Description

United Planet's Italy program is multifaceted and growing and there are many opportunities for volunteers to make a critical difference. Volunteers can play an important role in contributing to the local community and in building bonds of understanding. Many opportunities are offered on projects supporting the disabled and the elderly.

* People with Disabilities - Cooperativa Sociale Villa Maria:
This project aims to offer support to people with disabilities in a local community center, situated in the north of Italy. Volunteers will have the opportunity to organize and take part in various activities with the community members such as swimming, music lab (educational and creative lab), creative workshops, and cooking activities.

* People with Disabilities - Servizio Residenziale Flessibile:
Volunteers provide support to people with disabilities between the ages of 30 and 55 in a community with a family atmosphere in Perosa Argentina. The main tasks for volunteers include assisting professional staff and accompanying the residents in activities such as movies, dinner, conversation, reading, etc.

* Elderly-Rifugio re Carlo Alberto Onlus:
This project is run by the local church through volunteers and staff members, and is located in the village of Luserna San Giovanni, an hour from Torino. Volunteers will be involved in the day centre. During the first days at the project, volunteers will try various activities to understand which ones are most suitable for their skills and interests. The centre is open from Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5:15pm. Possible activities include light exercises, cooking, personal care, various workshops, gardening and assisting with baths.

* People with Disabilities - Associazione "Insieme Si Puo-Onlus:
Volunteers' main tasks are to help people in the centre to improve linguistic and physical skills in order to gain personal independence. Such tasks can include using money, using the telephone, music therapy, using public transportation, shopping. Volunteers also have the chance to help the organization's structure and daily planning, as well as to participate in creative and social activities.

* People with Disabilities Sospiro Project
The Sospiro Foundation aims to realize the social integration of people with disabilities. Volunteers will assist people with disabilities in various activities including computer lab, theatre and music therapy, sports as well as activities related to daily life skills and strengthening communication. In addition, volunteers may also go on excursions on the territory with people with disabilities and should also support the education team and personnel on location.

* Elderly - Asilo Valdese
Asilo Valdese, owned by the evangelic church of Luserna San Giovanni is a small town located about an hour outside of Torino and founded over 100 years ago and is a non-profit organization which offers facilities for 80 non-self dependent elderly people and 20 self-dependent elderly people as well as serves the elderly people living in Luserna S.G. and the surrounding area. Volunteers will cultivate and improve relationships with the elderly guests at this organization. Volunteers tasks will involve participating in crafts, music lab, supporting the physiotherapist, and helping during meals. Occasionally, volunteers will also participate in half-day trips with the projects staff and guests.

Highlights

United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Quest program, celebrating 60 years of long-term voluntary service, offers signature pre-departure and in-country training, personal volunteer support, meaningful volunteer opportunities, diverse cultural and learning activities, local excursions, a strong host family network, and much more.

United Planet is the proud US and Canadian partner within the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, the oldest long-term volunteering federation in the world. With over 60 years of experience, the ICYE Federation has a proven track record and upholds the highest standards for excellence in serving both the volunteers and the communities involved.

Italy:

While most of Italy spans the Mediterranean coastline, it is also blessed to share a northern alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. A romantic and picturesque destination, Italy has remained a tourist favorite for many years. Many come for the distinctive canals of Venice, the fashion in Milan, and the ancient ruins of Rome but as a volunteer, you'll have the chance to experience all of this in a way most tourists cannot.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

* Extensive pre-departure information
* Insurance, including international emergency medical and evacuation coverage
* Airport pick up and drop off service (no service offered if arrival time after 10pm)
* One day orientation to local culture and program
* Food and Lodging in the country (accommodation at the project site)
* Diverse cultural and learning opportunities
* On-going support from AFSAI and United Planet

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Health
• Disability Issues
• Elderly
• Health
• Health Care
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join us. We are extremely proud of our international volunteers. Each and every volunteer strives to be a good ambassador through their flexibility, courage, open-mindedness, positive spirit, and genuine desire to make a difference. To help prepare you for the predictable and unpredictable aspects of your time abroad, you will be offered comprehensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations, as well as personal support from our Program Coordinators. We will work with you to help you gain the tools you need for a fun, safe and successful volunteer abroad experience.

Age Range

18 and older

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

24hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

United Planet's Mission Statement

As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.

Year Founded

2001