CCS Presentation for Info Sessions
Download as PPT, PDF0 likes283 views
CCS is an international non-profit organization that has operated volunteer programs around the world since 1995. They partner with sustainable community initiatives to bring volunteers together to work side-by-side with local communities while fostering cultural understanding. CCS offers a variety of short and long-term volunteer opportunities in areas such as teaching, healthcare, and community development across 12 countries. They provide volunteers with housing, meals, cultural activities, and transportation as well as pre-departure support and emergency assistance.
CCS Presentation for Info Sessions
- 2. An international not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization A recognized leader in the field of international volunteering Operating volunteer programs since 1995 No political or religious affiliations UN Special Consultative Status Nearly 25,000 volunteers Who is CCS?
- 3. Our Vision 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 . Our Mission 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. What is our Philosophy?
- 4. Latin America Brazil Costa Rica Guatemala Peru “ One of the most memorable parts of volunteering for me was just how receptive everyone at the school was to me. They were all very interested in getting to know me, especially in the preschool. The students didn't even care that I didn't know much Spanish. They loved to try to tell me things and teach me games. The teachers and students were very understanding of the language barrier, and we all made up creative ways to communicate when we weren't understanding something.” - Lisa Eugea, Costa Rica
- 5. Asia China India Thailand “ I can't thank CCS enough for this fantastic experience. I'm leaving Xi'an a better informed citizen of the world, having glimpsed a bit of China. I'm leaving Xi'an knowing myself a bit better -- having learned some of my personal limitations and what I can personally draw on to exceed them. I'm leaving Xi'an hopefully as a better person having seen such open kindness, and really learning about accepting and respecting others' cultural heritage. I'm sad to say goodbye to China, but I know I'll be back, and I can't wait to plan my next CCS volunteer trip!” - Veda, China
- 6. Africa “ This experience completely exceeded all my expectations. I was amazed at how friendly and welcoming the people of Tanzania were to us. They were happy to see us and share stories with us and interested to learn about our culture, too. The other volunteers were also great. It was valuable as a cultural, professional and personal experience. It has opened my eyes to new possibilities and opened my mind to new cultures. I will never forget Tanzania or the people there and I can't wait to do another CCS program.” - Sarah, Tanzania Ghana Tanzania South Africa Morocco
- 7. Eastern Europe “ My four-week stay in Russia was intense and enlightening. During the week, my days were full of challenging activities and cultural events which required me, above all, to try new things. The weekends allowed me to explore the country on my own. The experience was incredibly rewarding. Working with the children was great, and I got to learn more about Russia than I thought was possible in only four weeks.” Jonathan McLaughlin, Russia Russia
- 8. Our Program Design Volunteer Work Cultural & Learning Activities Free Time Home-Base
- 9. What can you do? Volunteer Work Caregiving Caring for Infants & Children Caring for the Elderly Caring for People with Disabilities Teaching Teaching Children Teaching Conversational English Assisting Teachers of Special Education Healthcare Observing and Assisting Local Healthcare Professionals Working with People Affected by HIV/AIDS Community Development Working Toward Women’s Empowerment Sharing Your Professional Skills & Experience
- 10. Cultural & Learning Activities Inside perspective of the community and culture, within and beyond the context of your volunteer experience Learn about the local culture and customs Volunteer experience is more well-rounded and complete Examples: City Tour Guest speakers Language instruction Cooking lessons Dance classes Excursions to Historical & Cultural Sites
- 11. Explore the country at your own pace Some afternoons and evenings All weekends Build relationships with local people Connect with fellow volunteers Free Time
- 12. CCS Home-Base Your home away from home We take care of all of your daily needs Full staff with CCS office located in Home-Base Lodging comfortable house in a safe, conveniently-located neighborhood 3 meals daily, 7 days a week Unlimited safe-drinking water Transportation CCS licensed drivers Airport pickup and drop-off
- 13. CCS Staff Highly qualified staff provide support and guidance to our volunteers Always locally born and based The staff includes a country director, program director, program officers, drivers, cooks, cleaners, and guards Virginia Burmester Guatemala Country Director Virginia’s academic studies, experience in rural Guatemala, and 25-year career as an English teacher in Guatemala City has brought her recognition and respect as a leader in intercultural exchange and expert storyteller of the history and development of Guatemala. Virginia worked with the American Field Service to place high school students with host families in Guatemala, and prepare Guatemalan students to study abroad.
- 14. Why CCS? Volunteer Impact We work with sustainable community initiatives Ensuring impact on the community remains positive Comprehensive Services & Support Pre-Departure and In-Country Support Dedication to Safety & Security Extensive travel medical insurance Great Value Program fee covers all meals, housing, transportation to and from placement, and more
- 15. Volunteers pay a 100% tax-deductible program fee that includes: Personalized volunteer placement Cultural & Learning Activities Lodging at a CCS Home-Base All meals and bottled water In-country ground transportation Experienced and professional full-time staff Pre-departure materials and support All local and incoming international phone calls A 24-hour emergency hotline Comprehensive travel medical insurance How are programs funded?
- 16. Fundraising CCS Provides: Personal fundraising coach Fundraising guide Sample fundraising letter Widgets Fundraising flyers Scholarships & grant resources Practical information for sponsors
- 17. Programs to Choose From Volunteer Abroad 2 to 12 weeks 12 countries Individual volunteer placement Intern Abroad 3 to 12 weeks 9 countries Individual volunteer placement Social services, education, health Insight Abroad 1 week 8 countries Group volunteer project
- 18. To enroll, choose: Where to go 12 countries, 20 program sites When to go Start dates year-round For how long 1-12 weeks Enroll online at www.crossculturalsolutions.org or by phone at 1-800-380-4777 What’s next?
- 19. Join the CCS Community (www.ccscommunity.org) Connect with other people interested in volunteering, enrolled volunteers and alumni Find us on these other sites: Connect with us!
Editor's Notes
- #4: We believe the most successful approach to international volunteering one that defers to the needs and goals of the local community. We recognize that local people know what is valuable and appropriate for their own community. We're committed to providing volunteer work that helps them carry out their own set of objectives, rather than imposing another one. We believe in partnering with the community to effect change, working with local guidance, and supporting local solutions. For that reason, we work with dynamic and inspiring community-led organizations that we call "Partner Programs." These organizations agree to receive highly prepared and supported international volunteers and appreciate the energy and commitment that CCS volunteers give to their work.
- #5: These region slides are meant to only talk briefly about what countries are available. It is too early on for people to know in more detail about each country.
- #9: This can be a good time to mention the program fee and that it includes all of this and much more. All of these bullet points are explained in more detail, so no need to explain them here
- #10: You'll work side-by-side with local people to help achieve important community objectives Placements include orphanages and childcare centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the elderly, centers for people with disabilities, and other community organizations. By working with Partner Programs on projects that each local organization has defined and set up, our volunteer opportunities directly contribute to the objectives of the local community. Year Round-Presence
- #11: Cultural activities help volunteers gain perspective of the country and the people they are working with. It allows them to be immersed in the culture and enhances their experiences - Explain how these activities give the volunteers a more in-depth understanding of the culture and people of the country. For example: City Tours allow you to see the country from an insider’s perspective. Our staff will take you around and explain the significance of certain things. They’ll also show you where the best places are to go grab a coffee, do laundry, buy souvenirs, etc…
- #12: We believe that free time is important so you can get to know the community and people in your own way. This is your chance to visit local attractions, take the path less traveled, or take time to rest and reflect Our local staff can give you suggestions for places to visit, or you can create your own agenda. During weekends, you can visit other parts of the country or stay close to get to know the community and new neighbors
- #13: We create a safe and warm environment for all of our volunteers without ever burdening the local community. Lodging Safe and secure Shared bedrooms Resource center& log books Wheelchair accessibility in some sites CCS cooks make authentic regional cuisine Food can be adjusted for any dietary needs Transportation Our drivers are all licensed professionals and have been trained to the highest standards They’ll drop you off and pick you up at placement - Having our own licensed drivers means the volunteers don’t need to worry about these basic logistics
- #14: Insight into the people and culture that only a local person could have. CCS staff works closely with the local projects to carefully match each volunteer's skills with the needs of the local organizations All of our in-country staff members are warm, loving people who want you to feel right at home and will make sure you are well cared for.
- #15: Volunteer Impact Volunteers are matched to their immediate needs through our placement process, ensuring that the work is both timely and relevant. CCS in-country staff maintain strong relationships with these partner organizations year-round We survey the partner organizations each year to confirm that our volunteers are furthering their goals and to hear their perspectives. Comprehensive Services and Support We provide the highest level of support to our volunteers and the local projects with whom we work All of our Program Enrollment Managers are former volunteers with CCS and were once looking for an international volunteer experience After enrolling, Program Managers are assigned to be your main point of contact They can provide in-depth information about the local culture and day-to-day life within the community, and give you a sense of what you might expect as an international volunteer. Dedication to safety and security We are committed to operating the safest programs possible and going the extra mile at every opportunity to do so From the decision to operate in a particular country to the design of the CCS Home-Base to the rigorous staff training on emergency policies and procedures, we are dedicated to the safety of our volunteers. Our entire infrastructure is designed around volunteer safety. Great Value You won’t spend much during the week, all your daily expenses are covered
- #16: Covers all logistics of the program and ensures volunteers are not burdening the local community they are going there to support. Allows the volunteer to focus on their experience and working with the community as everything is taken care of once they arrive in country
- #17: Many Cross-Cultural Solutions volunteers fundraise all or part of their program fee and travel expenses Fundraising is a fun and rewarding way to fund your program and make your dream of international volunteering come true Volunteers have planned events, such as bake sales and raffles, and engaged everyone from family and friends to local businesses in their efforts. You can even start fundraising before you enroll—many CCS volunteers fundraise their initial deposit
- #18: Volunteer Abroad Flagship program Areas of Focus: Social Services, Education, Health Intern Abroad More of an academic focus Intern report Guaranteed placement in area of focus Insight Abroad 1 week project
- #19: Recommend enrolling 90 days prior to departure, allow more time for summer start dates.
- #20: On the CCS Community, you’ll be able to browse photos, read blogs, participate in discussions, watch volunteer videos, and much more!