Meet us - don't eat us (1:6)

WORK/PROJECT: This is the fourth year that SEEDS volunteers will take part in a whale-awareness and protection project run in cooperation with IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare). This mainly consists of distributing information, conducting a survey, having people fill out postcards that will be taken to the government at the end of the work camp, talking to people and having fun in Reykjavík! SEEDS is looking for enthusiastic and open people for this workcamp!

The aim of the project is to raise awareness in a friendly, peace- and joyful manner. Volunteers will be given the opportunity to prepare and carry out acts or actions to grab attention and entertain passers-by. We encourage people with artistic skills and talents to apply: this is your change to give vent to your joy of creation and performance.

The group will take turns wearing a whale costume and walk around downtown Reykjavík. One part of our project is also to let pedestrians try on the costume and take pictures. We encourage each volunteer to come prepared with some ideas of awareness rising for this project, to discuss them with the group and try to implement them.

Our goal is to raise awareness among tourists (and locals) that by tasting whale meat in Icelandic restaurants they encourage whaling. The truth is that most Icelanders have never tasted whale meat. In a survey made by Gallup in 2007, 86% of those asked had not purchased whale meat in the last 12 months; however 67% where in favour of commercial whaling.

Iceland was one of the first countries in the world to ban commercial whaling. We can help Iceland to make a positive decision again, by educating the growing number of people who eat up to 40% of the whale meat consumed in the country, but at the same time say they are against whaling.

ACCOMMODATION:  SEEDS volunteers will stay in a well equipped house in down town Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with only one shower and volunteers are expected to show consideration for their companions. Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: Europe's most northern capital is a friendly, vibrant city that manages to combine the intimacy of a small-town atmosphere with all the qualities of a modern, trendy city. Here you can leisurely stroll around the lovely little streets of the town centre with its many renovated old houses and there's no hustle and bustle, no noisy traffic to contend with.

The visitor to Reykjavik is simply spoiled when it comes to things to do. There is the National Gallery and a range of other small avant-garde galleries for the art lover. The newly reopened National Museum provides an exciting insight into Iceland's history and heritage, as does the Arbaer Folk Museum.

In the area closer than 100 km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; good conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

SEEDS will provide volunteers with passes to go on free whale watching trips. Tours and excursions (eg. Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Snaefellsnes or South Shore) can be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares. 

Age: 18+