"The healthy social life is found when in the mirror of each human soul the
whole community finds its reflection, and when in the community the virtue
of each one is living." Rudolf Steiner
Cascadia is all about people, each one with a unique contribution to make. Are you interested in joining us? You may want to come for a few months, a few years or a lifetime! You may want to live in, volunteer your skills in the office, or help out an afternoon a week.
Whether you are contemplating a career in social therapy, or just want to get a glimpse of life in Cascadia, there are opportunities to work with us.
Short term Coworker
Short term coworkers typically come to Cascadia for 6 months to one year.
They are usually young people from North America and abroad, who come to live
and work at Cascadia as volunteers. Companions and coworkers alike delight
in meeting new volunteers with a diversity of backgrounds and abilities. They
bring energy, enthusiasm, and sometimes questions that help the community
to stay awake and aware of its social tasks.
Typically,
a short-term volunteer will live in one of the Cascadia residences and participate
in the daily life with the companions. This means helping with physical care,
going on outings, household chores, and cultural activities. The whole household
participates in the Cascadia Centre program, and the volunteer will be asked
to help where necessary, in one of the workshops along with more experienced
coworkers, or in common cultural activities. Live-in volunteers receive room
and board and pocket money.
Each day at Cascadia brings new challenges, but there is also a strong network of coworkers to help carry them out. The most important in this is the attitude of mutual interest and respect, and the joy on living and working together in a vibrant, creative community.
Long term Coworkers
Many long term coworkers began as short term coworkers in Cascadia, or one
of the over 100 Camphill Centres world-wide. They have training in education
(especially special education) or the arts, and some have experience in various
artisan crafts such as weaving or basketry. Others are trained in artistic
and movement therapies.
All
abilities are put to good use in Cascadia, from running craft workshops to
celebrating festivals, to putting nutritious meals on the table. Some of the
core group of co-workers share their homes with two or more companions; some
are involved only in the Cascadia Centre program. People who wish to become
house parents in Cascadia homes need experience with people with disabilities.
A desire and ability to be part of the Cascadia Family Care Home network is
necessary. Everyone in the long term coworker circle has a deep connection
to the Camphill philosophy, and a commitment to the goals and responsibilities
involved in carrying out Cascadia's mission.
Community Volunteers
Cascadia's urban setting makes it possible for local friends to come easily
for an hour or two a week, or to help with special building or fund-raising
projects. Here are some areas where help is welcome:
- Driving, helping on outings
- Joining in the music and bell choir program
- Swimming once a week
- Work projects in and around the houses
- Photographing people and events in Cascadia
- Helping with mailings, database maintenance, newsletters, etc.
- Sewing costumes and building props for plays
- Making refreshments for community events
Our ever-expanding circle of volunteers also includes our Board of Directors and those who serve on Board committees, as well as parents and families who help with our fund raising efforts. For further information on working with us at Cascadia, please contact us at Admissions@cascadiasociety.org or Patricia Smith at 604-987-3407.