Last summer, I began to let my national network of nonprofit colleagues know my plans for my international journey. Kathleen Dennis, a friend and work colleague from my first job out of college, immediately asked if I wanted to speak at an International conference she was helping plan in Panama. I immediately accepted and now 10 months later I find myself in Panama City. I will be part of a panel on International Youth Volunteerism tomorrow morning.
I attended the morning session on ethics and values in international volunteer movements. The session was presented by speakers both in Spanish and English. I was surprised how much my Spanish has improved because I did understand much more than I thought I would. The speakers were passionate about the issue. One speaker highlighted IAVE´s Universal Declaration on Volunteerism and the other on professional ethics and certification of volunteer administrators.
I wanted to share one paragraph from the Declaration. The full declaration can be found at http://www.volunteernow.org.nz/article/3.
“In this era of globalization and continuous change, the world is becoming smaller, more interdependent, and more complex. Volunteering - either through individual or group action - is a way in which:
* Human values of community, caring, and serving can be sustained and strengthened;
* Individuals can exercise their rights and responsibilities as members of communities, while learning and growing throughout their lives, realizing their full human potential; and
* Connections can be made across differences that push us apart so that we can live together in healthy, sustainable communities, working together to provide innovative solutions to our shared challenges and to shape our collective destinies.”
Just as it did when I presented my workshop in Nigeria, it felt good to be back in a work environment. The discussion of issues and the presentation of solutions were rich. It was why I enjoyed working in the sector. There are at least ten people here who I know well from my time serving on a few national boards. Though the cost was a little higher than I anticipated to get here, I am now excited about the next few days of learning and networking.
Submitted by Sam Singh
Sam Singh is an affiliated consultant with the Lansing-based firm, Public Policy Associates. He currently is on sabbatical traveling the world. You can contact Sam at singhsam94@gmail.com
Filed under: Volunteerism | Tagged: international, volunteering
