idealist.org

On March 25, 2009, Idealist.org together with the Mesa de Voluntariado en el Ecuador hosted an event in Quito specifically around the topic of being an international volunteer in Ecuador.

We wanted to hear from the international volunteer's perspective about what it's like working with local organizations. What are some of the challenges? What are some ideas to facilitate a better exchange between organizations and volunteers? What are some resources for people looking to get involved?

The following notes are the results from that conversation.

Idealist.org + Mesa de Voluntariado en el Ecuador:
Volunteering in Ecuador – The International Perspective
March 25, 2009
Quito, Ecuador

CHALLENGES/OBSTACLES

Language barrier
Cultural differences/cultural shock
Still not used to food

Lack of structure
Feeling your role is meaningless/feeling not welcome or useful
Not needed where placed
Project is different from expectations/ Description not matching actual work
Not much work to do

Lack of time
Waste of time
Time commitment

Communication with local volunteer coordinator
Lack of communication with people in the organization
Leaving you in the class without information

Expensive program costs
Not sure where your money is going

Security (buses, streets) around the workplace
Getting a visa
Problems living with local families
Distance from work and where you live
Isolation/lack of proximity to other volunteers

Accountability for NGOs
Forming partnerships with other orgs (Ecuadorian orgs often just want manpower/money)
Broken relationships between local NGOs and local communities (?)

IDEAS/SOLUTIONS

Kite Mark/Accreditation
Trip Advisor for NGOs
Control and qualification standards for NGOs
Accountability/Rating system
More transparency and honesty, including where volunteer money is going
Audit of NGO contributors
Help to find NGOs that will really spend the money on projects

Training/practical help for local NGOs on what to expect as well as what volunteers can and cannot offer
Information about what orgs want and what they can offer their volunteers
Information for orgs -- contacts for individuals with specific interests
Ongoing communication between individual volunteers and Ecuadorian NGOS, facilitated by nonprofits
Continual and support communication with the volunteer
Better communication with org beforehand
Put potential volunteers in touch with former volunteers

Help from orgs with directing trips/gatherings
Better project management
Support from the NGO with Spanish learning
Ensure that volunteers know what they are going to do before they start or accept a position
Written mission (contract?) for volunteers to know what to expect
Initiatives from orgs to keep volunteers motivated but also more initiative from volunteers to help and learn

Network of organizations. There are 40,000 in Ecuador!
Inter-exchange between NGOs, led by one of the good ones (peer support)
Links to mainstream orgs and strategies (translate docs/constitution?)
Help from host families

Know the difference between nonprofit and for profit organization
Face the fact that the difference between rich and poor is so great
Be aware that it’s your responsibility to change things
Be proactive with the things you’d like to do
Be proactive in solving problems – talk to the director, or change projects if necessary
Don’t be afraid to ask
Be flexible culturally and open to speaking Spanish, even without a strong background

RESOURCES

www.volunteersouthamerica.net
www.saexplorers.org
www.ecuadorvolunteer.org
www.goabroad.com

www.equilibrioazul.org
www.hcausay.org
www.unitedplanet.org
www.mannaproject.org
www.asylumaccess.org
www.fevi.org
Participación Ciudadana Ecuador

www.latinhorizons.com
www.almaecuador.com
www.ecoletravel-ecuador.com