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Volunteers at a retreat in Toronto, Canada, December 2007 |
"I felt that I could make a difference"
During the program volunteers learn to:
- value different cultures and diversity
- foster a dialogue with host communities and society
- foster a German-Jewish dialogue
- express compassion for people who are marginalized today; " to walk in other people's shoes," and practice solidarity with minorities
- to develop empathy with survivors of the Holocaust
Volunteers gain knowledge about:
- Jewish history, culture and religion
- civil courage and active citizenship
- participation in civil society through citizens initiatives
- different forms of oppression
- their own abilities and the impact they can have in society
Impact on Host Agencies
The volunteers build bridges between cultures based on their awareness of a traumatic past that has relevance for today. They establish a meaningful relationship to many people in need who are served by the host agencies. Often volunteers work with people who have mixed feelings about other countries and people, and who even feel hostility towards Germany. Their world is enlarged and enriched by getting to know the volunteers. People who have contact to our volunteers begin to understand that we all share a common responsibility for the world we live in. The very presence of these young people dedicating their energy to fighting racism, bigotry, and anti-Semitism is an inspiration to many. The host agencies would not have been able to support as many community groups and work on as many issues without the help of the volunteers. The service is a way to create understanding and break down psychological barriers.
“In an environment of scarce resources, the most valuable commodity to us is caring people”
Long-term Impact on Volunteers
The experience of participating in the ARSP service inspires some volunteers to dedicate their lives to social and human services, to social justice and peace in society. Volunteers become a bridge between cultures, and continue, by their chosen professions and activism, to heal society and individuals.
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