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Volume II, Issue 1, October 2001

International VPM Job Exchanges, Part 1


Keyboard Roundtables
Moderated by Andy Fryar

e-Volunteerism is always on the lookout for new innovative programs, practices and initiatives to share with our readers. When we learnt recently of two international work exchanges among volunteer management practitioners, we were quick to speak to those involved.

In this issue we will take a look at a work exchange that took pace between two volunteer program managers from Canada and Australia. In our next issue will feature a new exchange program established between the USA and the United Kingdom.

How did the work exchange come about?

Photo of RosieRosie Williams (Australia)
I initiated the work exchange for a number of reasons. I wanted to have an adventure, to think and live outside the square I live in, to challenge myself and to gain new knowledge and skills. I considered a range of options to achieve this end and finally decided that a work exchange would give me a range of opportunities while minimising my risks considerably.

Photo of JudiJudi Reed (Canada)
I responded to Rosie Williams' invitation after seeing her advertisement for an exchange partner on the Energize web site in September 1999. I was seeking education, but of an informal and experiential nature. The opportunity to work in another English speaking country and use my volunteer management skills seemed like a chance to learn, share, and grow.

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Comments

Robyn Rouvray, SAAVA, Adelaide SA Australia

October 15th, 2001, 7:24pm

To Judi and Rosie - congratulations on such a personal and fascinating response to the questions. It is a very brave person indeed who travels alone, let alone settles in a strange place - I know, have been there myself. So well done and thank you both for providing us with so much info.

Deirdre Araujo, Exploratorium, Manager Volunteer Services San Francisco CA USA

December 11th, 2001, 7:24pm

What a wonderful read! Thanks for sharing the challenges as well. My dream has been to set up an exchange with Rio de Janeiro - we'd done it before to establish a small hands-on science museum, but never with the volunteer administrators. On a recent visit there, I saw so many wonderful places that weren't living up to their potential because of a lack of funding and staff - volunteers could really have made the difference. Hope to see more articles like this in the future!