Practical Idealists Wanted – 2012 Summer Staff

Are you a practical idealist interested in international relations and youth leadership?

If  “yes”, consider leaving a legacy by joining the Global Youth Village staff team for the summer.

Working at the Global Youth Village is a unique opportunity for professional, non-professionals, graduate and undergraduate students to gain experience and share knowledge in new ways. The low staff/youth ratio lends itself to personalized instruction and mentor relationships in a caring atmosphere.  Many summer staff are professionals or graduate students, with two to ten (or more!) years of experience in their fields, and typically range in age from 21-45. Together with our highly qualified year round staff, we create a dynamic, cooperative learning community representing various abilities, experiences and viewpoints.

Now accepting applications!!!!

“I am impressed by the mission and scope of Legacy’s work. There is such a tremendous outlook and impact on the people worked with. Most importantly, is the impact on the youth. The knowledge the participants gain and the transformation they go through in such a short time is intense and impressive. They are so impressionable, and education is key to creating a more peaceful society. I loved being a part of that.” ~  Jaimee Braun, Washington DC; educator, conflict resolution trainer, ESOL instructor

2012 Summer Dates for Staff

Staff are hired for 6.5 to 7.5 weeks, depending on the position.  (Dates will be discussed with candidates during interviews.  Returning staff options may vary.)

• Staff Training:  June 13, 14 or 15 – 23, 2012  (All staff new to the GYV experience are required to attend staff training.)
• Session 1, Indonesia-US Exchange:  June 24 – July 3, 2012
• Intersession; Preparing for Session 2:  July 3 – 6, 2012
• Session 2, Peace Building Program:  July 7  – 16, 2012
• Intersession, Preparation for Session 3:  July 16 – 18, 2012
• Session 3, Peace Building Program:  July 19 – 29, 2012
• Staff Wrap-up:  July 29 – August 1, 2012
• Community Involvement Project:  just a small number of staff are hired to work in this service/travel program (local & Washington, DC based); July 30 – August 4, 2012

It Takes A Village… (aka – General Staff Duties)

It takes the whole staff team, working cooperatively, to make the Global Youth Village a success.  Many tasks have to be taken care of each day to make the program run safely & smoothly.

General, All-Staff Duties & Responsibilities

In addition to your primary job role, all staff participate in the following:

Meal‑cleanup: Each staff member is assigned to do meal clean-up once a day, with some exceptions for select staff who have schedule conflicts.

Program Support Functions: During staff training and throughout the session, administrative,  program, and counseling staff (and some support staff) may be assigned to fulfill various duties:

• Helping design and deliver select evening all-Village events
• Setting-up or striking set for evening programs
• Moving equipment and supplies, setting up for picnics, campfires, special festivals, etc.
• Trips off campus to public transportation terminals or church services
• Helping create back drops of posters for special events
• Assisting kitchen, housekeeping or maintenance staff
• Being part of staff team that goes to Washington, D.C. for international arrivals and departures.

In-between sessions or at the close of the season:

• Evaluating programs and procedures
• Cleaning cabins and work areas, preparing equipment and supplies for storage
• Completing inventory reports, summaries, etc.

A Day in the Life of a GYV Staff Person

GYV is a cross-cultural experience.  Like other such experiences, it is intensive, rewarding and dynamic.

As staff, we guide participants through their initial adjustment, group building, individual goal setting, skill building, and reflection.

Our personal touch, as well as all the activities we design and deliver builds among the young people (and staff) a deep sense of community.  Individuals leave with new perspectives, inspiration, and confidence. 

For staff there is a constant cycle of planning and delivering.  Your days are full  and you will discover different levels of service and multitasking.  View the Youth Schedule for an idea of the flow. (More details will be provided if you are selected for an interview.)

Community Guidelines (Legacy Honor Code)

As a close-knit team, we work to strengthen the Global Youth Village community and to realize the uniqueness of each individual. Our guidelines are few, but they are necessary to reach our goals.

The Legacy Honor Code was written jointly by past participants and staff, and provides the guidelines by which we can create a model cooperative community and broaden the experience of every member of our “global village.” Each participant and staff is expected to:

• Be open to new ideas and willing to listen
• Respect other people’s point of view, cultural difference and music
• Participate fully in all activities
• Resolve conflict through communication
• Engage in non-exclusive, open relationships which avoid cliques and pairs
• Accept a diet free of meat and sugar for a period of time
• Abstain from tobacco, alcohol & illegal drugs

Please do not apply if you feel you cannot abide by this code. More details about staff policies will be provided to those selected for interviews.

Facilities & Village Cuisine

The Global Youth Village is located in the southwestern part of Virginia, a four to five hour drive southwest of Washington, D.C.   It is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, on a beautiful 80-acre wooded site with a stream, soccer field, basketball court, classroom buildings, pool, outdoor stage, gardens, art studios, computer lab, staff lounge, a health center and a dining facility.

Accommodations for counseling staff are in cabins with youth. Other staff are housed in similar cabins, but with adult staff only.  (Housing for couples or families is very limited.  Please inquire as to availability prior to applying, if this is a need for you. ) Centralized bathhouses serve each cluster of cabins.   Select program areas are air-conditioned.   Sleeping areas are not.

The Global Youth Village serves a delicious vegetarian (ovo-lacto) diet with dishes representing various international cuisines.   Special dietary needs can usually be met.   Poultry or fish entrees are served on rare occasions.

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