Peace is not simply viewed as an end of the present physical violence against various sectors of Burma's people which could possibly be achieved through cease fires, but rather as the identification of the root causes of war and conflict within the country and solutions to those root causes which allow all parties and groups to live in harmony and with mutual respect and dignity.
To reach there goals, Burma Issues is committed to building a long-term people-based movement which places a priority on village-level wisdom, experience, culture and needs. We firmly believe that such a movement must be started with the most marginal of the country's people and then expanded to higher levels of society until all are able to participate to their fullest ability and capacity. The building of a truly just and peaceful society is not a top-down process, but rather a movement from the grassroots up.
Volunbteers
There are many opportunities within The Peace Way Foundation for volunteers to use their work skills. At the present volunteers can help with publications, database and documentation entry, computers, and english language training. Typically the Peace Way Foundation has two types of volunteers:
Foreign volunteers sent by international organisations
Some international organizations arrange for volunteers to spend time with the Peace Way Foundation. The length of time depends on the organization. Occasionally they are short-term placements of a few months, others stay for one or more years. The policies which govern financial support, living conditions and vacation differ with each organization. The Peace Way Foundation allows volunteers to work under their own organizations policies, but urges volunteers to try and keep their living situation as consistent with other Burma Issues' staff as possible in order to prevent misunderstandings.
Independent Volunteers
Some foreigners, whether they are interested in the struggle in Burma or have little knowledge of the situation, approach the Peace Way Foundation as an independent volunteer. The Peace Way Foundation will work out, together with the volunteer, what basic financial support they will need during their time with the Peace Way Foundation. This generally includes food, simple accommodation and transportation. While the Peace Way Foundation is willing to provide some financial support to volunteers it also encourages independent volunteers to work, prior to arriving to the Peace Way Foundation, at ways of creating their own financial sustainability.
If you are interested in finding out more about how you can volunteer with the Peace Way Foundation please contact:
The Manager of Peace Way Foundation
1/11 Soi Piphat 2
Convent Rd
Bangkok, 10500
Thailand
e-mail: burmaissues@burmaissues.org
Peace is not simply viewed as an end of the present physical violence against various sectors of Burma's people which could possibly be achieved through cease fires, but rather as the identification of the root causes of war and conflict within the country and solutions to those root causes which allow all parties and groups to live in harmony and with mutual respect and dignity.
The Manager of Peace Way Foundation