonies or activities (such as a
Sunday worship service), and all volunteers are encouraged to participate
as a sign of commitment to the communities with which we work.
Workcamps are secular experiences
and are about putting our values (not faith) into action.
We encourage diversity in our workcamp teams. As a result, volunteers
have and do come from many backgrounds including many faiths. Volunteers
have included atheists, Quakers, Presbyterians, Reform Jews,
Methodists, Mennonites, Catholics and many others. Volunteers
are supported in having an educational experience that enlightens them
to social justice concerns and trains them on activism and advocacy.
Many participants find workcamps to be a strong personal, psychological
and even spiritual experience also.
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Q: What
if I do not have the money to pay the registration fee?
A: No one is ever turned
away due to lack of funds. Some limited scholarships are available to
those who qualify. Please contact UUSC's Member
Action Team for more information.
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