Beads of Awareness is looking for volunteers to help us run events, and connect with socially minded companies, organizations, and communities in Uganda, Canada and other countries. We're looking to expand our markets for paper beads, and to develop more effective models for innovative social development projects in collaboration with the grassroots and community- based organizations with whom we partner in Gulu, Uganda.
Since 2009, Beads of Awareness has been taking part in social initiatives in northern Uganda by putting 50% of our profits into micro-finance, community development and outreach, and other programs. In Montreal, we are always trying to find ways to promote awareness of northern Uganda, a region hard hit by HIV/AIDS, and which is working towards reconstruction in the wake of the 20+ year civil war between the government and the LRA that ended recently.
In Canada we are moving towards becoming a registered Co-operative by the end of 2012. This is a primary mandate of our board of directors, in addition to expanding our mission, promoting direct trade, and ensuring transparency and accountability in all our activities. Our goal is to create a more socially responsible company that is completely inclusive (it caters to everyone, not just us!), and that helps connect clients with producers,
If you would like to donate some time, in any capacity (be it sales, marketing, promotions, or running events at your school or your place of residence), please feel free to contact BOA at info@beadsofawareness.org to get involved.
We are looking for the following professions/professionals
- Volunteer (a real go-getter! Someone who just wants to help out.)
- Accounting/Book keeping
- Legal
- Lobbying and fundraising
- Networking and Partnerships
- Event Promotion
- Social Media Support
- Business and Marketing
- Try to think of something we haven't thought of (a profession all its own)
note: Even without experience in any field mentioned above, as long as you are passionate about getting involved and gaining valuable practical experience, we can find a role for you! A role that both you and BOA will benefit from.
Remember, our plan for the future is to move BOA towards a co-operative structure to involve more people, and continue to be a social business that is socially minded. Volunteers can be eligible for membership starting in 2013. That means owning your own slice of the BOA pie! Members vote at annual general meetings and elect the board of directors, creating a democratic process within the company. And of course, all members can buy our jewelry at reduced prices for friends and family, become a part of our regional distribution network, or both! By growing the business all members gain equally and we can increase our funding to workshops, training and other projects to empower our partners in Uganda. If you want to know more about BOA and its partners, click here.
If you are interested in volunteering in Uganda, please contact us and we will be happy to relay details on how to achieve this. Many different soft-skills such as basic computer skills, teaching English, entrepreneurship and coaching among many others are in demand. If you prefer getting your hands dirty helping in construction or farming, we have a place for you! To learn more send us an email.
Thanks to all of our active volunteers in Canada and Uganda and the many people who help to make BOA successful.
Thank you for your avid interest.
