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

Why Volunteer Abroad? A Look at FAQs Tuesday, October 25 th 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 Boyce Program Advisor Alumna of CCS Costa Rica and (soon) Guatemala Sharon N’Diaye Program Site Specialist for Costa Rica, Morocco, and Russia Alumna 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 Leader Over 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 Covers ANNUAL BREAKDOWN OF PROGRAM FEE

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
How to Fund Your Program
Options 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! ✓

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 Network Become 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 Registration
Questions & Comments

Questions?

Next Steps Determine where, when, and for how long you want to volunteer: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/enroll/enroll-checklist Contact a Program Advisor 1-800-380-4777, Monday-Friday 9am-6pm EST Claire: [email_address] EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE www.crossculturalsolutions.org
What’s Happening
2011 Photo Contest
IVPA Idealist Fair (DC & NYC)
Stay In Touch facebook.com/crossculturalsolutions twitter.com/volunteerabroad youtube.com/ccsvolunteerabroad

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

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