Volunteer Work Abroad? 225
MKalus asks: "Looking at what is going on in the world right now and realizing that computers are not everything (yes, there is more than that) I was considering for quite some time now volunteering in an international project. I was looking at institutions like Casa Alianza and Doctors Without Borders but the problem I am facing is that all of these organizations mainly seem to search for volunteers in medical fields and not so much in High Tech Areas. This is, of course, understandable as I don't really think anybody needs a server farm if they don't have enough to eat at the end of the day." Update: 12/03 15:19 GMT by C :MKalus has been reading the comments sent in so far, but had this bit to add: "I am NOT from the US, I am german living in Canada, as such things like the Peace Corps for example are not a viable option."
"Now I am aware of several organisations where you can go for two weeks in a developing country and help on a farm etc. I also remember the Geekcorps but as nice as it sounds to bring the internet in parts of the world who don't have it I don't quite see the sense in it when at the same time thousands of people die everyday.
So here's the question: Is there a geek out there who managed to volunteer for a longer period (6 months to a year or maybe even longer) in a project abroad, something along the lines of those I've mentioned abobe?"
doctors won't really help in these cases either (Score:5, Informative)
>if they don't have enough to eat at the end of
>the day.
They don't need a doctor at this point either.
What they needed was either farming in the last
growing season, and/or a transportation infrastructure, together with whatever economic means would have been require to make all that happen.
By the time widespread hunger sets into a place,
there's sadly not much to be done.
Have you considered the Peace Corps? You could
at least work in commo, if that's geeky enough for you.
Re:Geekcorps (Score:4, Informative)
I meant to add that there are similar projects in the Caribbean. In the Dominican Republic, The Amity Institute has a teaching exchange program that includes teaching posts for computer technology courses. Likewise, the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, where I worked for a semester, always needs technology instructors. Both of these organizations put geeks up in apartments. (Spanish is required).
International Year of the Volunteer (Score:5, Informative)
2001 is the UN year of the volunteer. I am curently teaching in the Cisco Academy in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia. THere are plenty of IT related opportunities with the United Nations in the ICT sector. As long as you have at least 5 years experienc and are at least 25 years old.
Check out www.unv.org for more information. Plus if you are willing to go to Afganistan, I can assure you you will probably be on the next flight with out bombs!
Engineers without Borders (Score:5, Informative)
here a few of their addresses:
http://ewob.colorado.edu
EWOB USA
http://www.ewb-isf.org
EWB CANADA
http://www.isf-france.org
EWB France = Ingénieurs sans Frontières (ISF)
There are lots of other local and national EWB groups, a google search should find em.
Join Americorps -- Help Domestically (Score:4, Informative)
A great friend of mine joined for a year and work with inner city kids in Las Vegas, worked at a soup kitchen in Denver, fight fires in the Sierra Nevadas, built trails and did eco-rehab in the Sierras and many other fun projects.
I looked at joining six months ago when I was between jobs, and deciding if I wanted to return to college. The people I talked to were enthusiastic about having a geek who was interested in joing (I'm also a hardcore outdoor enthusiast, so that was a plus side for them as well.)
Americorp is a great deal, you commit to work for a year, you get trianed, then while working get a small monthly per diem and at the end of your service are eligible for a decent amount of $$$ for college. I would highly reccomend it to anyone who is interested in helping people. When my current contract with my employer expires I'm joing for a year.
Peace Corps (Score:5, Informative)
http://www.peacecorps.gov/assignments/focusareas .c fm#it
There's plenty of work to go around.
Technology has a use... (Score:2, Informative)
I know as a computer geek it is often hard to see the value in this. However, it is important to note how important technology is as a factor of long-term economic growth. By targetting schools specifically (and using open-source in general), you are adding to the country's intellectual capital today (educating more people in the methods of doing business in today's economies and thereby making them more "hireable") and also adds to their GDP growth in the long-run (for example, by educating one person who then forms a company that exploits technology to increases worker productivity and icreasing output, etc).
It may not seem like much, but engineers (whether they build dams or software) are key to the development of modern economies (which need to operate efficiently and in large scale with complex structures).
Or maybe I am just a geek with a high opinion of myself.
other volunteer orgs/programs (Score:4, Informative)
Global Technology Corps [globaltechcorps.org] is run by the US Department of State [state.gov] and sends people abroad to build LANs and such.
Trust For The Americas [trustfortheamericas.org] sends folks abroad to teach tech, and also to setup the infrastructure -- building networks, etc.
VSO (Score:3, Informative)
<cite> VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers. We enable people aged 17-70 to share their skills and experience with local communities in the developing world. We passionately believe we can make a difference in tackling poverty by helping people to realise their potential.
VSO currently recruits volunteers of any nationality who are living in the EU, Canada and the United States. In addition we are currently running pilot programmes recruiting volunteers from Kenya and the Philippines. We have established offices in Canada and the Netherlands. </cite>
Here's a few: (Score:1, Informative)
The American Red Cross [redcross.org], American Rescue Team [amerrescue.org], the Salvation Army [salvationarmy.org] are only a few organizations among many others for which you can volunteer to help the poor and disadvantaged people in a foreign country called America. Hope it helps.
Teaching Computers overseas to folks w/o a base. (Score:3, Informative)
They are an evangelical group which means they are there to show the love of Christ via action. They are not a mass-evangelical group. The idea is that they do a good thing in God's name, and folks get curious and start looking at they why behind the actions. So, if you are a Christian, this is a very good group. They teach in Russia and China primarily, but the computer courses are based more in the near Eastern areas. Hope this helps!
Visit cryptorights.org (Score:2, Informative)
IT skillz are needed by the NGOs... (Score:2, Informative)
When I spoke with them, I realized that many of these NGOs are struggling through IT and licencing problems, just like any small business on a tight budget. Even the Red Cross forks over millions to the Voracious One [microsoft.com] in licensing fees every year. You might be able to donate your services as a sysadmin, setting up communications and logistics for these organizations-- even in the bush.
I cannot speak for the company, but I bet that Red Hat would be willing to listen to a good idea as part of their Open Source Now [redhat.com] project.
(these comments reflect my personal opinion and do not reflect on the opinions or positions of others)
Re:Join Americorps -- Help Domestically (Score:4, Informative)
Geek Corps (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.geekcorps.org/
Thinking about doing it myself in a year or so.
Re:Peace Corps (Score:2, Informative)
Getting the News out. (Score:3, Informative)
He personally had no need for a server farm. But he did need a news source. People support the sanctions he feels because the don't know how bad they really are. , but a news source, some way of getting the word out to the public, an Indymedia [indymedia.org] or a Cryptome [cryptome.org]. Something to inform the world of what is happening. That alone can make all the difference by motivating others to make changes or even volunteer their time.
I'd suggest looking at one of those sites or starting another if you prefer.
If you'd rather have a job the WHO is advertising [who.int] for Professional staff (including IT).
I volunteered with Geekcorps in Africa (Score:3, Informative)
If you're looking to offer your geek skills and want to push yourself to make a difference in a challenging environment, I recommend you look into Geekcorps. Believe me, it's no walk in the park, and if you come out of the experience having made a positive difference in the lives of the people (and businesses) with whom you work, you'll have a real sense of accomplishment. Besides, there's nothing like immersion in a different culture to expand your horizons.
Some people put forth an argument that goes something like this: Why help people with technology if they can't find food to eat? Frankly, I think this is an oversimplification. High tech skills philanthrophy is not mutually exclusive with food and medical aid. There's plenty of need for both in the developing world, and you have to choose how you can best contribute.
If your strongest skills are in high tech, then you can make a real, positive impact on other people's lives, simply by sharing your knowledge. In Ghana, for example, a single employed individual is often responsible for supporting five, ten, even twenty other people who have trouble paying for their daily bread. If you can help one, two, three, or more people find gainful employment in a budding high tech industry, you're not only helping them improve their own lot in life, but you're indirectly helping everyone else in their family network.
There's millions of dollars of aid going all over the world to help pay for food and medicine. How much effort is going to help working people rise up from menial jobs into the middle class? This is where high tech skills transfer can make a real difference. Check out Geekcorps at www.geekcorps.org. Take it from this former Geekcorps volunteer.
United Nations Information Technology Service (Score:3, Informative)
http://www.unites.org/
Project listings:
http://www.unites.org/Html/projects/projects.htm
Two organizations (Score:3, Informative)
Closer to home is an opportunity to work for your living with an amazing organizaion. While not strictly volunteering, it would definitly be a paycut. Habitat for Humanity [habitat.org] does more to promote cross cultural peace than any other organization that I know of. Nothing breaks down barriers more than providing decent living arrangements for total strangers. The Job Opportunities [habitat.org] page currently lists these current technical positions:
PS 1415
This position is responsible for assisting the Youth Programs Officer in supporting Habitat for Humanity affiliates and campus chapters in developing age-appropriate activities for youth ages 5-16. It involves developing resources and publications related to youth programs, facilitating workshops at Habitat regional conferences, responding to inquiries related to youth, and contributing to HFHI publications. The qualified applicant must have excellent writing and public speaking skills, be self-directed, Microsoft Office familiarity, strong interpersonal skills, experience with the programmatic aspect of a community service organization, and a Bachelorfs degree in a related field.
Reconstruction Volunteers*
Facilities Management
Basic Volunteer
Under the direction of the Property Manager, work with other volunteers in fixing, restoring, and furnishing HFHI housing to the accepted standard set by Operations. Repair corporate buildings as needed. Responsibilities and duties include: understanding safety precautions and utilizing them at all times; repairing broken plumbing fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens; painting houses, both interior and exterior; repairing/installing floors, walls, windows, hanging doors, and mirrors; light construction duties; and working independently to identify or replace defective mechanical equipment. The qualified applicant should have six months of related maintenance or construction experience, have the ability to work with various tools, both power and hand-held, be able to complete assigned duties in a timely manner, be able to work well with others and able to lift 75 lbs regularly.
*At this time, the Americus/Sumter County Affiliate is no longer in need of Construction Volunteers, until further notice. However, we are very much in need of Reconstruction Volunteers.
Application Technician - Habitrak
PS #184
Basic Volunteer Position
This position is responsible for supporting Affiliate information systems that are sanctioned and distributed by HFHI, e.g., Habitrak and International Mortgage Tracking System. This position provides customer service and technical support for all HFHI Affiliates using these products. As well, this position receives questions and requests via phone and e-mail and responds in appropriate manner; tracks problems and recommends temporary workarounds and long-term fixes; works with customers, Program and Project managers to analyze information needs and existing systems; assists in design, implementation and enhancement of new and existing programs; documents all problems, resolutions and procedures per HFHI guidelines; assists in customer training; and maintains and enhances good customer relations. The position is also responsible for participating in the specifications and scheduling of product enhancements, testing and implementation. This position exercises a leadership role in promoting awareness of Affiliate information product needs. Relevant experience in software development, programming, or as a systems/business analyst; expertise in MS Office products, MS Visual Basic, MS Access; and customer service, training experience, and technical proficiency in SQL or major RDBMS preferred. This position performs other related duties as assigned. The qualified applicant will have strong analytical and technical skills and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. As well, the qualified applicant would have a Bachelorfs degree from an accredited institution. A degree in Business or Computer Science preferred. Qualifying experience may be substituted for the Education requirement on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.
Posting Period 11/09/01 - 12/15/01
Projected hire date 01/07/02 or before
Position located in Americus, GA.
This position functions as the primary application support for the International Mortgage Tracking System (IMTS). IMTS is an automated business management application for HFH international affiliates written in Visual Basic using current market tools such as Crystal Reports; ensures efficient information processing, data integrity, and delivery of useful accurate information to the users; Visual Basic programming and development along with clear communication with both technical and business personnel are the key duties for this position along with demonstrating sound knowledge of business processes and systems support requirements. Must have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with at least ten semester hours in any combination of Business, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Management Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field and three years relevant work experience. Must also have three years experience in information technologies; practical working knowledge of IBM PC computers, MS Office products, and MS NT workstation; programming and systems analysis experience; business analysis and RDBMS experience; practical working experience with MS Access, FileMaker Pro, Crystal Reports, SQL server, Visual Basic and ASP.
($31,450)
I think this also underscores the point that many organizations need your help and have a hard time recruiting people at reduced pay. Check out your favorite organization and see what sort of technical positions they have posted. If you want to gain more than a paycheck out of your work, then they may be able to use you.
Here are some other opportunities offered through the United nations:
United Nations Information Technology Services [unites.org]. From thier website: In his Millennium Report, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan stressed the importance for developing countries to benefit from the opportunities emerging from the digital revolution. He proposed the creation of a global volunteer programme aimed at bridging the digital divide between industrialized and developing countries. UNITeS, the United Nations Information Technology Service, is an initiative that channels the creative energies, skills and solidarity of volunteers around the world to collaborate with people in the South to improve their capacity to make practical use of information and communications technologies (ICT). In key fields like health, education, income generation, gender equity, environment or humanitarian aid, volunteers working under the UNITeS programme are striving to bridge the digital divide, one person at a time. The United Nations Volunteers programme is coordinating this new, UN ICT volunteer initiative.
The United Nations Volunteers [unv.org] offer opportunities locally and abroad.
VSO (Score:2, Informative)
geekcorps.org (Score:4, Informative)
www.geekcorps.org [geekcorps.org]
One of the nice things about the Geek Corps is that instead of trying to do it all themselves, they instead concentrate on educating local's and helping local businesses to build an information infrastructure.
In addition, it sounds like it would be a great time because Geekcorp volunteers all live together during their stay.
-Braddock Gaskill