In the conversations program, American volunteers meet for at least one hour a week with foreign- born partners, generally in a home setting.

And the group recently began recording the life stories, thoughts and feelings of some of the people its volunteers have met.

This is where volunteers meet before they stomp off into the soggy woods.

The volunteers meet once a month to achieve these goals.

The other volunteers meet with them and discuss where they are.

Throughout the school year, students and volunteers meet twice each week for 45 minute sessions.

When a volunteer meets a student's family on its own turf "then it all comes out," he says.

Sometimes, volunteers from local churches, schools and social clubs can meet the needs, but several towns have also devised elaborate programs with paid staffs.

The volunteers also meet for bowling, tennis, hikes and weekend outings.

The volunteers have been meeting for months, being trained in conflict resolution by social services workers, peace advocates and the police.