Project environment:

The office of the European Movement - Latvia is situated in Riga, in the so called "silent" Centre, Vîlandes street 3. It is in a courtyard, the house and office are newly renovated. The office premises are convienent and pleasant - we have a kitchen, working room and a seminar room. Each staff member has his own working place with computer and access to Internet. Riga is the capital of Latvia with almost 1 mio inhabitants. It has a great cultural life, restaurants and events. The old town and the silent centre are very touristic. Latvians are very proud on their art nouveau (jugendstil).
As in all bigger cities there are places where you should be carefull because of pickpockets or when it is dark. The climate is frosty during winter and normaly sunny during summer. Sauna is very popular for warming up and as place for partys.


Proposed activities for EVS volunteers:

1. The Volunteer will have the possibilites for the following learning outcomes:
- EU related issues and projects management: Insight in the EU integration process of one of the new EU member countries, Latvia - communication, participation of civil societ, benefits and challenges, national and international networking/coalition building and the design, implementation and evaluation of events and/or projects.
- Interpersonal and social competences: Adaptability and coping with new challenges, team-working with colleagues, sharing reasponsibility, living and working in an international environment.
- Cultural expression: Developing cultural awarness on own and the hosting country culture, their similarities and differences. Insight in the history, traditions and touristic diversity of Latvia. Insight in the specifics of a multi-cultural environment and inter-cultural communication.
- Communication in Latvian language and English: Learning a new European language, Latvian. Communicating, socialising and negotiating in both, Latvian and English.

2. The volunteer will be as a support for the activities of the EML. The EML organises seminars, trainings and conferences where the volunteer will be able to participate. In addition we regularly receive invitations from other organisations, which might be used from the volunteers, as far as they match with their interests and needs. All trainings from the Youth programme will be available to the volunteers and supported by the EML.

3. The volunteer is planned to be involved in several activities with an international touch of the European Movement Latvia. The selection will be made in close negotiation with the volunteer. The activities will be the assistance of
a. the Europe week and the Election of the European of the year events, regional information seminars on hot EU topics, concerts, conferences etc.
b. contacts with European Movements in other countries and international organisations in Latvia and abroad with the aim of information exchange and joint activity design.
c. updating and giving suggestions for the English version and the design of the EML web page.
d. research activities of good practice connected to EU affairs in other countries.
e. assisting in every days work and communication within the EML.

Volunteer profiles and recruitment process:

The Volunteer shoul be a young person with very good English skills and a strong interest to learn Latvian and to communicate with people. NGO and/or EU experience is a benefit, just as creativity, project/event design and/or PR skills.
The applicants will be selected in two phases: a short list is going to be made including criteria such as motivation, willingness to learn Latvian etc. The selection will be made by the EML office, including the volunteers and the presidents. There will be direct contact with the short listed applicants to learn more about the interests and envisaged activities of the volunteers and to clarify possible questions. A final decision will be made in the EML team.

Special needs (if applicable):

The EML has hosted volunteers with fewer opportunities, mainly because of geographical obstactles.

Risk prevention, protection and safety:

The hosting organisation provides the volunteer with all necessary information connected to security and emergency cases. The Volunteer will receive advice on crisis prevention and management during the on-arrival training and from the hosting organisation if necessary. The hosting organisation will take responsibility for raising awareness of risk assessment, risk prevention and, if of interest pastoral support through the project if necessary.
Emergency contact details will be present at the hosting and sending organisations and the Latvian NA. We do recommend to take vaccination against encephalitis. There is a risk of getting infected ticks if you spend more time in the great Latvian nature.
The inhabitants of Latvia tend to be very shy and introvert. Be prepared and don't wonder. But if you get friend, there is a great chance that it will last for a long time.

http://ec.europa.eu/youth/evs/aod/hei_form_en.cfm?EID=50000149687