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V O L U N T E E R I
N F O R M A T I O N
The
staff of the House of Worship and the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá’ís of Samoa are pleased to extend
a warm welcome to all those who are interested in volunteer service
at the House of Worship.
Youth
Year of Service
Though open to people of any age,
the most common avenue of service is the youth year of service
for Bahá’í young people. Volunteers typically
live at facilities on the Temple grounds, and work in the gardens
with the grounds crew, with the Temple managers, and/or greet
visitors. They may also be assigned to work at the Bahá’í
National Office or the Bahá’í Montessori Preschool,
both of which are located on-site.
Short-term
service
Those interested in volunteering
some of their time at the House of Worship while vacationing in
Samoa are welcome to contact the Temple managers either before
they arrive, or once they are on-island. Though it is not possible
to plan a schedule for them  in
advance, there is usually plenty of work that can benefit from
added assistance.
There are also
frequent inquiries about serving at the House of Worship
over a summer/holiday break. The policy of the National
Spiritual Assembly is that it cannot guarantee accommodation
or a schedule of service to volunteers staying in Samoa
less than three months. Those interested may still contact
the Temple managers, as arrangements have been made in the
past on a case-by-case basis.
Where to start
 It
is important that prospective volunteers work through the proper
administrative channels. Failure to do so will often cause difficulties
and delays. The following guidelines will serve as a good starting
point.
Please note that the
initial stages of your application process will be handled by the
National Spiritual Assembly and its appointed institution the Volunteer
Service Office.
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Contact
the National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa at samoansa@ipasifika.net.
You will be sent a copy of the “Bahá’í
Volunteers Manual” for an overview of service in
Samoa,
and the “Volunteer
Application Packet”. Fill this form out as completely
and carefully as possible and email back to the National
Spiritual Assembly.
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Contact
the appropriate institution in your home country to discuss
with them your interest in/plans of service in Samoa.
This institution could be a youth office/desk, a pioneering
office, or may simply be your National Spiritual Assembly.
Confirmation will be needed from them before continuing
your application process.
- The National Office will
correspond with you throughout this process and is happy
to answer any questions you may have, but keep in mind the
staff is small and communication may take time. Also be
aware that some elements that involve the government, such
as approving visas, are beyond our control and can be lengthy.
The application process may be an opportunity to build the
virtue of patience.
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Once you
have received your visa you may book your flight to Samoa.
Please advise the National Office of your flight number
and arrival time. Do this at least one week prior to your
arrival in Samoa to give time to ready accommodations,
arrange transport from the airport, etc.
The
Bahá’í House of Worship, Tiapapata Samoa
Phone: (+685) 32215 * PO Box 1117, Apia, Samoa * samoansa@ipasifika.net |
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