We are accepting applications for the volunteer position of Resident Friends
Il est essentiel qu'au moins l'un des Amis résidents parle couramment l'anglais, c'est pourquoi ce texte est dans cette langue.
Dear Friend(s),
Thank you for your interest in the Amis-résidents (Resident Friends/Wardens) position at the Centre Quaker de Congénies.
Centre Quaker is located in a lovely valley between the Mediterranean Sea and the Cévennes Mountains. There is a small, friendly, Quaker community and a larger ex-pat community, and lots of cultural opportunities. It’s a terrific area for walking or cycling. Most of all, the Resident Friends enjoy the conviviality of guests from around the world while promoting international Quaker outreach and in-reach. Most of our guests come for a few days to a couple of weeks: either for their private holiday or to attend one of our events. You can take a tour of the rest of the web site to learn more about the history of the Maison Quaker.
We are looking for applicants who are excited about the opportunity to volunteer their time to continue to nurture the Centre and its purpose. Given the range of demands of the role, two people are best suited to undertake this work together.
The Resident Friends are provided with a studio apartment in the house, and use of a car. In exchange they :
- manage the B&B accommodations (5 bedrooms)
- organise a few events each year
- mow the lawn (the rest of the garden is maintained by volunteers)
- set up the main ground floor room for Sunday morning meeting for worhsip
- maintain the house (electrical, plumbing, internet. etc) either with simple fixes or calling upon local services when appropriate. For this reason especially, at least one of the couple must be proficient in French in order to communicate with the plumber, electrician, carpenter and any other service providers. A cleaner comes in for 2 to 3 hours each week but there is no other staff.
Most of our guests are international or live a long distance from the Congénies and the Resident Friends need to be proficient in the use of IT for communication and marketing purposes. (i.e. Email, Word, use of Social Media).
The Resident Friends should be in reasonably good health as the responsibilities require climbing stairs and ladders and moving furntiure.
The Centre is an Association run by committee which appoints the Resident Friends, who are expected to attend committee meetings when required, occasionally bringing a report. The committee gives management and administrative support, but most tasks and responsibilities fall on the shoulders of the Resident Friends. Our Resident Friends are very busy, but there will also be good friends, a great climate, and the time to enjoy life in a very special place.
If this appeals to you, please send your CVs and resumes to searchcommittee@maison-quaker-congenies.org. We understand that most people’s careers do not match the requirements of this unusual position, but if you can tell us of any experience you’ve had that is similar to, or relates to what we need, it would be helpful.
We would like a commitment of 2 years, with a three-month trial to confirm that this will be beneficial to all. We would also appreciate a few words about your situation: How are you able to leave your current home to live at the Centre in France?
Perhaps this will be the start of an interesting chapter in Congénies and in your life. We hope this opportunity is what you are looking for and look forward to hearing from you again.