Volunteer Program
The Casa relies on the service of several types of volunteers to carry out the work of its programs and build a community of service and friendship. If you are committed to the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship and want to work hard with others in a diverse community, the Casa Volunteer Program is an incredible experience.
Full-time Volunteers work 40 to 45 hours per week, live in the Casa, are fluent in Spanish, and commit nine months to one year of service. Full-time volunteers contribute to the Hospitality Program (including the guest house, building community spaces, and planning and conducting events), work in one of the Peace Programs, participate in the life of the House, and other tasks that keep our Casa and community healthy and vibrant. Casa volunteers receive a small private or shared room and a monthly shared fund for food, but are responsible for their own transportation and personal expenses.
Part-time Volunteers work 20 to 25 hours per week, live in the Casa, are fluent in Spanish, and commit nine months to one year of service. Part-time volunteers generally focus their time on managing the Hospitality Program, participating in the life of the Casa, and integrating into other tasks necessary to keep our Casa and community healthy and vibrant. They also have an interest in peace, social justice, and House Peace Programs, and can be involved (to varying degrees) in this work. They receive a small private or shared room and a monthly shared fund for food, but are responsible for their own transportation and personal expenses.
Maintenance Volunteers usually work 20 hours per week or more, have general or specialized maintenance experience, do not have to be fluent in Spanish, and stay for several days to several months or more. We evaluate these requests on a case-by-case basis. Maintenance volunteers are careful, clean, and pay attention to detail. Skills the Casa needs are: masonry, interior and exterior painting, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, furniture repair, and general maintenance skills. We are also interested in meeting people who live in the City who have these skills and who want to support us with a project.
Special Projects Volunteers live in the Casa or on their own, do not necessarily have to speak Spanish fluently, and have some specialized skill that integrates well with our current needs. The duration and conditions of the project/stay depend on the project and the availability in the Casa. For example, we have recently hosted a person with computer network experience, an architect examining the building, and a designer working on a House brochure. The skills we are currently looking for are computer networks, fundraising, proposal writing, experience with DF civil society, gardening, furniture repair, library work, file processing, translation, and more. We are open to considering other proposals. Describe to us what skills you have that you would like to offer to the House.
External Volunteers live elsewhere in Mexico City and often (but not always) have a previous relationship with the Casa community established by attending events or having previously stayed at the Casa as a guest. The Casa benefits greatly from our network of external volunteers who have a fixed schedule with the Casa or are available to lend a hand when we need support.
For more information about our volunteer program, contact us.
Casa de los Amigos is a non-profit peace organization, a community center, the Mexico City home of Friends (Quakers), a social justice-oriented guest house and a home.