By Gavin
The Play Soccer So They Can community has gotten off to a decent start with a list of clubs, schools and individuals joining the effort. There is Bays United (Youth and Senior) in Victoria. There is every youth in the Boys and Girls Club, in Nanaimo (thanks to OA’s volunteer,Fernando Polanco) who is going to play soccer on the 25th of Sept. There are a few games planned for LA, thanks to OA Volunteer Becca Clyde. A few activities planned in Manitoba (thanks to OA volunteer Surien Fourie). And, there are a few other games planned (e.g., the U of A men’s soccer team, some more games in Victoria, and a few universities in Eastern Canada). Our eventual goal is to have every soccer game that is being played on a specific weekend (in Canada and the US), each year, to be about supporting war-affected youth. We genuinely believe that this community has the potential to be the easiest and most engaging way to make an actual difference in life of someone whose childhood was robbed due to a violent conflict. What’s easier than to play soccer so they can?

We need YOUR help to make this year’s start as big as possible. We are looking for individuals who want to engage their soccer communities in this year’s event. The dates are the 25th-27th of September, but if those don’t work for you, and other dates do, then pick a date that’s better (ideally, it’s fairly close to our dates!). Email gavin@oaprojects.org with your ideas.

I should also say that although we are going to be having a yearly PSSTC weekend, inspired and passionate individuals should host as many soccer games or events as they want. The more soccer being played in this capacity, the more support there will be for soccer-based community building in Northern Uganda and Rwanda.

The first look into OA’s Project Uganda, created by our friends at the Vancouver Film School:

Day 1 in Uganda

Hi, OA-ites,

You now have the opportunity to apply to join OA in Uganda for our upcoming project.

Check out the message below from OA Projects Liaison, Erin Hunt, for the application details:

OA is looking for volunteers to complete our team for the Pilot project in Uganda currently planned for April 15 to May 26, 2009.

All volunteers will be responsible for all personal costs associated with travel, room and board, vaccinations/medical requirements, visas, and be able to commit to at least three weeks overseas.

Applicants should be prepared to live and work in an area that is currently under travel advisory by the Canadian government with simple living conditions and basic infrastructure (running water or electricity will most likely not be available all the time).

All volunteers will be required to complete a small amount of pre‐project reading.

Applications should be sent to the Project Coordinator, Erin Hunt
hunt.erinlynn@gmail.com attention “Project Uganda Team” by Feb 28th.

Please see the specific position descriptions below:

1. Head Coach

Key responsibilities:
‐ helping design curriculum for training seminar and both weeklong camps
‐ for successful implementation of training seminar and two weeklong camps
‐ integrating the other volunteer coaches
‐ overseeing all activities related to training seminar and camps
‐ other tasks as needed

Experience required:
‐ must have related international development experience
‐ must have at least 2 years of soccer coaching experience
‐ experience working with individuals for whom English is a second language is preferred
‐ experience working in an inter‐cultural context is preferred
‐ must have past leadership experience

1‐2 Coaches for Coach Training Seminar and both weeklong camps

Key responsibilities:
‐ assisting head coach in implementation of training seminar
‐ providing support to head coach during both weeklong camps
‐ mentoring new coaches
‐ logistical support to training seminar and soccer camps
‐ Other tasks as needed

Experience Required:
‐ must have international travel experience
‐ must have coaching and leadership experience
‐ must be able to take direction
‐ experience working with individuals for whom English is a second language is preferred
‐ experience working in an inter‐cultural context is preferred
‐ not responsible for costs associated with daily volunteer tasks (e.g. daily transport to and from soccer field for camp related activities)

1‐2 “Other Volunteers” (engineers, film, international development)

‐ must have skills and experience to contribute to project (e.g. engineering, photography, film,
journalism, soccer coaching, international development, field research, etc.)
‐ minimum 3 week commitment
‐ key responsibilities will depend on experience and skill set
‐ total cost of volunteer would be $2,000 plus flights, visas and vaccinations (based on 3 weeks in country). Cost will cover in country expenses such as accommodation, per diems and project related
transport

Experience Required:
‐ experience working with individuals for whom English is a second language is preferred
‐ experience working in an inter‐cultural context is preferred

OA is growing and is, as you may know, dedicated to involving as many young members of its own community as possible in its efforts.

With that said, we now have several internship opportunities available to enthusiastic, driven people.

Here are the details:

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Each position is a rolling (renewable) one-month, volunteer position.

Interns will work under the guidance of one (or more) current members of Opportunitas Aequa. Their position is temporary with the potential for becoming more permanent.

..

Current Areas of Need:

1) Soccer Relations – one or more positions

With the guidance of the Head of Soccer Relations, the Soccer Relations Interns will aid OA’s development in one or more of the following areas:

a) increase exposure to and build OA’s soccer audience (locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally) through a variety of communication channels (e.g., blogs, websites, forums, periodicals, partnerships);

b) develop a communication network and pursue partnerships with local soccer clubs and organizations;

c) research and pursue relationships with larger soccer organizations (e.g., FIFA, professional clubs, national soccer federations);

d) facilitate the collection and storage of soccer balls for OA’s local and overseas initiatives; and,

e) other beneficial initiatives.

2) General Research - one or more positions

The General Research Interns will actively investigate a variety of topics related to OA initiatives and operations.

Using the internet, databases, and other direct and indirect sources of information, the General Research Intern will pursue requested lines of inquiry, such as corporate sponsorship, grants, Rwanda (e.g., customs, immigration) and Rwandan organizations, in-kind donations, other funding avenues, and any other OA-relevant information.

3) Visual Media - one position

The Visual Media Intern will work with OA Members to intensify OA’s presence and appeal to the online community. This will be achieved through the growth of our YouTube and similar audiences, contributions to and maintenance of oaprojects.org, and other visual media initiatives.

…

Successful candidates should have — at least — relevant knowledge, experiences, and/or education, as well as a keen interest in the position.

To apply, please submit a) a detailed resume, with references, and b) a letter of interest that indicates the position applied for and outlines your reasons for applying, your desire to be a part of OA, and your qualities that will make you a valuable piece of the OA puzzle.

Send applications or contact us for more information via email.

Deadline: February 29th

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Next up: OA in the TC!

We are always looking for help at the grassroots level.

That means that we need you to get involved, as much or as little as you want — every hand helps.

Contact OA and help OA create opportunities, at home and abroad.