GlobalVolunteer Archives

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Travel, Uncategorized, Volunteer

The importance of volunteering in creating social and environmental change

Why does volunteering matter?

Volunteering is important for many reasons, not just for the benefit of others but also to promote personal growth and development. Giving your time and energy to a cause or an organization gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that cannot be found elsewhere. Volunteering often exposes you to new experiences and perspectives that help broaden your horizons and challenge your assumptions about the world. At its core, volunteering is an expression of generosity, kindness, and community spirit. It enables us to make a positive impact on the lives of others while simultaneously benefiting ourselves in ways that are immeasurable yet invaluable.

As one of the world’s largest youth-led organizations dedicated to volunteerism, AIESEC understands the power of volunteering firsthand and encourages individuals around the globe to get involved in making positive change happen.

Social Change: How Volunteering Can Make a Difference?

Volunteering is an incredibly powerful tool for social change. The act of giving your time and skills to help others can have a profound impact on both the individual receiving support and the broader community.

Volunteering helps to build a sense of community and unity, which are essential to effecting social change. Volunteers develop a bond that fosters positive relationships and breaks down barriers between individuals from different backgrounds by working together towards a common goal. Volunteering promotes empathy, facilitates connections between people from different walks of life, and encourages collective action towards social causes. As volunteers work directly with those in need and their allies, they become acutely aware of the issues facing their communities and are better equipped to address them.

Social Change Furthermore, volunteering builds skills that are transferable to other areas of life, such as communication and leadership, allowing individuals to continue making a difference long after their service has ended. Thus, volunteering is transformative for those being helped and those who participate; it reinforces our humanity while galvanizing social progress.

Environmental Change: The Impact of Volunteer Efforts

Volunteer efforts in environmental conservation have significantly impacted our planet’s health. Environmental degradation and climate change threaten the Earth, and volunteering provides an opportunity to participate in efforts to conserve the environment and minimize the impact of human activities.

Volunteer-led organizations such as the Sierra Club, Greenpeace, and Earth Island Institute have been instrumental in raising awareness of environmental issues like deforestation, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity. Volunteers have played a leading role in afforestation, reforestation, beach clean-ups, and reducing plastic usage.

In addition to hands-on work with flora and fauna, volunteers use social media campaigns to spread their message further than ever before. Such campaigns promote sustainability initiatives, encouraging us to reduce carbon emissions by driving less or biking more.

Volunteering for environmental change helps promote adopting sustainable practices such as recycling, energy conservation, and reducing carbon footprints. The actions of individuals and communities can significantly impact the environment, and volunteering offers an opportunity to influence people to make more environmentally responsible decisions. Community-based volunteering projects such as cleaning up parks and waterways, planting trees, and recycling waste promote environmental sustainability at the grassroots level, where it’s most needed.

Volunteering for environmental change provides personal satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment, as it offers an opportunity to make a significant difference in the world. In addition to promoting a cleaner and healthier environment, volunteering also helps to improve social connections and enhance emotional well-being. Engaging in volunteer work in the environment increases one’s sense of responsibility and ownership towards the conservation of the planet. Ultimately, volunteering for environmental change is a worthy cause that brings people together for the common goal of promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for all living creatures on Earth.

The Power of Collective Action Through Volunteering

In conclusion, volunteering is a game changer for social and environmental change and tremendously impacts volunteers’ mental and physical well-being. It bestows individuals with the power to make a difference, strengthens communities, and brings about positive transformations in society. Collective action through volunteer work can lead to significant change in communities and the world at large. Through volunteerism, we can tackle pressing social issues, safeguard and restore our environment, and inspire others to join the cause. Volunteering also promotes diversity, social cohesion, and resilience. Whether it is planting trees or advocating for human rights issues, every act of volunteering has the power to create an impact beyond measure. Therefore, it is vital to encourage unity through community engagement and advocacy programs to inspire more individuals to volunteer. With collective action through volunteer efforts, we can make a difference in creating a better future for ourselves and future generations.

The act of giving back to society has a ripple effect on communities and contributes to economic, social, and environmental development. Therefore, more people should be encouraged to volunteer their time and resources to promote positive change in society.

So why should you volunteer? Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you can do for others; it’s also about what volunteering can do for you.

Click here to Sign Up for your volunteering experience!

https://www.aiesec.lk/global-volunteer/

By Prabhashi Arunodi
Content Writer – DXP
AIESEC in NSBM

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, iGV, Travel, Volunteer

Exploring New Cultures Through the AIESEC’s Incoming Global Volunteer Program

AIESEC is a global youth-led organization that aims to create a positive impact on society through the development of leadership and intercultural exchange programs. One of their flagship programs is the AIESEC Incoming Global Volunteer (IGV) program, which offers young people the opportunity to volunteer abroad and work on projects that have a positive impact on local communities.

iGV is the department that handles all that is related starting from attracting Exchange Participants (EPs) for our local projects, raising Enablers, the delivery of EP servicing to getting to the Complete status.

iGV main responsibilities

Customer support at all stages of the process
IR Partner support (SE) at all stages of the process
Guarantee through co-delivery the delivery of the 16 Standards
EP interview
VISA

Knowledge to have:

Conversational English knowledge
Calendar management
Effective communication
Accounting (keeping track of customers)

Volunteering abroad is a fantastic way to give back to the world while gaining valuable experience and cultural immersion. Every year, thousands of individuals from all over the world travel to different countries to volunteer their time and skills. These global volunteers are the backbone of many humanitarian, environmental, and educational programs across the world.

As an incoming global volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people and communities in need. However, volunteering abroad can also be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and advice to help incoming global volunteers prepare for their journey.

Research and Planning

Before embarking on your volunteering journey, it’s essential to do some research on the country, region, and project you’ll be working on. Understand the local culture, customs, and social norms to ensure that you do not offend or misunderstand the local community. Research the weather, vaccination requirements, visa requirements, and any potential risks or hazards. Make sure to contact your volunteer organization or local embassy to get the latest information on travel and safety protocols.

Packing Smartly

Packing for volunteering abroad can be a challenge, especially if you are traveling to a developing country. You’ll need to pack enough clothes and essential items to last you for the duration of your stay. Pack light and focus on practical items that are easy to wash and dry. Make sure to pack a first-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. If you are traveling to a country where the language spoken is different from yours, carry a translation dictionary or language-learning app on your phone.

Be Open-Minded

Volunteering abroad can be an eye-opening experience, and you’ll encounter many cultural differences and customs that you may not be familiar with. It’s essential to keep an open mind and be flexible in your approach to work and life in general. Be respectful of the local culture and customs, and be willing to adapt to your new surroundings. Embrace the new experiences, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world.

Connect with Locals

As a global volunteer, you’ll be working alongside locals and other volunteers from different parts of the world. Take the time to connect with them, and you’ll learn more about their cultures and experiences. Building relationships with locals will not only enhance your volunteer experience but also help you integrate better into the local community. Join local activities and events, and you’ll make lasting friendships and memories.

Stay Safe

Safety should be a top priority for any incoming global volunteer. Make sure to follow the safety guidelines provided by your volunteer organization and local authorities. Avoid walking alone at night, and always carry a copy of your passport and emergency contact information. Be vigilant of your surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

In conclusion, volunteering abroad can be a life-changing experience that provides the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. By doing research and planning, packing smartly, being open-minded, connecting with locals, and staying safe, incoming global volunteers can have a meaningful and fulfilling experience while contributing positively to the world.

Penned By

James Sembukuttiarachchi

Content Writer – DXP & IM

AIESEC in SLIIT

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Travel, Volunteer

Overcoming challenges as a volunteer: Tips and tricks

Volunteering is the unpaid contribution of an individual’s time, talent, and energy to a need, cause, or mission. AIESEC is all about volunteering. As AIESECers, we face many obstacles, and the fact that we overcome them cheerfully sets us apart from others. Here are some tips and tricks that distinguish us from others when overcoming challenges.

Self-confidence

The basis of volunteering is confidence. Volunteers would be proficient in problem-solving, better communication, and many other volunteering-related skills. However, true leadership will only exist in the title if that person doesn’t initially believe in themselves. In essence, because it is related to confidence, it’s necessary to market yourself first. It means it will be challenging or hard to win disciples if you don’t think you have the self-assurance to lead.

Be positive

We often underestimate the power of positive thinking. By altering our viewpoints, we can also change our thinking, which has a positive impact on other areas of our lives. This would motivate us to overcome the obstacles. Everything depends on how you view it. Everything else would be simple if we decided to see things positively. This will help you be motivated and energized.

Be flexible

As volunteers, we should be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions and adjust our plan as required. Nothing proceeds exactly how we anticipate. It is up to us to accept the change and carry out the strategy. Volunteers who possess this capability accept change, are open to new ideas, and can interact with a variety of people. Being adaptable spans significant changes but also filters down to everyday duties that could alter.

Relationship–building

A volunteering requirement is building and sustaining a solid, cooperative team of people working toward the same objective. You can evaluate team members’ strengths, assign duties, and achieve your goals more efficiently after you better understand one another. This would enable us to interact with plenty of individuals while developing relationships and would be helpful in persuading the other team members to work toward the shared objectives. This ability helps volunteers make a real difference and can be a crucial team-building component.

Punctuality

Being on time is a virtue and a crucial quality among volunteers. Being on time lets those around you know that you are trustworthy. From the perspective of those around you, dependability is a display of loyalty. You have successfully completed your objectives if everything went smoothly, on schedule, and accurately. You will gain trust because of this. As volunteers, we should strive to achieve our goals in more ways than one. Additionally, it’s about earning other people’s trust.

Setting goals

Setting goals while volunteering involves having a larger perspective and destination. A well-thought-out plan will keep you on track and help you achieve your goals. The strategy is what motivates you to accomplish your objectives. Additionally, this would give you a sense of direction when defining your goals.

Learning from experiences

The objective of life is to grow. Regardless of how well you perform, we will learn at least one lesson in the end. This makes our future work more fruitful. Your prior experiences can guide you through your present experiences, and your current circumstances might make you evaluate your past experiences in search of new lessons. This aids in your future performance improvement.

Celebrate your success

In the end, everyone deserves a toast to themselves. No matter how small or large, one must complete the task with complete dedication. Therefore, celebrating your success will inspire you and boost your self-assurance. This would encourage you to perform better in the future.

Facing challenges is a part of life. As volunteers, we have to confront it directly and proceed. Therefore, when searching for volunteer opportunities, consider these skills, their potential application, your strengths, and the skills you wish to develop further. As AIESECers, implementing these ideas and tricks would make it easier for us to get past obstacles.

Click here to Sign Up Now!

https://www.aiesec.lk/global-volunteer/

By Hasna Hariz
Content Writer – DXP
AIESEC in NSBM

• Uncategorized

Culture manifests the heart of its people. Let’s practise cultural sensitivity while volunteering

The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions volunteering is AIESEC, and of course volunteering goes hand in hand with cross cultural experiences which is inevitable when you volunteer. Having facilitated 1000s of young leaders to embark their journey through volunteering, we specialize in cross cultural experiences, it is crucial that we practice cultural sensitivity on our travels.

What exactly is cultural sensitivity?

Put simply, this means withholding judgement when you come across a difference. We human beings have personal biases rooted from our beliefs and preferences, these biases can stem from a singular unit in the community to as far as a whole population sharing them, and this is culture.

From birth itself mankind is hard wired to resist change, which makes it hard to accept and adapt to new environments. The idea of change threatens us, finding yourself in new and unfamiliar places trying to adapt and cope can push you out of your comfort zone to a state of constant dynamism around you. However, as prejudiced as you can be towards a particular culture it’s important that you show respect regardless.

While the stereotypes hold out on change the progressive wise will remark cross cultural experiences as an insight into different livelihoods and an exploitation of life through a unique eye. By convention people have a habit of assigning values to everything, filtering out the best, driven by the endless social taboos. Weighing up pros and cons quantifying things superior and inferior as opposed to others. Therefore, Cultural sensitivity can be defined as such, accepting difference without quantifying and comparison.

Why is cultural sensitivity important in building cross cultural relationships?

Each culture tells us the way of its people, how they breathed, loved, and survived for generations. The best concept that can explain culture is an iceberg, at a glimpse we just witness a tiny fragment of the huge chunk of ice with most of its mass submerged in the water, likewise in a culture hidden among the obvious is a foundation, built from the blood sweat and tears of their ancestors. And trying to explore beyond this tip is being culturally sensitive, which is important in establishing cross cultural relationships.

Volunteering in an unfamiliar land will require you to blend in and spend your time with the locals, so it’s important that good relations are established to get the full essence. Giving value to a person’s upbringing is the highest respect that he or she can be bestowed upon. Not only will practicing this type of sensitivity ease your volunteering journey but also take you a long way in leading the quality way of life.

While in the subject of “respect”, in the western countries calling out to someone using their birth name is considered respectful, while in some countries the use of generalized titles to address different sectors of society is the accepted norm. The famous handshake which is the form of greeting in the western world is replaced by a simple courtesy bow in most of the Asian countries.

Finding yourself amidst the newness trying to establish new connections can be nerve wrecking, especially if you don’t the speak the native language. The high chance is that that you won’t speak it, as intense as it sounds, there are ways to make this adjustment comfortable by preparing for it.

Building the bridge between cultural gaps

Once you have reached your destination the cultural gap will be clear as day, starting from the animate to the inanimate, such as the architecture of the infrastructure there will be a clear depiction of the new culture. This rapid change of environments will result in a state of shock in an individual which is called falling into cultural shock. It’s your job to prepare for a smooth transition to a state of normalcy to get the best out of the situation. Preparation for these cultural nuances requires that you do the necessary research and acknowledge their way.

A proper knowledge of their history, destitutions, traditions, their laughter, and sorrow will aid you in refraining from actions that will degrade their culture. Furthermore, this knowledge will supplement the creation of authentic relationships to bridge this gap. For example, knowing their cultural norms like the simple dos and don’ts, their dress code and eating habits, etc. the list is endless. Knowing your roots is just as important as the culture you are visiting. Which will help you acknowledge where you stand and how does your culture view others. The way you celebrate and receive yours, will give you a clear idea as to how you will welcome and embrace a whole new culture.

It’s important that you walk in with a clear and refreshed mindset, starting from the minute you get off the airplane. Flush out all the preconceived stereotypes and maintain an open mind which will guarantee meaning full connections and priceless memories. It’s universal that if there is a plus there will always be a negative. Therefore, in the face of injustice, which is also inevitable everywhere around the world, it’s important that you understand that a single person does not define what a culture as a whole represents.

How does being exposed to different cultures help you grow?

This experience will help you as a young leader to build up a good face of confidence and to expand your perspectives. Having been exposed to the real world you will have to use your wit to deal with real life situations. You will be challenged and required to step out of your comfort zones, ultimately leading to personal growth. The ability to distinguish right from wrong, the courage to stand up for yourself and the people around you in the face of injustice, mastering the art of tolerance are added bonuses that come with this experience.

At the end of the day these differences will bring out the best in you, however, might the experienced turned out to be positive or negative. You will go forth with a feeling of contentment, having been able to witness the diversity around the world that opened new doors for you.

By Anumi Seneviratne
Content Writer – DXP
AIESEC in NSBM

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, iGV, Leadership, Membership, Travel, Volunteer

An insight into Volunteering with AIESEC in Sri Lanka

Has traveling and exploring different cultures created a deep rooted fire within you? AIESEC’s incoming Global Volunteers (iGV) program in Sri Lanka may be just what you’re looking for.

The iGV program is an initiative of AIESEC that aims to provide young people with the opportunity to volunteer abroad and make a positive impact on communities around the world. The program is open to all individuals aged 18 to 30 who are passionate about making a difference and are willing to contribute their skills and time to a worthy cause.

The iGV program in Sri Lanka works in collaboration with local organizations and communities to identify projects that require volunteer support. These projects can range from education and youth development to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Once a project has been identified, AIESEC Sri Lanka recruits and selects volunteers who are best suited for the project based on their skills, experience, and interests.

Before departing for their international placement, iGV volunteers undergo a comprehensive training program to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of volunteering abroad. The training covers topics such as cultural awareness, team building, project management, and leadership development. The volunteers are then provided with ongoing support throughout their placement, including regular check-ins with AIESEC Sri Lanka staff and access to resources and tools to help them succeed.

The iGV program in Sri Lanka has had a significant impact on both the volunteers and the communities they serve. For volunteers, the program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience, develop their leadership potential, and broaden their cultural understanding. For communities, the program brings much-needed support and resources to help address critical social and environmental challenges.

One example of a successful iGV project in Sri Lanka is the collaboration between AIESEC and the Lanka Social Ventures Foundation (LSVF). The LSVF is a non-profit organization that works to support social enterprises in Sri Lanka that address poverty and unemployment. Through the iGV program, AIESEC Sri Lanka has sent volunteers to work with the LSVF on various projects, including the development of a waste management system for a local community and the implementation of a digital literacy program for women in rural areas.

Another example of a successful iGV project in Sri Lanka is the partnership between AIESEC and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS). The SLWCS is a non-profit organization that works to protect the wildlife and ecosystems of Sri Lanka through education and conservation programs. Through the iGV program, AIESEC Sri Lanka has sent volunteers to work with the SLWCS on various projects, including the construction of a wildlife education center and the implementation of a sustainable tourism program in a local community.

Overall, the iGV program of AIESEC Sri Lanka is a valuable initiative that provides young people with the opportunity to make a positive impact on communities around the world. Through the program, volunteers gain valuable skills and experience, develop their leadership potential, and broaden their cultural understanding. Communities benefit from the support and resources provided by volunteers, helping to address critical social and environmental challenges. As AIESEC Sri Lanka continues to expand its iGV program, we can expect to see even more positive impact on both volunteers and communities in the years to come.

Click here to be a volunteer today!

Penned by

Yohan Wickramasinghe
Content Writer – DXP & IM
AIESEC in SLIIT

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