I went to a Peace Corps information session last night.

[Lisa0825]

It was really interesting. The recruiter showed a short film of some volunteers in various countries. They talked about what life was like there, what kind of work they did, what it was like being in the communities, etc. Then she talked about her own experience. She was a first time volunteer at age 60, and she went to China, not speaking a word of the language. She had a fabulous time, and like everyone I've heard from or read about, says it was the most rewarding experience of her life.

I was the only "older" person in the session (36). Everyone else was either still in college or had graduated within a few years. We talked about the application process, and how older applicants can have more of a challenge, due to having to sell a home and sell or storing what you own (as in, no room at your parents' house to stash things anymore).

The stories she told, and the storeis on the video were so beautiful, and the common theme was that each person went there wanting to make a difference for others, and came away enriched beyond their dreams by the experience.

I told the recruiter I was on the "two year plan." I am trying to get all my debts paid off (or close) within two years, and if I succeed, then that's when I'll be free to apply.

I highly encourage anyone who has ever toyed with the idea of joing the Peace Corps to attend an information session. It was very interesting, as well as inspiring. Even if you choose not to go, or know you can't, if you need a dose of optimism in your life, listening to the joy those volunteers have in their lives will do it for you.

You can find info about when/where sessions in your area are at http://www.peacecorps.org/index.cfm?shell=meet.events

[fudge stripe cookays]

1. Ooh! Thanks for posting this, hon!

I've thought about doing something like this recently, or doing one of the Habitat for Humanity mission trips to build houses in Bulgaria or Zimbabwe or someplace really unusual that I wouldn't see otherwise. It sounds so worthwhile.

And I really want to help people. This is outstanding! I'll try to see if they're doing anything near here anytime soon.

You glow, girl! :D

Hey where's my Morrison shirt? ;-)
I'll send you our address. Tee hee.

[Lisa0825]

2. Hey! I sent you a message asking for your shirt sizes!:-)

Soon as I get that info, I'll pick up the shirts for you!

BTW, Peace Corps does place married couples too!:-) They do have events listed for Dallas through that link!

[fudge stripe cookays]

3. I saw the events lists...

but unfortunately, Al's not a US citizen, so that's it for him. :-(

I'm thinking maybe if we end up having to go to Canada, and I have several months to several years to blow with no ability to work...but I'll see.

Ack! Never got the message about the sizes....I'm PMing you. :D

[yellowcanine]

4. Peace Corps is great but consider NGOs also.

There are lots of NGOs, some affiliated with churches, some not, that accept volunteers for overseas assignments (and in the U.S. as well). Some of the church related ones require you to be at least philosophically compatible with their values but this is not always as difficult as one might think. The fact that one is willing to be a volunteer in a third world country often means that your values are compatible with those of many NGOs. One of the advantages of an NGO over the Peace Corps is that there is no affiliation with the U.S. and its policies which can be a liberating experience for a volunteer. Also many NGO projects are less hidebound by red tape - and that can be a liberating experience as well.

[truthspeaker]

5. Got some examples? I'd like to learn more about NGOs

I did some minimal web research and the only ones I found didn't pay.

[yellowcanine]

11. Most don't "pay" but many do cover your costs, including medical,

travel, and housing and give you a small stipend which allows you to live well above the local standard of living.

Catholic Charities, Church World Service, Bread for the World, Oxfam, CARE, Heifer International, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), ACDI/VOCA , Doctors Without Borders - there are others - some have paying positions as well - regardless of whether paying or volunteer, many positions require some specialized professional skills - teaching, medical, agricultural, business management, etc. If you are part of a mainline church denomination - check with them, many use volunteers in overseas development projects.

[Lisa0825]

13. Thanks for the info! I appreciate it!

I'm not looking for a salary like a job here in the US, but getting a stipend to cover living expenses would be a necessity for me, since I won't have the cash to fund the trip myself.

[Lisa0825]

6. I'd like to know more.

I don't know the term NGO, but I have looked into some other organizations, and many require you to pay a certain amount for the trip, often over a couple thousand dollars. Peace Corps pays you a stipend during your committment, and a readjustment allowance when you return. Finances are a big consideration for me, because I'll be doing my best to get out of debt in preparation for this... having money to *pay* for the experience just won't be likely, unless I win the lotto.

But if these other organizations have any comparable plans to Peace Corps, financially speakinig, I would certainly like to look into them.

Thanks!

[yellowcanine]

12. NGO is a catch all term for non-governmental organization - usually refers

to a church related charity but not always. Some, while technically being an NGO, may be a contractor for a government agency. For example, ACDI/VOCA gets a lot of USAID contracts to do development work.

[The Spirit of JFK]

17. NGO.....Non-governmental organization

Many are sponsored by places like the UN (actually a good place to start looking for info).

Here's one link...

http://www.un.org/esa/coordination/ngo/


My girlfriend (well, ex now) just moved to northern Uganda for 6 months to do a project on rehabilitated child soldiers in the north. The project is through the IRC (International Rescue Committee) which focuses on refugees and victims of armed conflict. Of course, she did her Masters in Internation Development...and a lot of these types of places require specialized degrees and experience, but a lot DO have volunteer and entry level positions.

[Lisa0825]

19. Thanks! I'll look into that too! :-)

[Lisa0825]

7. kick

:kick:

[LynneSin]

8. My application is like partway filled out

but I haven't had the guts to send it in yet

:cry:

[Lisa0825]

9. Did you attend a meeting?

I was rather intimidated by the application process, and the thought of committing for 27 months, but the meeting was so inspiring! And it made the application process more clear too.

[flamingyouth]

10. One of my friends just went to Tanzania

He's in his late 40s and had been executive director of a major non-profit here in Seattle, but all of his life his dream had been to join the Peace Corps. I'm very proud of him, and I'm proud of you for your interest! I'd love to hear more about it. :)

[Lisa0825]

14. Thanks! I think it takes more courage for an adult like him

who has been in US society for years to drop everything and go, than for a fresh college graduate with nothing to tie him/her down.

It will be a ways down the road before I am ready to pursue it seriously, but I'll update if/when I have any news:-)

[flamingyouth]

16. I think so too

It took a lot of courage, but he was really following his heart, and I know he'll do great work there, just as he did here.:hi:

[Sequoia]

15. I wanted to join when I was in 8th grade but

back then (ancient days now) you had to be a college grad or have a special skill, and you had to kill a chicken, cook and eat it before you could go to another country. I wonder if you still have to kill a chicken.

[Lisa0825]

18. yikes! they didn't mention that at the seminar!LOL

But most positions do require degrees. If not a degree, then some kind of special skill, such as farming, carpentry, etc.