Profile of a Volunteer

For this post, I was asked to develop a profile of a volunteer, in which you describe the work of someone who has impacted the lives of other through volunteerism. I could make it personal by highlighting my own volunteer efforts, those of someone close to me, or describe the work of someone whom I do not know personally but whom I admire greatly. I searched within my life and the life of others and decided that I would take this post a different way! Instead of recognizing the volunteer efforts of a particular individual, I wanted to show appreciation for the work of an organization.

                                               

Volunteer BaseCamp is one of the world's longest running and most affordable international volunteer programs that started with three friends (Jim, Dave, and Noelle) who wanted to set about establishing a system and an overseas infrastructure that would help to connect and recruit volunteers with placements in a wide range of positions. On volunteerbasecamp.com, I found Early Childhood Education Volunteer section where ECE volunteers work with young children worldwide in an informal setting helping with learning fundamentals in day cares, orphanages and community centers. "These placements are perfect for students or graduates from an Early Childhood Education program and often can be incorporated into one's academic program. That said, these organizations are often overwhelmed simply managing the day to day needs of the children. So, even a volunteer with no background or training can be of considerable help in coordinating educational games and activities for the children." (http://www.volunteerbasecamp.com/Volunteer-Abroad-Placements/Early-Childhood-Education-Volunteer).

Opportunities range from being a Daycare Teaching Assistant Volunteer with the Salvation Army in San Jose, Costa Rica to a Preschool Teacher with Ebenezer Orphanage Center in Arusha, Tanzania in East Africa.

                         

                                             Daycare Teaching Assistant Volunteer: Salvation Army: San Jose, Costa Rica

Preschool Teacher Volunteer: Ebenezer Orphanage Center: Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa

I feel Volunteer BaseCamp and the international work that they conduct within the early childhood field has positively impacted others because these volunteers have taken the time to leave their home countries, possibly learn a new language, travel to a foreign land, and volunteer within their (foreign country) early childhood programs. As we know, these countries, their children and families are in such a great need and I think it is commendable that these individuals take advocacy to another level! I believe it is something to be said for those who forgo the comforts of their homeland for the promotion and advocacy of children and families in another continent!

Reference

Volunteer BaseCamp. (n.d.). Early Childhood Education Volunteer. Retrieved on April 14, 2016 from http://www.volunteerbasecamp.com/Volunteer-Abroad-Placements/Early-Childhood-Education-Volunteer

Using Social Media to Get Connected

I will be the first to admit that I have real love/hate relationship with social media! It can be used to connect with others, inform the community about upcoming events, form social clubs, and even advocate for causes that are important. BUT.... It has completely changed the way we communicate as human beings. I am more so talking about the people you see in the waiting rooms, restaurants, grocery store lines, and even in the early childhood classroom who are so consumed by what is going on with "social media" that they are oblivious to the world around them. Social media has gotten so bad in early childhood classrooms, I have seen centers make employees sign Facebook/Social Network/Cell Phone Policy statements. As you can see, I have my own personal hangups about it but I am very aware that it can be quite beneficial when used correctly!

                               

                                 

I try to reframe from using social media (although Youtube can teach you how to do anything in the world!) because I feel it has created a thin line between privacy and growth (whether professionally or personally). It my recent employment opportunities, the early childhood centers that I have worked at used Facebook as a means to connect with parents and the community and make everyone aware of various events concerning the center. But, I became a little disturbed at my last place of employment, when parents began to use the center's Facebook page for everything other than what was going on at the center! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube are several social media tools that could possibly lend themselves to effective advocacy. For example, I could use Youtube or even Twitter to share the results of various surveys/polls conducted within a specific community on a particular issue.

                                   

These tools are excellent to educate and inspire others in my advocacy work because I can fully highlight and express my objective, research, results, and face-to-face conversations with influentials. I understand social media allows me to reach a substantial amount of people but what other ways can I use it to promote my advocacy objective which is to: Reduce childhood poverty and improve optimal development of the child and family in the county of Gwinnett, Georgia (where I live) by offering Parent Programs in ALL early care and education facilities that assist in helping families achieve educational/employment goals through support and resources?

Advocacy Messages

       
        

“Our vision: Family economic security; Strong, nurturing families; Healthy child development (http://www.nccp.org/about.html)." This statement is the vision of the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) and when I read it, I instantly felt inspired because these three goals set the foundation for the optimal development of the whole child as well as the family. This message is so effective in creating action because it outlines a step-by-step plan for the success of the child and its family. When a family is able to become financially stable, it sets the foundation for the unit to be strong and nurturing. When the family is strong and nurturing as a unit, it allows the child to grow in an environment that promotes healthy development. When a child experiences healthy development, he/she in return grows to become a healthy, productive citizen of society.



         

"CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves (http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/#About)." This statement is in connection with the mission of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and it moved me to action because of the voice for ALL children in America. As we know, there are some children whom "fall between the cracks", whose parents do not have the resources or education needed for the child to prosper and in return the child and the family fall victim to life's circumstances. CDF understands that such children and their families need a strong voice to advocate on their behalf more than anyone else. It's easy for the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities to be hidden away, neglected, abused, and even exploited; CDF recognizes this reality and its mission is to be a strong, effective and independent voice for ALL, but particularly those in need.

References

The National Center for Children in Poverty. (n.d.). Retrieved on April 4, 2016 from http://www.nccp.org/about.html.

The Children's Defense Fund. (n.d.). Retrieved on April 4, 2016 from http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/#About.