How Can I Become a Winant Volunteer?
It is your responsibility to get the Reference Form to your references. We suggest you email it to them as an attachment, or give them a link to our site so they can download it directly. Alternately, you can print a hard copy and mail or give it to your references. We must receive your reference forms with your other application materials.
A non-refundable application fee and two (2) passport-sized photos of yourself will be required which should be submitted with your completed application. If you will need Financial Aid in order to participate, request an application from WCV office by email and mail it in with your application. You will be asked to declare the portion of the anticipated budget of $4,500 that you can raise on your own.
Each applicant will be interviewed. This may be a phone or skype interview. The Selection Committee meets in early March, and all applicants are notified whether they have been selected or not by the end of March. Your acceptance must be in writing and accompanied by a non-refundable $100 deposit, due by March 31st.
Important Things to Consider Before Applying
Learning to deal gracefully with challenging situations is an integral part of being a Winant. Volunteers who are prepared to take the rough with the smooth will get the most out of their summer in London.
- Please be sure that your schedule is clear of any obligations for the full nine weeks of the program, which includes 7 weeks of work at a community placement, and 2 weeks of independent travel.
- The 2012 summer program begins around June 10th in New York, and volunteers usually return August 16th.
- All of our placements require physical stamina.
- Provided accommodation will likely be in an independent dorm-type setting. Occasionally two Winants might share a room with two single beds.
- Prospective volunteers should be aware that while many placements have a long-standing partnership with the WCV, others may be brand new.
- All placements entail challenging work in community-based programs. Those who understand the value of service and have a desire to learn (not dictate) will gain the most from their experience as a Winant.
- In the event that an issue – whether at the placement, accommodation or with interpersonal relationships – does arise, the Winant volunteer will have support available. Assistance and advice may be sought from the placement supervisor, the U.K. link person, or the U.K. coordinator.