Thank you for your interest in joining the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC)'s international volunteer initiatives. Through the Solidarity Shields and Olive Harvest Campaigns, international volunteers work alongside Palestinian farmers, peasants, herders, and rural communities who are resisting Israeli land theft, settler violence, and forced displacement. Volunteers serve as a protective presence, witness Israeli aggression firsthand, and amplify Palestinian voices in the struggle for food sovereignty and self-determination. Solidarity Shields takes place in July-August, and the Olive Harvest is October-November.

Israeli settler violence in the West Bank has escalated dramatically, with Area C bearing the brunt of these relentless attacks. These acts of aggression are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy of settler colonial displacement and land theft aimed at expanding Israeli settlements and asserting control over occupied Palestinian land. In response, UAWC's Solidarity Shields and Olive Harvest campaigns aim to provide a continuous, nonviolent international protective presence within these targeted communities. By mobilizing international volunteers, we seek to deter Israeli settler violence, document human rights abuses, and support the daily lives and agricultural activities of these resilient communities. Your participation as an international volunteer is a powerful act of solidarity, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who are steadfastly resisting forced displacement and settler colonialism. 

Volunteers will be placed in villages across Area C of the West Bank, where Israeli settler violence is most prevalent. This campaign is designed to address the urgent needs of Palestinian farmers, peasants, rural communities, and herders, as expressed and requested by the communities themselves. We are seeking international volunteers from within UAWC’s global solidarity networks who are committed to justice and human rights. While not at all necessary, volunteers with special skills, such as media, medical, or engineering expertise, are encouraged to participate, as these skills can respond to specific community needs.

Risks and Considerations: Volunteers participating in the protective presence campaigns must be fully aware of the risks involved. The West Bank, particularly Area C, is a high-risk area due to frequent Israeli settler attacks and the presence of Israeli occupation forces. Volunteers will receive training, but must recognize the unpredictable nature of the circumstances. Therefore all volunteers must acknowledge and accept these risks before coming.

This form is the first step in the volunteer process. Upon registering your interest for either campaign, you will receive further information on next steps.