Following are a short selection of my favourite websites and other resources which provide an alternative perspective on international volunteering, international solidarity, or service-learning. If you know of other resources, please share them – !
Critical Perspectives on Short-term International Volunteering
Ivan Illich, To Hell with Good Intentions – This piece, written in 1967, is a stirring call to Americans, and applicable far beyond that, to think very carefully before going to ‘solve problems’ abroad. This foundational piece was recommended to me by my supervisor, Dr. Shauna Butterwick of UBC. This article names a dynamic that we continue to face: written over 40 years ago, the writing is just as if not more so applicable today.
JoAnn Van Engen, Short-term missions: Are they Worth the Cost? – JoAnn’s article was written in the context of religious groups leading short-term trips, yet her critiques and advice for ways forward are sound.
Daniela Papi, Learning Service – Daniela Papi’s work out of the UK began with a strong critique of the huge problems associated with ‘voluntourism’, particularly to orphanages in Cambodia. She has since written and spoken in numerous places, and has developed what she calls ‘learning service’ – an opportunity for young people to experience and learn from community development professionals in rural Cambodia.
Reading & Resources: Ethics & Allyship
Frances E. Kendall, PhD, How to Be an Ally if You Are a Person with Privilege – Frances Kendall’s work speaks from the context of gay-straight alliances; her approach and language are useful in allyship of many kinds.
The Ethics of International Engagement & Service Learning (EISEL) project out of UBC was the result of extensive faculty-student dialogue and conversation around service learning. The product of their years-long effort includes a list of ‘core competencies’ which are essential for international service learning.
Donald Wright Masters’ thesis – This thesis explores the ways that those who have privilege engage in international solidarity and human rights efforts.
International Volunteering Resources
Each of us is in a different place on our learning journey; we are asking different questions, and those questions change with the years. Here’s a few resources that might support you in this work.
Kiely, Chameleon with a Complex – Kiely’s 10-year study of thoughtful, intentional ‘international service learning’ highlights some of the challenges faced by returning volunteers. His work focuses on the portion for the international voluntourism sector that is intentional, thoughtful, and focused on both long-term sustainability and meaningful learning experiences.
Questions you might Ask about Global Volunteering – this list of questions is adapted from a list originally developed by africacanada.org.
Problems We See: Oversimplification, ‘Voicelessness,’ and Celebrity Activism – this content was taking from a training guide written by the Africa Canada Accountability Coalition, www.africacanada.org
Organizations
These are organizations I know of which have a fairly good reputation, are non-religious, and are not-for-profit organizations based in Canada. The list is NOT an endorsement – do your research to explore the organization that is meets you goals and criteria.
Local or Virtual Volunteering
- BCCIC (BC Council for International Cooperation) – bccic.org
Look at ‘our members’ for an overview of international organizations based in BC; sign up for the monthly newsletter for events, volunteer posts, and more. - Charity Village – charityvillage.com
This central website includes volunteer, job, and event listings; the easiest way to view postings is to ‘browse’ opportunities in Vancouver/Lower Mainland. - Volunteer Vancouver – volunteervancouver.org
Try searching for keywords ‘international’ or ‘global’ to find opportunities to support international non-profits based in Vancouver - UN Volunteers – onlinevolunteering.org
This UN-supported database allows you to choose volunteer areas by topic, region of the world, or type of task. - PeaceGeeks –
PeaceGeeks find ways to ‘virtually’ support organizations around the world, without leaving home.
Engaging Professional Skills
- Cuso International – www.cusointernational.org
Cuso is a well-respected organization with 50 years experience placing professionals in volunteer roles worldwide. Placements are 3 – 24 months - Education Beyond Borders – www.educationbeyondborders.org
Runs programs in partnership with teacher-colleagues in other countries - Engineers Without Borders – www.ewb.ca
EWB looks to find ways to make ‘systemic change’, so you may not build a school but you are contributing to longer-term change. - Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – www.msf.ca
MSF is a well-respected non-profit; it welcomes local volunteers as well as field workers in health – nurses, dieticians, lab technologists, physicians. - United Nations Volunteers – www.unv.org
UNV maintains a database of those interested in volunteering, and will contact individuals with opportunities as they come available.
General Volunteering
- Crossroads International – www.cintl.org
Crossroads hosts youth internships and also creates placements for adults of any age. They host both ‘North-South’ and ‘South-North’ placements. - Developing World Connections – http://www.developingworldconnections.org/
Creates partnerships with local organizations; can organize customized group trips - Idealist.org – www.idealist.org
This distribution site is the craigslist for volunteering internationally – you’ll find almost any country and type of volunteering. Ask good questions! - Volunteers for Peace – www.vfp.org
This website lists ‘workcamps’ in 87 countries, including Canada; community connections will vary. The standard fee per volunteer experience is $500.
Youth Volunteering
- Canada World Youth – www.canadaworldyouth.org
This long-standing government-supported program places youth (<25) in teams which volunteer 3 months in Canada and 3 months in another country. - Youth Challenge International – www.yic.org
Youth Challenge has a strong set of programs designed to get youth (<30) involved in international development