Έργο Πολιτών / Citizen in Deed - Volunteering in Greece and abroad

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ICGREEN 2010 in Athens
ICGREEN 2010, focuses on the role of orinformation technology, as a means to promote eco-responsibilityThe 1st International Conference on Green Computing takes place in Athens from July 29 to 31. Hosted by the University of Piraeus, ICGREEN 2010 focuses on the role of computing, or information technology, to accomplish more eco-responsible behavior of people. The conference aims at bringing together researchers and practitioners who are interested in both computing and the possible impact of computing on the environment, and who are committed to work on the development of eco-effective technologies and technology applications. The four directions in which the organizers are envisioning the impact of the conference are: (i) ICT to create awareness for 'green behavior'; (ii) ICT to support 'green behavior'; (iii) ICT to allow for analyzing social or technical systems with respect to 'green properties'; (iv) ICT as a sector itself to become 'greener'.

SMAQ system in Florina
The SMAQ project will allow the continuous monitoring and assessment of air quality inthe area of FlorinaFlorina has come into a new Age by introducing the SMAQ project (Satellite-assisted Management of Air Quality) aimed at the development of an integrated system for efficient assessment, monitoring and management of air pollution in the larger area of Western Macedonia - an area with major lignite-fired power plants.This integrated air quality management system will employ state-of-the-art technologies for fusing the necessary environmental and ancillary information to allow for cost-effective air pollution monitoring and assessment. Furthermore, the system will allow the analytical accounting of the main industrial and area emission sources in the area and the creation of a precise and updated emissions inventory. SMAQ is the first one installed in Greece and it is the result of co-operation between the Prefecture of Florina and the Technological Educational Institution (TEI) of Western Macedonia.

Social supermarket in Heraklion of Crete
The social supermarket aims to meet the basic survival needs of poor families who live in Heraklion of CreteThe Prefectural Self Government of Heraklion and the Agricultural Development and Social Solidarity Center of the Prefecture are moving ahead with steady steps to extend their social work services. Under the initiative of the Heraklion Nomarch Vaggelio Shinaraki – Iliaki a new social supermarket opened in the municipality of Moires, in the Heraklion Prefecture. The social supermarket in cooperation with the Holy Diocese of Gortini and Arkadia along with the municipality of Moires and the support of dealers – suppliers, aims to meet the basic survival needs of poor families who live in the wide area of Mesara by carrying out free food distributions. The Prefecture considers the possibility of opening more social supermarkets in other areas of Heraklion such as the Arkalohori.

Underground garbage bins in Patra
The underground waste containers will give new breath to the city of PatrasIn early September, underground waste containers are expected to be installed for the collection of waste from households in the centre of Patra. Trash and garbage will end up in four bins of 1100 litres each, through special ports. These four bins are designed to be buried underground. The garbage collection will take place though the lift of the underground bins by the common waste collection vehicle of the municipality. The underground bins feature many advantages such as fuels’ and man-hours’ saving, since the collection takes place once a week, prevention of smell due to low-temperature, parking saving, as well as prevention of traffic jam and noise pollution from the cars that might be behind the waste collection vehicles of the municipality.

Online survey for butterfly populations
According to Butterfly Conservation, half of all butterfly species are threatened with extinctionThe public is being asked to help track the UK's butterfly populations as conservationists warn many native species are in serious decline. The online Big Butterfly Count survey aims to get a better understanding of which species are in need of most help. Butterflies are sensitive to changes in environment and have seen a collapse in numbers in the past three decades. More than three-quarters of the 59 species found in the British Isles are in decline, including the meadow brown. The holly blue and gatekeeper are among the other butterflies once recently regarded as common species which are now believed to be joining the list in need of protection. The survey is being run by the charity Butterfly Conservation and retailer Marks & Spencer as part of its environment commitment. Adults and children are being invited to spend 15 minutes in gardens, woodlands, fields or parks between 24 July and 1 August and make a record of the butterflies and day-flying moths that they see. The organisers hope the survey will help build up a better picture of the fortunes of the country's butterflies, and give an indication of the wider health of countryside and nature.

Callisto: programs of voluntary forest-protection
The increase of traffic in vulnerable areas,the wrong structure, the lack of coordinationand climate changes lead to fire outbreaksDuring the summer 2008, Greece came second in the list of the European countries with the most burnt areas during the anti-fire season, until 31st August, while in 2009, Greece was among the five countries with the most fires breakouts and burnt areas. The environmental organization Callisto , sending the message that provision is the most efficient protection method, organizes for the third year a voluntary forest-protection and fire-extinguishing program at the mountains of North Pindos, in cooperation with OTE S.A. The volunteers will be organized in forest-protection groups, monitoring for one and a half month vulnerable forest areas, undertaking positions in fire-houses and organizing patrols with suitable vehicles. The program takes place in the area of Gramos in North Pindos, based on the area Kali Vrysi of the Municipality of Akriton, during the following periods: 1st to 15th August, 15th to 29th August, 29th August to 12th September. Recognizing the needs of these areas, as well as the ecological significance of the forests, Callisto has also organized a second forest-protection / fire-extinguishing program at the mountain areas of Grevena, in the framework of the program LIFE, which takes place in the area in cooperation with the Prefecture of Grevena. This program will be held from 1st to 15th August and from 15th to 29th August. There are still open positions for the forest-protection programs of Callisto. All those who are interested may contact with Callisto at 2310-252530 or visit the website www.callisto.gr/becomeAVolunteer (http://www.callisto.gr/becomeAVolunteer.php).

Bioclimatic building design and life quality
The Conference is expected to contribute to the evaluation and development of all the support parameters of the natural environment in the Greek citiesThe Pan-Hellenic Network of Ecological Organizations will hold the 22nd Conference on “Free Public Spaces as a Social Good and the Bioclimatic Architecture in built environment”, from September 3 to 5 in Chania, Crete. The event is carried out in cooperation with the Ecological Initiative of Chania, the Municipality of Chania and the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities. Aim of the conference is the evaluation of the aspects of the organized space-arrangement and the emergence of the free public spaces as a good of structural rehabilitation of the cities and the expansion of green areas for the enhancement of citizens’ life quality. The emergence, evaluation and implementation of bioclimatic structure and architecture is a rather important factor for the built environment around the free spaces, for the acceptance of the life quality enhancement and as a good for the protection of biodiversity and prevention of the impact to the environment and global warming. Through the new form of the 1st and 2nd degree of self-government and developing the national and European sources, it is essential to research for the improvement of the structure and space-arrangement of the cities, as social goods for citizens. Therefore, the Conference will be rather interesting contributing to the evaluation and development of all the support parameters of the natural environment in Greek cities.

OTE S.A. and Culture… travel around Greece
Though the support of cultural events such as the Festival of the Old Town in Xanhti, OTE S.A. contributes to the enhancement of the initiatives of the local communitiesThe Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE S.A.) travels around Greece supporting a wide range of cultural events. From Rhodes to Thessalonica and from Symi to Cyclades, OTE S.A. supports, in cooperation with local corporations, events regarding the field of arts, such as painting, dancing, theatre, music and photography. These actions are integrated into the framework of the program of Corporate Responsibility of OTE S.A., entitled “Responsibility Relationship”. Among the cultural events that the Organization funds this summer there are:The Festival “Ermoupoleia 2010”: The greatest Festival of Cyclades takes place in Ermoupolis of Syros from June to September, www.pkde.gr (http://www.pkde.gr). The Festival “Cultural Summer of Mykonos “Dream Nights”: the most important summer cultural event of Mykonos island (July – September), www.e-mykonos.gr (http://www.e-mykonos.gr). The Festival of Symi: a rather popular artistic-cultural event, (from the end of July to the start of September), www.symi.gr (http://www.symi.gr).The “Nisologio”, in the framework of which a series of cultural events are taking place in Cyclades islands, www.mediadellarte.gr (http://www.mediadellarte.gr). The Photo Exhibition «PHOTOBIENNALE». The 21st Photographic Meeting takes place in Thessalonica from April to September, www.photobiennale.gr (http://www.photobiennale.gr).The Festival of the Old Town in Xanthi, which takes place from 5th to 12th September 2010

First map of global forest heights
The map will help scientists build an inventory of how much carbon the world’s forests store and how fast that carbon cycles through ecosystems and back into the atmosphereNASA has mapped the world's forest heights, based on satellite data, for a first-of-its-kind global view. While there are plenty of maps that show forest height regionally and locally, this is the first time it's been mapped globally with a single, uniform method. The new map shows the world’s tallest forests clustered in the Pacific Northwest of North America and portions of Southeast Asia, while shorter forests are found in broad swaths across northern Canada and Eurasia. The map depicts average height over 5 square kilometers (1.9 square miles) regions, not the maximum heights that any one tree or small patch of trees might attain. These heights range from 0 to 70 meters. The darker the green the higher the tree canopies. NASA believes the new map could help scientists with a new perspective on how much carbon forests store and more insight on carbon cycles within ecosystems.

HIV rate rises among over-50s
In 2008 there were 7,382 new diagnoses - 8% of these were in the over-50sThere has been a big increase in the number of people aged 50 and over catching HIV, latest figures show. The over-50s infection rate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland more than doubled in under a decade - from 299 new cases in 2000 to 710 in 2007. In 2008 there were 7,382 new diagnoses - 8% of these were in the over-50s, says the Health Protection Agency. Experts say the figures are a stark reminder of the importance of practising safe sex, whatever your age. Other sexually transmitted infections have shown a similar doubling in under a decade among the same age group, and have been rising at a faster rate than in the young. Ruth Smith, who led the HPA research, said: We estimate that nearly half of older adults diagnosed between 2000 and 2007 were infected at age 50 or over. This highlights the importance of HIV testing - whatever your age. Worryingly, say the researchers, half were diagnosed late. The sooner HIV is diagnosed and treated the less likely it will be passed on and the better the treatment options become. Lisa Power, of the HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, said their own research had found the over-50s were now the fastest growing group of people with HIV in the UK. This is partly because people are now living for longer with the condition, thanks to better treatment. Life expectancy with HIV has improved. But she said there was a long way to go regarding support for this age group. Older people with HIV are living with high levels of uncertainty about their future health and social care and need substantially more support than their peers. All of the findings were presented at the Aids 2010 conference in Vienna.

Travelling with the birds
The peninsula of Kassandra is one of thefirst land areas that the birds meet as theytravel across the Mediterranean SeaThe peninsula of Kassandra is a rather popular destination due to its beautiful coasts. However, it is also a popular destination for birds, since it has many different biotopes, which resemble to a mosaic design, giving to birds the opportunity to find a place to stay and be reproduced. Especially during spring and autumn, the middle and small sized wetlands of Kassandra are overwhelmed by thousands of birds, since the peninsula is one of the first land areas that the birds meet during their long trip across the Mediterranean Sea. In this framework, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Municipality of Kassandra, the Prefecture of Chalkidiki and the G Hotels of Chalkidiki decided to join forces to raise public awareness on the importance of the area for birds through an Information Centre, a impressive photo exhibition with significant species of birds and children’s workshops in Kallithea of Kassandra, as well as organized excursions for birds’ observation at the swamps of Fokaia. The photo exhibition 'Travelling with the birds' takes place at the Municipal Facility of Kallithea every afternoon, until August 8, 2010.

In mission with MSF
Coordinator oversees the implementation of HR policies and ensures the proper management of all staff in the missionMédecins Sans Frontières are looking for Human Resources Coordinators (HRCO) for their missions abroad. The HR Coordinator oversees the implementation of HR policies and ensures the proper management of all staff in the mission. S/he has the overall responsibility of all HR related and administrative issues. Essential:Degree in HR Management and proven two-year working experience in HRM / RecruitmentGood knowledge of spoken and written French and/or EnglishComputer literateAvailability to stay in mission for 9-12 monthsTo apply: Send your CV and Cover Letter in English @ This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it (Reference Code: HRCO)

Free Camping Caravan 2010
Free beaches and free camping for ever andeverywhere. This is the summer caravan’s messageThe Free Camping Movement (http://freecampgr.blogspot.com (http://freecampgr.blogspot.com)) is a mobile festival that reclaims the free camping and free beaches. This year, the International Summer Free Camping Caravan celebrated in several areas in Greece featuring different kinds of music from djs, soundsystems, music groups, but also open public assemblies, performances, multimedia art, poetry shows, discussions on ecological awareness issues etc. The summer caravan is open to new ideas and everybody (musician, dj, performer) who likes to take action and contribute to its success. The island of Lefkada was the first station for the caravan – on July 24 – that will continue its summer festival until September 17 visiting Pilio, the islands of Lesvos, Crete, Naxos, Anafi and Evoia, and Giona.

Joint Declaration on Co-operation between CITIZEN IN DEED and Biopolitics International Organization
The Chairman and CEO of CITIZEN IN DEED, Dr. Stelios Syrmoglou, the Chairman of the Biopolitics International Organization – B.I.O., Mrs. Agni Vlavianou – Arvaniti and the Planning and Operation Director of CITIZEN IN DEED, Mr. Michalis Poulakis A Joint Declaration on Co-operation was signed between CITIZEN IN DEED and the Biopolitics International Organization – B.I.O. by the Chairman of B.I.O., Mrs. Agni Vlavianou – Arvaniti and the Chairman and CEO of CITIZEN IN DEED,Dr. Stelios Syrmoglou. Aim of this co-operation is the synergy and collaboration between the two corporations, in the framework of their constitutional dictates for the benefit of volunteerism according to the contemporary international standards. The multiple scientific and voluntary work of the organization, as well as its international presence on matters regarding the action of Civil Society, mainly in the field of the environment, culture and life quality, comports with the action program of CITIZEN IN DEED and constitutes an expedient development field in the section of the international cooperation. Mrs. Vlavianou – Arvaniti praised the work of the State Organization and expressed her satisfaction for the perfect and efficient co-operation with CITIZEN IN DEED, during the first steps of the synergy and collaboration.

SYNAXIS Exhibition in Russia
The exhibition comprises 135 important religious artworks on wood and paper, dating from the 15th to the 20th centuriesThe State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow, and the Benaki Museum, Athens, in collaboration with Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, jointly organize and present in Moscow the Exhibition S Y N A X I S. Greek Art 1450 – 2000. Icons on Wood and Paper that was inaugurated on July 13, and runs until September 26. The Exhibition that is held under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic Dr. Karolos Papoulias, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of the Ministry for Culture and Tourism of the Hellenic Republic, will constitute a prelude tothe cultural events of the Year 2014 GREECE-RUSSIA , which will take place in 2014 in the framework of the special cultural exchanges between the two countries. Τhe Exhibition comprises 135 important religious artworks on wood and on paper, dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries, and come mainly from two important Greek collections: the Velimezis Collection and the Margaritis Collection. It is the first time that such a large number of Greek works will be presented in Russia. The Exhibition brings together works of varying historical and artistic significance, and ways of collecting, categorized in the following three main sections, independent of the chronological order in which the works were created : (a) Angels, Saints and Martyrs; (b) The Life of the Virgin; (c) The Christological Cycle. The aim of the Exhibition is, in the words of its curator, Ms. Thalea Stefanidou, to restore a thread, a guiding clew for perceiving the text of the icons and to propose a mechanism of inquiry in order to spin webs that intertwine iconographic programs, narrations and illustrations of synaxaria, along with hermeneutic codes of other periods.

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Volunteering in Greece and abroad

Volunteerism Programs in Cameroon

United Action for Children is a child and youth centered organisation operating in the South West Province of Cameroon.
Its mission is to develop a caring and sustaining society for children and young people through innovative programmes such as:

Sports for Development Programme that mobilises children and young people living in rural areas channel their energy towards productive initiatives and live a healthy life through sports.
Health campaigns and environmental sanitation through sports.
Elementary education programme for orphans and vulnerable children and operation of a nursery/primary school with an enrolment of 615 children.
Vocational Training Centre in woodwork, painting, electricity, cookery, sewing and computer for rural based and street children with a current enrolment of 125 young people.
The work of international volunteers has been fundamental to United Action for Children’s (UAC’s) success. Previous volunteers have come from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, the United States, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Australia, Belgium and Canada.
Some of the highlights and benefits of working as a volunteer for UAC include
Working with an open and flexible organisation that allows you to rise to your full potential;
Using your skills to assist others in a practical way;
Discovering a new culture and country;
Meeting amazing people and developing lasting friendships;
Gaining practical development experience;
Having access to important resources (internet, vehicles) that facilitate your projects;
Achieving personal growth;
Enjoying world-class scenery and beautiful nearby beaches

For further information contact with Kristine Randall, international volunteer coordinator ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ).

Volunteering Opportunities in Kenya

“Volunteers in Community Development Kenya” (VICDK) is a charitable non profit organization, initiated in 2006, that offers both technical and non-technical support to deprived communities and organizations.
Its objective is to stimulate local development initiatives for vulnerable people in desperate situations. VICDK aims to promote individual, community, and environmental and sociological empowerment by educating using an inclusive, multicultural mentality. The organization addresses all races, religions and sexes equally, and tries to strengthen the human bond through creating friendship and understanding of each other.
Every year VICDK deploys development personnel, technical, non-technical, volunteers recruited from regions all over the world, into local communities, in a variety of different projects, and programmes which will be specifically designed to develop specialist and non-specialist tasks for enhancing self-confidence, self-reliance, pride and dignity. Also this year VICDK needs volunteers. For more info all interested may visit: www.vicdkenya.com

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