Revisiting reciprocity in international volunteering

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Lough ◽  
Willy Oppenheim
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Reciprocal Relationships ◽  
International Volunteering ◽  
International Volunteers ◽  
Volunteer Organizations ◽  
Fair Distribution ◽  
International Volunteer

This article critically examines reciprocity in international volunteering. It first highlights tensions and unintended consequences that can emerge when pursuing reciprocal relationships between host-country partners and international volunteers or volunteer-sending organizations. It then reconsiders how to determine equal or fair distribution of benefits between stakeholders when some benefits are material and some are intangible. It then presents a typology of different modalities of reciprocity practiced or aspired to by contemporary international volunteer organizations. The article aims to provoke more nuanced consideration of when, if or under what conditions different forms of reciprocity may be possible or even desirable.

scholarly journals Organization of Volunteer Camps at Historical and Сultural Heritage Sites in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: International Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 68-75
Author(s):  
Н.И. Горлова
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Method ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Legal Norms ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Employment Conditions ◽  
Volunteer Organizations ◽  
Volunteer Labor ◽  
Rules And Principles ◽  
International Volunteer

Цель исследования – выявление принципов и правил организации международных волонтерских кампусов в области сохранения историко-культурного наследия в условиях пандемии COVID-19 на примере деятельности некоммерческих организаций HistoriCorps (США) и Ассоциации REMPART (Франция), специализирующихся в этой сфере. Использованы документы данных организаций, программные материалы по волонтерской работе. Изучены нормы, касающиеся вопросов проживания участников международных проектов, их численности, питания, проезда, организации культурно-досуговой программы и длительности проведения лагеря в период пандемии. Установлено, что во время карантина появились принципиально новые стандарты реализации международных проектов волонтерскими организациями. Сформулированы общие требования к организации волонтерских кампусов: от обеспечения волонтеров средствами индивидуальной защиты до их размещения принимающей стороной, создание системы мониторинга самочувствия волонтеров и сотрудников проекта. The aim of the study was to identify the principles and rules for organizing international volunteer camps in the field of preserving historical and cultural heritage in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic using the example of the activities of non-profit organizations HistoriCorps (USA) and the REMPART Association (France), specializing in this field. The study used reports, guidelines and instructions for working with participants on volunteer camps of these organizations during quarantine and in the subsequent post-pandemic period. The author applies a structural-functional approach using the methods of interpretation of legal norms and a comparative method. The practice of conducting volunteer camps was studied on the example of the activities of the American organization HistoriCorps. The data on the number of volunteers, the number of man-hours, employment conditions, peculiarities of the organization of activities, requirements for the personality, competencies and duties of the head of the volunteer brigade were revealed. The changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related to the rules and principles of preparing HistoriCorps volunteer camps, new requirements for organizing a volunteer camp and creating conditions for safe volunteer activities were investigated in detail. The HistoriCorps protocols regulating the procedure for actions in case of suspected signs of coronavirus infection in project participants were analyzed. The changes in the methodology of conducting volunteer camps, developed by the French volunteer association REMPART and related to the response of this organization to the spread of COVID-19, were studied. Specific actions, helping to ensure the sanitary safety of the participants, were identified in relation to the organization of volunteer labor. It was determined that the condition for participation in the volunteer camp should be the provision of a medical document (the PCR test result), indicating that the candidate does not have COVID-19, the passage of special training on health and safety by employees, and the provision of personal protective equipment to volunteers in accordance with the requirements of local authorities. The study resulted in a generalization of the experience accumulated by international volunteer organizations on taking additional measures related to the safe conduct of camps during the COVID-19 pandemic and the development of a number of universal recommendations that can become a practical guide for organizers and participants of volunteer camps, regardless of the location of the projects.

scholarly journals Principles to Guide a Volunteer Humanitarian Faith-based Short-Term Medical Mission in Nepal: A Case Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Rebecca Houweling ◽  
Barbara Astle
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Host Country ◽  
The United States ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
International Volunteers ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Mass Migration ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations

Global health inequities, natural disasters, and mass migration of refugees have led to an increase in volunteer humanitarian responses worldwide.  While well intentioned for doing good, there is an increasing awareness of the importance for improved preparation for international volunteers involved in short-term medical missions (STMMs).  This case study describes the retrospective application of Lasker’s (2016) Principles for Maximizing the Benefits for Volunteer Health Trips to international volunteers from two faith-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Canada and the United States partnering with a faith-based NGO in Nepal.  These principles are intended to maximize the benefits and diminish challenges that may develop between the international volunteers and the host country staff.  Lessons from this case study highlight the importance of applying such principles to foster responsible STMMs.  In conclusion, there is an increasing call by host country staff for collaborative and standardized guidelines or frameworks for STMMs and other global health activities.

Listening to our Global Partners: Kenyans’ perceptions of international volunteers

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 680-698
Author(s):  
Jennifer Smyer Dickey ◽  
Rosemary Wasike ◽  
Jon Singletary ◽  
Megan Levers Sayers
Keyword(s):  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Skill Transfer ◽  
Community Members ◽  
International Volunteers ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
International Volunteerism ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
International Volunteer

Abstract Although international volunteerism is a common service practice among Americans and Europeans, research exploring host community members’ perceptions of volunteers and their practice is lacking. In this phenomenological study, thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted with Kenyan participants and their perceptions of international volunteers’ attitudes and behaviors were explored. While positive themes of skill transfer and honoring cultural practices emerged, so did negative themes that suggested international volunteers had demeaning perceptions of Kenyans, controlled collaborative projects, and gave Kenyans cursory roles to play. The study also suggests that international volunteers departed from service hastily without empowering Kenyans, which led to project failure. Recommendations for strengthening international volunteer practice are identified and described.

scholarly journals Developing Partnerships: How Local Development Organisations can Empower Themselves through the Integration and Management of International Volunteers; A Case Study with Aspire, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kathryn Impey
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
International Partnerships ◽  
International Volunteers ◽  
International Volunteer ◽  
Development Practice

<p>International partnerships between developed and developing country agencies are typically presented as a way of working toward specific development goals that will benefit the local, developing country partner. Sending international development volunteers from developed country agencies to assist, or build the capacity of local partners is an increasingly common practice within these international partnerships. Yet research about international partnerships and international volunteer sending is typically focussed on the perspective of developed country agencies or the returned (developed country national) volunteers. There is a silence in the literature where the perspective of the local 'undeveloped' country partners' voice should be heard. By overlooking the voice and perspective of local partners, who host international volunteers, the success and worth of international partnerships cannot be ascertained. This research addresses the topic; 'Developing Partnerships: How local development organisations can empower themselves through the integration and management of international volunteers, a case study with Aspire, South Africa'. In addressing this topic the research aims to build a better understanding of how host organisations experience international partnerships. Field research was carried out over a three month period and centred on an in depth organisational case study with Aspire; Amathole. Aspire is a rural development agency in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa which has a cosmopolitan and diverse staff team of local and national employees, and international volunteers. This research topic was developed in collaboration with Aspire to build a better understanding of the Aspire experience of international volunteer hosting within its international partnerships. By better understanding local partners' perspectives, wider lessons can be drawn relating to the principles of ownership, partnership and local empowerment which may influence future development practice. The research was underpinned by a participatory ethos, and utilised a mixed methodology with a qualitative emphasis including semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analyses. The research found that the 'Aspire approach' of fully integrating and managing international volunteers into a single, unified, staff team, and managing international volunteers within Aspires own employee systems is a strengths-based and assertive approach. This study of the 'Aspire approach' identifies tangible day-to-day measures that local partners in development can take to empower themselves and to promote and assert their ownership of international volunteer hosting partnerships. The 'Aspire approach' ultimately provides a positive model for future development practice and partnership relations.</p>

scholarly journals Developing Partnerships: How Local Development Organisations can Empower Themselves through the Integration and Management of International Volunteers; A Case Study with Aspire, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kathryn Impey
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
International Partnerships ◽  
International Volunteers ◽  
International Volunteer ◽  
Development Practice

<p>International partnerships between developed and developing country agencies are typically presented as a way of working toward specific development goals that will benefit the local, developing country partner. Sending international development volunteers from developed country agencies to assist, or build the capacity of local partners is an increasingly common practice within these international partnerships. Yet research about international partnerships and international volunteer sending is typically focussed on the perspective of developed country agencies or the returned (developed country national) volunteers. There is a silence in the literature where the perspective of the local 'undeveloped' country partners' voice should be heard. By overlooking the voice and perspective of local partners, who host international volunteers, the success and worth of international partnerships cannot be ascertained. This research addresses the topic; 'Developing Partnerships: How local development organisations can empower themselves through the integration and management of international volunteers, a case study with Aspire, South Africa'. In addressing this topic the research aims to build a better understanding of how host organisations experience international partnerships. Field research was carried out over a three month period and centred on an in depth organisational case study with Aspire; Amathole. Aspire is a rural development agency in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa which has a cosmopolitan and diverse staff team of local and national employees, and international volunteers. This research topic was developed in collaboration with Aspire to build a better understanding of the Aspire experience of international volunteer hosting within its international partnerships. By better understanding local partners' perspectives, wider lessons can be drawn relating to the principles of ownership, partnership and local empowerment which may influence future development practice. The research was underpinned by a participatory ethos, and utilised a mixed methodology with a qualitative emphasis including semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analyses. The research found that the 'Aspire approach' of fully integrating and managing international volunteers into a single, unified, staff team, and managing international volunteers within Aspires own employee systems is a strengths-based and assertive approach. This study of the 'Aspire approach' identifies tangible day-to-day measures that local partners in development can take to empower themselves and to promote and assert their ownership of international volunteer hosting partnerships. The 'Aspire approach' ultimately provides a positive model for future development practice and partnership relations.</p>

scholarly journals Towards critical global education worker subjectivity: An exploration of narratives of American women engaged in education-related international volunteerism

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-72
Author(s):  
Lucy Mule
Keyword(s):  
Global Education ◽  
Global Citizenship ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Active Engagement ◽  
High Likelihood ◽  
International Volunteering ◽  
Volunteer Organizations ◽  
International Volunteerism ◽  
Global North ◽  
The Relationship

International volunteerism is increasingly associated with shaping global subjectivities of participants. Significant numbers of Global North volunteers – whether working through established volunteer organizations, corporations, nonprofits, academia, or personal networks and connections – engage in educationrelated activities while in the Global South. I emphasize in this paper that education-related international volunteering presents a rich context in which to explore global subjectivities due to the high likelihood of participants' engagement with mobility, difference, poverty, inequality, and development. In this paper, I explore six women's accounts of their transnational experiences and resulting understandings of their education-related work. Four related thematic categories derived from these accounts convey meanings of education-related work in terms of self-fulfilment, social responsibility, active engagement with host communities, and cross-cultural competence. I explore two overlapping subjectivities – participatory and critical – that emerge from an exploration of these themes, examine how they intersect with common discourses of international volunteering and development, and discuss the implications for the relationship between global citizenship and education-related international volunteering.

scholarly journals International Volunteers as Strangers in Szeklerland

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21
Author(s):  
Ágota Silló
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local People ◽  
Volunteer Tourism ◽  
International Volunteering ◽  
International Volunteers ◽  
Unusual Phenomenon ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Common

Abstract This paper focuses on volunteer tourism, which is approached as a new phenomenon in a Romanian minority region, i.e. Szeklerland. Volunteer tourism has developed very fast in last decades at international level and mostly in the developed societies. As an alternative tourism form, it is very popular among the youth and gap-year students. Volunteer tourism is a kind of international volunteering which offers opportunity for someone to volunteer and travel at the same time in a foreign country. Volunteer tourism makes possible the meeting and collaboration between local community and international volunteers. As a new phenomenon in the case of Szeklerland, volunteer tourism was started here by a foreign person, originated from England, who has established himself in Miercurea Ciuc, Harghita County, Romania. In this region, this event was regarded as a strange action; here, local volunteering is also a new phenomenon. The communist rule had a negative effect on the developing of volunteer culture in Eastern Europe. Therefore, in the 21st century in Romania, volunteering is still a rare phenomenon. On the other hand, the presence of foreign volunteers in Szeklerland is an unusual phenomenon. Volunteer tourists are those who meet with locals and thereby are more close to the local people to whom these people speak in foreign languages, have foreign looks and cultures. Due to their lack of English language skills, local people and organizations do not know how to connect with them. So, international volunteering or volunteer tourism is that phenomenon which allows to meet different foreign cultures, where the common ground could be a commonly spoken language, i.e. the English.

The spatial imaginaries of international volunteer teachers: Contrapuntal and disconnected geographies

2021 ◽  
pp. 174619792199931
Author(s):  
Jacob Henry
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Edward Said ◽  
Volunteer Teachers ◽  
International Volunteering ◽  
International Volunteer

Scholars argue that international volunteering must not be framed as altruism or charity; rather, it should invoke themes from decolonial justice theorizing. Volunteers who have benefited from colonial-imperial structural advantages should understand their labor as a kind of reparation for ongoing structural dispossession. I argue that spatial imaginaries are central to this project. Volunteers can better situate themselves with decolonial intentionality if they adopt what Edward Said called contrapuntal theories of geography. The volunteer orientation phase is the best time to instill this spatial imaginary. This study analyzes how volunteers theorize “home” and “away” as they become teachers in Namibia. Drawing from a “netnographic” discourse analysis of their public blogs, I find that volunteers are likely to subscribe to a geographical imaginary of atomized and disconnected spaces, lacking the conceptual tools needed to grapple with decolonial justice and to implement dues-paying volunteering in their classrooms.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document