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 – !<\/p>\n
Ivan Illich, To Hell with Good Intentions<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 This piece, written in 1967, is a stirring call to Americans, and applicable far beyond that, to think very carefully before going to \u2018solve problems\u2019 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.<\/p>\n JoAnn Van Engen, Short-term missions: Are they Worth the Cost?<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 JoAnn\u2019s article was written in the context of religious groups leading short-term trips, yet her critiques and advice for ways forward are sound.<\/p>\n Daniela Papi, Learning Service<\/a> \u2013 Daniela Papi\u2019s work out of the UK began with a strong critique of the huge problems associated with \u2018voluntourism\u2019, particularly to orphanages in Cambodia. She has since written and spoken in numerous places, and has developed what she calls \u2018learning service\u2019 \u2013 an opportunity for young people to experience and learn from community development professionals in rural Cambodia.<\/p>\n Frances E. Kendall, PhD, How to Be an Ally if You Are a Person with Privilege<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Frances Kendall\u2019s work speaks from the context of gay-straight alliances; her approach and language are useful in allyship of many kinds.<\/p>\n The Ethics of International Engagement & Service Learning (EISEL) <\/a>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 \u2018core competencies\u2019 which are essential for international service learning.<\/p>\n Donald Wright Masters’ thesis \u2013 This thesis explores the ways that those who have privilege engage in international solidarity and human rights efforts.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s a few resources that might support you in this work.<\/p>\n Kiely, Chameleon with a Complex<\/a> \u2013 Kiely\u2019s 10-year study of thoughtful, intentional \u2018international service learning\u2019 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.<\/p>\n Questions you might Ask about Global Volunteering \u2013 this list of questions is adapted from a list originally developed by africacanada.org.<\/p>\n Problems We See: Oversimplification, ‘Voicelessness,’ and Celebrity Activism \u2013 this content was taking from a training guide written by the Africa Canada Accountability Coalition, www.africacanada.org<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 do your research to explore the organization that is meets you goals and criteria.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 … Continue reading Reading & Resources: Ethics & Allyship<\/strong><\/h3>\n
International Volunteering Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Organizations<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Local or Virtual Volunteering <\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\nLook at ‘our members’ for an overview of international organizations based in BC; sign up for the monthly newsletter for events, volunteer posts, and more.<\/li>\n
\nThis central website includes volunteer, job, and event listings; the easiest way to view postings is to ‘browse’ opportunities in Vancouver\/Lower Mainland.<\/li>\n
\nTry searching for keywords ‘international’ or ‘global’ to find opportunities to support international non-profits based in Vancouver<\/li>\n
\nThis UN-supported database allows you to choose volunteer areas by topic, region of the world, or type of task.<\/li>\n
\nPeaceGeeks find ways to \u2018virtually\u2019 support organizations around the world, without leaving home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nEngaging Professional Skills<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\nCuso is a well-respected organization with 50 years experience placing professionals in volunteer roles worldwide. Placements are 3 \u2013 24 months<\/li>\n
\nRuns programs in partnership with teacher-colleagues in other countries<\/li>\n
\nEWB looks to find ways to make ‘systemic change’, so you may not build a school but you are contributing to longer-term change.<\/li>\n
\nMSF is a well-respected non-profit; it welcomes local volunteers as well as field workers in health \u2013 nurses, dieticians, lab technologists, physicians.<\/li>\n
\nUNV maintains a database of those interested in volunteering, and will contact individuals with opportunities as they come available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nGeneral Volunteering <\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\nCrossroads hosts youth internships and also creates placements for adults of any age. They host both ‘North-South’ and ‘South-North’ placements.<\/li>\n
\nCreates partnerships with local organizations; can organize customized group trips<\/li>\n
\nThis distribution site is the craigslist for volunteering internationally \u2013 you’ll find almost any country and type of volunteering. Ask good questions!<\/li>\n
\nThis website lists ‘workcamps’ in 87 countries, including Canada; community connections will vary. The standard fee per volunteer experience is $500.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nYouth Volunteering <\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\nThis long-standing government-supported program places youth (<25) in teams which volunteer 3 months in Canada and 3 months in another country.<\/li>\n
\nYouth Challenge has a strong set of programs designed to get youth (<30) involved in international development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n