elected to represent the FÖJ in Germany and the interests of all FÖJ volunteers in public, the press and politics. Areas of operation Possible areas of experience and work for FÖJers are possible in a variety of areas. For example in the following: Agriculture, forestry and horticulture Environment related jobs in companies Environmental education Work in environmental associations Engagement in environmental centers, animal welfare and nature conservation centers Work in public authorities, in relation with environment Food processing Scientific environmental protection Seminars The providers of the FÖJ have to organize a minimum of 25 seminar days per year. In the respective seminars, fixed topics such as ecosystems, sustainability or globalization are discussed. These days are usually organized by FÖJ speakers or by self-organization. The participants can also acquire additional qualification modules, such as the modules education or "green jobs". Costs The cost of the FÖJ are defrayed by the providers and partly the states. The volunteers in the Voluntary Ecological Year, who are sometimes still minors, basically consists of monthly pocket money of around €180 to €370 as well as food and accommodation. If food and accommodation is not provided, it is paid out in full or in part. In addition, government grants different sponsorships. Austria The Voluntary Ecological Year or also the Voluntary Environmental Year (German: Freiwilliges Umweltjahr / FUJ) in Austria offers young people from 17 years of age the opportunity to get involved in environmental and sustainability issues. The legal background to this is noted in regulation in Sections 22–24 in the Volunteer Act. It is aimed at young adults who are in a professional orientation phase and are interested in environmental, nature conservation and sustainability topics. The agencies and providers for the Voluntary Environmental Year are approved by the Minister for Environment. Framework Due to the existing conscription for military service in Austria, since 2013 the FUJ is an alternative compulsory service to the mandatory service in the Austrian Armed Forces for males. See also Federal volunteers service Let's Do It! World Voluntary social year World Cleanup Day References External links foej.net foej.de database for ecological job and volunteer opportunities Society of Germany Conscientious objection