- Can PBI start a presence in my country?
- How can I become a PBI supporter?
- How can I become a protection volunteer with PBI?
- How can I become an intern/volunteer in one of your offices?
- I'm interested in a paid job with PBI
- I/my organization needs financial support.
- I/my organization would like to partner with PBI.
- How can I set up a PBI team in my own country?
Can PBI start a presence in my country?
We generally only investigate the possibility of setting up a new protection team following the direct request of local human rights defenders.
If you are a human rights defender at risk in a country where we do not already have a presence please read the information about PBI on our website.
If you decide that PBI’s protective accompaniment and/or other protection services are compatible with your needs, please write to us at admin@peacebrigades.org stating the work you do, your current security situation and the current barriers to your work, and how you think PBI could support you.
How can I become a PBI supporter?
In order to get involved in PBI as a member/activist, please contact the closest office or the International Office.
All support is vital in maintaining and expanding our work so your participation would be very much welcomed. Unfortunately, PBI does not have an international membership or supporter scheme for people based in countries where we do not have an established structure. However, you can keep informed of PBI’s human rights protection and peace education, and contribute to our work in the following ways:
- If you have access to the internet, you can read updates on our work through the PBI website at www.peacebrigades.org
- Make a financial contribution to PBI's work by sending an international money order in US dollars, UK Sterling or Euros to the PBI International Office (address at the bottom of the page); or donate online.
- If you want to pursue your interest in PBI's work further, consider the possibility of applying to volunteer for protection in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras or Colombia. See the following questions and answers.
How can I become a protection volunteer with PBI?
Check this list to see if you live in a country which has a Country or Associate group. Click on the country links and scroll to find the country group address.
If you have a country group, you should contact them to find out how you can get involved in the group and what the procedures are for joining a PBI project. Many groups organise introductory trainings on the philosophy, mandate and principles and the work of PBI. If you are considering joining a team or getting involved in PBI in any other way it is essential that you attend one of these trainings.
You should study the pages for volunteers online, both in general and for the project you are interested in.
If you live in a place where there is no PBI country group, contact the office of the project you would like to join directly.
If you are considering joining a project please consult with the Project Office about visa restrictions and the 'Own Country Rule', which states that citizens of one country cannot volunteer in a PBI project in their own country for reasons of non-partisanship and security.
Minimum requirements for becoming a project volunteer – see www.peacebrigades.org/get-involved/volunteer-field/ for more comprehensive information
- Fluency in the language of the country where the office is based.
- Commitment to the principles and mandate of PBI
- Willingness to undertake an intensive multi-day project training and additional long distance training
- Ability to adapt to living and working in rapidly changing, stressful circumstances
- Previous active involvement in a peace or human rights organisation
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Capacity to analyse complex political situations
- Willing to make a commitment for a minimum of one year (or 18 months: Colombia)
How can I become an intern/volunteer in one of your offices?
The International Office and some other offices sometimes have opportunities for volunteering or supporting their work in other ways.
For information about volunteering at the International Office in Brussels visit http://www.peacebrigades.org or contact: admin(at)peacebrigades.org
I'm interested in a paid job with PBI
As a largely volunteer organisation, there are few paid posts within PBI. However, whenever we recruit new staff, the posts are advertised on our web site.
I/my organisation need financial help
We empathise with every individual and organisation that works for the peace and the respect of human rights, but unfortunately all the funds that we raise must be used to support our own projects and infrastructure. We were not set up to provide grants to other organisations. Nevertheless we can suggest an informal relationship, based on exchanging information; please look over our most recent Annual Review.
I/my organisation would like to partner with PBI
Please make contact with your local PBI group from the list below or contact our international office on admin(at)peacebrigades.org However, if you are not a human rights or peace organisation it is unlikely that we would have the capacity to create a partnership.
I would like to set up a PBI team in my own country
If you have not been involved with PBI before, it is unlikely we would have the capacity to support you in the creation of a new team. Please try to volunteer with PBI first in order to learn about the organisation.
If you are a former PBI volunteer, please write to us at admin(at)peacebrigades.org for more information and support.