The Winant Clayton Volunteers, Inc. Since 1948
Our energetic, caring community service program grew from the World War II dreams of two extraordinary men: John G. Winant, then U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James in Great Britain and Reverend Philip “Tubby” Clayton, private Chaplain to Her Majesty, the Queen, and the much-loved founder of Toc-H, a community social service organization founded during the First World War. Crossing the Atlantic by ship in 1948, Americans began the Winant Volunteer adventure by helping British families rebuild bombed out churches and community centers in blitz-torn London.
The Winant Clayton Volunteers Today
Winant Clayton Volunteers, Inc. is a not-forprofit organization registered in the State of New York. Winants are a group of American volunteers who since 1948 have traveled together to the U.K., exporting their enthusiasm and energy to English grass roots community services who depend on volunteers to assist in their programs. Since 1959, our British counterparts, the Claytons, have traveled to the U.S. to provide similar services and enjoy the cultural exchange experience in reverse. Winants and Claytons are of all ages, ethnicities, and religions.
What Do Winants Do?
Volunteers are placed mainly in the East End of London with community workers on projects serving people of all ages and with a variety of needs: community settlement clubs for the elderly, immigrant groups, at-risk teenagers or children; drop-in centers for people with HIV/AIDS; psychiatric rehabilitation centers; day care programs for inner city children, or environmental projects. Some placements are very structured, others are less so, and all require energy, enthusiasm, initiative and flexibility. Volunteers may be placed singly or with a fellow Winant. Leisure time finds the Winants traveling and exploring the full spectrum of British life.
Experience has shown that those who are willing to fully embrace varying levels of challenge and/or responsibility are the most satisfied. You may, for instance, be called upon to chop carrots for a whole morning or find yourself listening for hours to a lonely elderly person. All your work is valued, and seemingly routine or tedious periods should be balanced by the remarkable overall experience of learning and friendship you are sure to enjoy.
Where Do Volunteers Live?
Housing during the seven-week volunteer placement is provided with host families, in apartments, or in student housing.
Who Should Apply?
Applicants must be citizens of the U.S. over 18 years of age who are mature and flexible enough to live and work abroad with minimal supervision. Winants come from all over the U.S. and have a wide range of interests, ages and backgrounds. Volunteer experience or a social service
How Much Will it Cost?
An estimated budget of $3,500 to $4,000 should cover visa, airfare, and independent travel and leisure expenses, and may vary depending upon the individual. Housing and a small meal stipend are provided. Transportation costs to and from placements are also provided if applicable. A small amount of financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Why Apply?
For a thousand reasons! To carry on the tradition of friendship and service between the U.S. and the U.K. To experience British culture from the inside. To be challenged. To make friendships with all kinds of people you might never otherwise have met. To learn and to grow through giving to people in need. Because some former volunteers maintain that their brief trip across the Atlantic was one of the most significant experiences of their lives.