UNA Exchange started in 1973 and grew out of the United Nations Association (Wales), a branch of United Nations Association (UNA).  See also United Nations Youth and Student Association of the UK.

We are part of the Welsh Centre of International Affairs (WCIA) based in the Temple of Peace, Cardiff.

We are also part of two international networks of volunteer organisations:  the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations  and the Coordination Commitee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS).

We are a non-governmental, non-religious organisation and are a registered charity.  We currently have a staff of four:

Sam Powell - Education Co-ordinator and International Exchange Coordinator (overseas placements) - [email protected]

Katy Chadwick- National Exchange Co-ordinator (incoming placements) - [email protected] 

Sheila Smith - Director - [email protected]

Lisa Stagg - Administrative Co-ordinator and temporary EVS Coordinator- [email protected]

UNA Exchange aims to:

• promote international understanding and cultural exchange
• encourage voluntary service as a means to encourage peace, equality and democracy
• support community development and bring an intercultural dimension to community projects
• offer people in Wales direct contact with people from other countries as a way to understand international issues

membership

Members are the heart of UNA Exchange. Anyone can be a member of the organisation, have a say in how we work and receive the latest news from us.  Members also receive discounts for project fees and training events.

To join you should complete a membership form and return it with the annual fee of �10 for unwaged members, and �15 for waged members.

If you would like to become more involved in the work of UNA Exchange there are Working Groups which work on specific areas of the organisation: North South, Wales, European Voluntary Service, Publicity, Strategic Planning. Each groups meets about four times a year to discuss priorities, plan events and trainings and act as support for UNA Exchange staff. To find out more, email: [email protected].

changing places

UNA Exchange is committed to providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds to volunteer. For various reasons some young people may find it difficult to volunteer overseas. The Changing Places programme helps overcome these barriers and offers young people from Wales a first international experience. For more information, please contact [email protected].

hosting

All the projects we offer in Wales are organised on a local basis by a community that have identified a specific need. UNA Exchange work in partnership with these organisations or groups to build a project for international volunteers.  There are also opportunities to host EVS volunteers (see EVS page for details of programme). To find out more about opportunities to host International Volunteer Projects or EVS placements, contact [email protected] (short term placements) or [email protected] (EVS placements).

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