Opportunity Title: Story Writer/Story Teller
Location: Bangladesh
Number of Positions: 1 individual
CRCNA Ministry Involved: CRWRC Bangladesh
Time Commitment: A commitment for 3 – 6 months in Bangladesh plus reading, orientation, and fundraising before departure.
Dates Opportunity Is Available: Opportunity dates are dependant upon staff, partner and volunteer availability. Applications are due no less than 6 months in advance of placement. Application periods close January, April, July, and October.
Purpose: Work alongside CRWRC staff and Partner staff to develop transformational stories that can be used as promotion materials (i.e. brochures and web pages)
Specific Responsibilities:
1) Study the ministry in Bangladesh: CRWRC and Partners;
2) Research and write stories of transformation that can be used by the CRWRC staff and Partner staff to promote their ministry;
3) Be willing to share your values with others;
4) Build relationships with Partner and the community by staying open and flexible to the culture around you;
5) Live and worship with the community during the project;
6) Complete recommended reading, and orientation before departure to the country;
7) Prepare monthly reports for CRWRC staff and Partner mentors on progress of opportunity;
8) Provide CRWRC and the community with an evaluation of the project;
9) Write bi-monthly reports and a story or final report for your church and/or supporters.
Qualifications:
1) Mature Christian committed to serving Jesus Christ;
2) Experience in communication and writing;
3) Language knowledge an asset;
4) Some knowledge of integrated-holistic Community Development work in related areas i.e health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, Water, IGA etc.;
5) Willingness to learn about CRWRC Bangladesh and their partners;
6) Good oral and written communication skills;
7) Be compassionate, respectful of other cultures, and emotionally stable;
8) Proactive and able to work with minimal supervision in ambiguous situations;
9) Reporting, planning and organizational skills;
10) Basic competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher;
11) Flexible, adaptable and able to view life with a sense of humor;
12) Previous cross-cultural experience;
Expectations of the volunteer:
1) Complete and submit a volunteer application form and resume/CV;
2) Ability to pass a background check;
3) Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and /or churches to give to this opportunity;
4) Attend an orientation session in the Home Office (when possible, or by phone)
5) Adhere to CRCNA Standards of Conduct
Budget: Please note that costs are estimated and listed in US funds
- Food (at $6 per day x 90 days) - $540
- Lodging (at $8 per day x 90 days) - $720
- Language training - $500
- In country transportation - $350
- Communication - $200
- Airport Fees – $5
- Travel Visa – $200
- Administration fee – to be confirmed
TOTAL estimated funds needed - $2515 plus Travel Costs
Travel Costs – depending on each individual
- Passport
- Travel Costs to Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Vaccinations and required prescription medication
- Medical and travel insurance
- Tourist trip – if so desired
Benefits:
1) Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
2) An opportunity to foster new attitudes, perceptions and relationships;
3) Serve as an encouragement to Christians in Bangladesh;
4) The opportunity to share your Christian faith with others who may not know the Gospel;
5) A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
6) Apply your current gifts and talents, and discover some new ones;
7) Develop a personal perspective on poverty, missions and development work;
8) Grow in your understanding of the basic principles and tools of community development;
9) Explore a possible career in missions and development;
10) Gain personal satisfaction by seeing first-hand how your prayers and contributions to CRWRC have impacted communities in Bangladesh;
11) Assist in educating and raising awareness within North America about the social/political situation in Bangladesh;
12) Learn about the culture and history of Bangladesh;
13) Opportunity to live and worship with local people and build close relationships;
14) Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.
Support Services Provided: ServiceLink and CRWRC agree to provide:
- orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers, local community, and CRWRC’s Bangladesh staff;
- consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available;
- opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done;
- recognition in CRWRC’s various communications to supporters.
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact us today at servicelearning@crcna.org if you are a US citizen or volunteer@crcna.ca if you are Canadian.
To read about one volunteer's experience as a story writer/teller in Bangladesh, click here.
picture by Michael Sarnacki, 2005
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