For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to volunteer overseas with an international development organisation. I know it sounds cheesy, but I remember watching Live Aid as a kid and being touched by the images of starving children in Ethiopia. After that, I wanted to join the Peace Corps, but of course I was too young and not an American citizen.
Since then, I’ve been side tracked with typical life stuff – school, work, friends, family, etc., etc., – but I always tried to stay active and aware, whether it was with environmental and world issues clubs at school and in the community or by my choice to be vegan and to try to live a simple life with a small footprint. I’ve also become a photographer and have realised the power of an image to convey a story, a perspective, an emotion. And, I’ve figured out how I can volunteer: I can create photos to inspire people to action on behalf of a non-profit organisation working internationally.
So I’ve spent time this year researching into various Canadian-based organisations to find one whose mission and goals I agree with and believe in. It’s important to me to find an organisation that empowers the communities in which they work and doesn’t just provide short-term aid or western expertise. I’ve short-listed a few organisations, but one in particular really stands out. I’ve been in contact with them for a few months now, and they seem just as eager to work with me as I am to work with them. I should hopefully know for sure by the end of the week…