The Working Centre is a community-development organization that offers a wide range of learning opportunities. Our Internship project offers a live-in, voluntary service opportunity and combines learning and action.

Short Term Internships (1 month minimum)

For those who want to learn more about:

• Community Development and how these principles are practiced at The Working Centre
• Environmental issues/Living Simply and how The Working Centre Community Tools Projects can help to practice these skills
• A particular area of interest to you – such as urban agriculture, downtown outreach, voluntary service...

We ask for a minimum commitment of one month (the length of your stay can determine how much you gain from the experience), and ask you to contribute $500. In return, we will provide you with a place to stay in our Lancaster House, a learning plan including reading/research activities, and a weekly schedule that complements the learning you want to explore. We expect that you would have additional funds to cover food costs for the month – although these costs can be minimal in a shared living situation, complemented by lunch at St. John’s Kitchen.

Long Term Internships (8 months)

There is also an opportunity to participate in a longer Voluntary Service Internship. This internship would last from September to April and we would ask you to contribute $500 a month ($4000). Your internship would include a guided learning experience complemented by participation in the Waterloo School for Community Development, a 16 week course hosted at The Working Centre. This Voluntary Service Internship provides the opportunity for deeper learning both on site and through the course (thought and action) exploring the philosophy behind community development at The Working Centre.

Remember – this is meant to be a significant and meaningful learning experience. Expect to be challenged and to work hard. We are looking for people who are drawn to dedicated service, hard work, and thoughtful learning about these experiences. It can be an enjoyable experience, with many opportunities for shared conversations, shared meals, music, and meaningful work. We are an integrated, organic organization, not a “linear” organization, so this learning takes time, patience and willingness to help others.

Lancaster House

Lancaster House is a welcoming, warm-spirited home that offers interns and others a place to live communally. It is located in Kitchener’s vibrant downtown core and is a short walk to The Working Centre, the Kitchener Public Library, St. John’s Kitchen, Victoria Park and the Kitchener Farmer’s Market. The GROW Herbal gardens are located in the backyard and offer another opportunity to work with others towards a common goal.

Residents of Lancaster House share the household duties and often find themselves gathered in the kitchen over a shared meal or a warm cup of tea. The common areas on the main floor offer a comfortable area where people can gather. Interns play a central role in shaping and inspiring the creative use of this space.

Shaping a Schedule

Interns spend time initially to observe and participate in various Community Tools Projects. This allows the opportunity to ask lots of questions and to better understand the interconnectedness of the activities. You are then given the opportunity to shape your own schedules based on the needs of the projects while taking into consideration individual skills and interests.