Why Volunteer Abroad? A Look at FAQs - CCS Webinar Presentation

Why Volunteer Abroad? A Look at FAQs

Tuesday, October 25th

4:00-5:00 p.m. EST

WEBINARS

www.crossculturalsolutions.org

Agenda

• Introductions• Why CCS?• Typical Experience• Value of a CCS Program• Who are CCS

Volunteers?• What’s new for 2012?• FAQs• Next Steps• Questions?

Introductions

Claire BoyceProgram Advisor

Alumna of CCS Costa Rica and (soon) Guatemala

Sharon N’DiayeProgram Site Specialist for Costa Rica,

Morocco, and RussiaAlumna of CCS Costa Rica, Guatemala,

Morocco, Russia, and Tanzania

Volunteer Experience in the Audience

Poll Questions!

✓

Why CCS?

• Collaboration with Peer Organizations

• International Volunteer Programs Association

www.volunteerinternational.org

• Building Bridges Coalition

buildingbridgescoalition.org

• Sharing Our Values, Goals and Experiences

• Consultative status with United Nations

• CARE International

• Mobility International

• Peace Corps & CCS

Recognized LeaderOver 15 years and 26,000 volunteers

Our Vision is of a world where people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues, and are empowered to effect positive change.

Why CCS?

• Volunteer Placements• In-Country Staff• Partner Programs• Placement Process

• Cultural Immersion • CCS Experience• Fostering Relationships

• Dedication to Safety• CCS Home-Base• Healthy Meals & Bottled Water• CCS Drivers & Vehicles • Travel Medical Insurance

Our Approach & Why It Works

Our Mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.

Respecting Local Expertise in Community Development

Why CCS?

• 4 Types of Programs

• Volunteer Abroad (2-12 weeks)

• Insight Abroad (1-week)

• Teen Volunteer Abroad (1-3 weeks)

• Intern Abroad (3-12 weeks)

• 12 Countries

• Start dates available year-round

• Length of stay is flexible…

Flexibility

OUR VALUES are:Shared Humanity When people of different cultures have an opportunity to connect, there comes an understanding of our shared humanity.

Respect We accept, appreciate and respect that people know and understand what is appropriate for their own communities.

Integrity We commit to ensuring the safety, flexibility, professionalism, transparency and excellence of our programs.

Planning Your Volunteer Experience

Poll Questions!

✓

A Typical Experience as a CCS Volunteer

• Breakdown of expenses• Food, Lodging, Transportation, & Staff

Support: 51%• Outreach: 15%• Program Development &

Management: 13%• Volunteer Coordination: 12%• General & Administrative: 9%

• Tax Deductible• Program fees are 100% tax-deductible

for U.S. residents

• Our Dedication to Transparency• Transparency Document

Value of a CCS Program

crossculturalsolutions.org/program-fee

What Your Program Fee CoversANNUAL BREAKDOWN OF PROGRAM FEE

Value of a CCS Program

• Regular evaluation and program feedback• Pre-Departure, In-Country, and Post-

Program Evaluations

• 99% of CCS volunteers who completed an evaluation rated their overall program experience as "Excellent" or "Good."

• 99% of the local projects we work with rated the volunteers' overall impact as "Highly Positive" or "Positive.“

• Over 75% of our volunteers agree to represent CCS, and share stories about their CCS experience with others.

Program Quality and Satisfaction

"Some of the children in public schools will now visit us to

interact with the orphans and learn songs, rhymes, poems,

and games that they've learned from the volunteers. To us, this

is a huge impact – other children now realize that

orphans have something to share, too.... Also, people in the

community have begun volunteering to help at the

orphanage.“Volunteer Voices

• Scholarships, Grants, etc.

• Corporate Matching Programs

• Current opportunities available:• Travelocity's Change Ambassador Grant

Program http://www.travelocity.com/TravelForGood

• Volunteers for Prosperity Service Incentive Program http://www.globalgiving.com/cb/vfpserv/

• The National Geographic Glimpse Correspondents Program http://glimpse.org/the-correspondents-program/

• Spring 2012 applications now available

Value of a CCS Program

How to Fund Your ProgramOptions for Paying Your Program Fee

“You know, it is amazing to think that I actually raised more than my program fee ... My biggest tip for anyone is not to stress about fundraising; if the first thing you try doesn't work, there are so many options.”Matthew, Russia Volunteer

Who are CCS Volunteers?

Poll Questions!

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Who are CCS Volunteers?

• Groups• 6+ prospective volunteers

• 50+• Achieve a lifelong dream

• Students• Alternative breakers & Intern Abroad

• Families• A unique bonding experience

• Working Professionals• Career breakers

• Gappers• Combine different CCS countries

• CCS Alumni• Alumni benefits

CCS Volunteers …•are from over 100 countries•come from many walks of life•are from all ages•do not require specific skills to volunteer•are all unique and always have something to offer

“Our family's experience in Guatemala was more than we ever expected it to be… It was the most

memorable and unique family experience we have shared.”

VICKI INOUYE, GUATEMALA VOLUNTEER

What’s New for 2012?

• China, Guatemala, and Russia• Lower program fees for 2012, inc. Dec 2011

• New Intern Abroad Program Site• Salvador, Brazil

• New Teen Volunteer Abroad Program Sites• Suphanburi, Thailand and Western Cape, South Africa

• Student-Led New Program Initiatives• Alternative break benefits & Campus Clubs

• 50 + Room-Share• On specific start dates, request a room with other 50+ volunteers

• CCS Alumni Benefits• Additional week free! Volunteer abroad for 3 weeks & pay for 2!

When are you looking to travel?

Poll Questions!

✓

• Program Sites – No two sites are alike!• 4 Continents, 12 countries

• Programs – Choose from 4• Volunteer Abroad• Insight Abroad• Teen Volunteer Abroad• Intern Abroad

• Choose your Start Date & Length of Stay• Program Finder Tool• Waiting List• Deposit

How Do I Choose the Right Program?

Choosing a CCS Program Volunteer Opportunities Available Year-Round

What Support Is Offered?

• Guidance from start to finish• CCS HQ Staff were volunteers before they were staff• We work closely with local organizations to match

volunteer skills with the needs of the community

Type of Support Offered

Program Advisors Our Program Advisors are here to help decide which country, date & duration is best for you.

Program Site Specialists Program Site Specialists will prepare you for your CCS experience & answer your questions along the way.

In-Country Support All our in-country staff members are from the communities where we work, living and working there year-round.

Alumni Action NetworkBecome a life-long learner about international issues.

Your Questions!

• Can CCS accommodate food and dietry needs? For example, allergies?

• How long have you had relationships with the organizations [in-country] you assist and have they been vetted?

• How can you appeal for support for a charitable function when its for my individual experience and not an organization with stature?

• I am not fluent in the language of the country I’m interested in … can I still volunteer?

• I am confined to a wheelchair, can I still be of help and not a burden?

Questions from RegistrationQuestions & Comments

Questions?

NextSteps

Determine where, when, and for how long you want to volunteer: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/enroll/enroll-checklist

Contact a Program Advisor1-800-380-4777, Monday-Friday 9am-6pm ESTClaire: [email protected]

Stay In Touch

facebook.com/crossculturalsolutions

twitter.com/volunteerabroad

youtube.com/ccsvolunteerabroad

EXPLORE OUR WEBSITEwww.crossculturalsolutions.org

What’s Happening

•2011 Photo Contest

•IVPA Idealist Fair (DC & NYC)