International Volunteering with Palms Australia

1. From where does Palms Australia receive its funding?

The majority of Palms Australia's funding comes from individual donors and Palms CommUNITY Partnerships. Palms CommUNITY Partnerships are formed between overseas communities and Australian communities (schools, parishes or other community-based groups).

We also receive grants from affiliated organisations, such as religious orders, which serve to cover our Administration costs.

We are currently developing a corporate giving program through which businesses will be able to support overseas volunteers. Call Brendan Joyce on (02) 9518 9551 for more information.

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2. Is Palms an acronym? What does it stand for?

Though the name Palms originated as an acronym, it is now intended more as a symbol of what we stand for. Open hands are used for giving and receiving, welcoming and sharing. Open hands are not threatening, violent, dominating or accusatory but rather imply a willingness to enter into dialogue with others for the advancement of a mutually beneficial world.

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3. How can I support a Palms volunteer/overseas community?

A Palms CommUNITY Partner can assist through coordinating fundraising events that cover the costs of preparing, placing and supporting the global volunteer; writing to and/or visiting them when they are away; giving spiritual support and helping to spread the lessons of their placement in the broader community. CommUNITY Partners encourage information exchange and will be provided with regular newsletter updates through Palms Australia.

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4. How do I book a Palms Australia training course?

If you would like to take part in a scheduled Palms course, or would like to organise a Palms workshop for your own staff, contact Brendan Joyce on (02) 9518 9551 or via email.

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5. Where does my donation go?

Palms Australia covers all its administration and recruitment costs through grants we receive from affiliated organisations, which means that every cent of your donation is used to prepare, send and support a volunteer while in placement.

Each placement has a total cost of approximately $18,000 per year, however most placements are significantly cheaper as local communities can often provide accommodation and meals. In some cases, the local government will provide a basic living allowance. This means that for some placements Palms needs only to raise $6000-$7000 per year. This amount helps cover airfares, insurance, visa, preparation and support costs.

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6. What is CommUNITY?

When Palms Australia sends a volunteer to an overseas community, the community is able to develop skills which will last well beyond the placement. The volunteer gains a unique experience of another culture and an alternate way of life. CommUNITY aims to extend the benefits to Australian communities.

By connecting Australian and overseas communities, Palms encourages mutual learning and enriching relationship where each contributes what they can to the other. The Australian community helps send a volunteer to share their skills and in return learns from the experiences of the cross-cultural volunteer.

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7. Do you have a bequest program?

Palms Australia welcomes bequests or legacies from our supporters. Your generosity can assist Palms continue its work long into the future.

For more information, contact Brendan Joyce on (02) 9518 9551 or via email.

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