Benesek Monk

Philanthropic activities, past and present :-)

- Beribazu Cultural Group (Voluntary group promoting Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian culture)

Vice-secretary/member of working group concerned with funding applications and sponsorship/participant in Cultural Shows featuring Capoeira, Maculele, Coco & Samba dances

- Ecodysgu - Ecolearn (Non-profit community business with co-operative principles, an educational organisation whose methodology is based around environmental conservation, an appreciation of nature, traditional crafts and holistic healing techniques with a wide range of groups including schools, youth service, police and local volunteers)

Co-director/Chairman/member of finance committee

- Ecodysgu/Bridgend Forestry Education Initiative Cluster Group

Member/Chairman

- Social Economy Alliance, Swansea

Member/part of working group to develop funding opportunities for social economy businesses

- Swansea Co-operative Forum (an informal organisation promoting social/community business development through skills sharing, networking and dissemination of best practice methods)

Founder/Chairman

- United Nations Association International Youth Service

Environmental Workcamp Leader

Tasks & Responsibilities: Organising and leading groups of between 6 and 20 international volunteers on practical conservation projects across South Wales; Training and on-site supervision of practical tasks; organisation and co-ordination of cultural exchange activities on “days off”; responsibility for co-ordination of domestic tasks on residential projects; responsibility for ensuring health, safety & comfort of volunteers at all times; producing written and oral reports to UNAIYS on completion of projects as well as regular updates during them.

- British Trust for Conservation Volunteers

Volunteer Officer

Tasks & Responsibilities: Organising, training and leading a local group of conservation volunteers working on local and national nature reserves on day to day practical conservation tasks; conducting site visits and preparing quotes; liasing with paid staff and other voluntary officers to ensure consistency of service provided to volunteers and clients; assisting in running of office (bookkeeping, dealing with phone and personal enquiries from clients, volunteers and the public); participating in publicity events; ensuring welfare of volunteers at all times