How 10 weeks has turned into almost 10 years…

I could have never guessed on that October day in 1998 when I read a small ad looking for volunteers to go to Costa Rica that almost 10 years later I would be writing this blog post.

Over the years I have watched YCI go through numerous changes and have experienced profound personal changes through my involvement as a volunteer, member of the Toronto office staff, Group Leader and currently as a Board Member and Chair of the Volunteer Advisory Council. YCI now works in more countries, has focused its development work and has deepened its expertise.

However, the changes that I am most excited by are the new opportunities available to volunteers when they return from project to remain involved with YCI and engage in meaningful development work on a personal and a professional level. In 2006 YCI hired Erin Nesbitt to spearhead a new Public Engagement program which has resulted new opportunities for returned volunteers to maintain their involvement with YCI, either by mentoring preparing volunteers, raising money to support a “know your status” campaign in Tanzania or by joining the Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC) as a member or by participating in a council project.

As I have been numerous times over the years I am completely overwhelmed by what the VAC has been able to accomplish in its inaugural year. We initiated 5 projects, which involved 75 youth. We hosted an event for International Youth Day in collaboration with other organizations such as War Child, Engineers Without Borders and Dignitas. And we have also been able to provide opportunities for several members to attend AIDS 2006, the World Bank Youth Open House in Washington, another World Bank conference in Cairo and currently developing a submission to have members attend AIDS 2008 in Mexico City….and that was just getting things started!

Our council members come from all walks of life – they are both students and professionals and everyone commits what they are able to…everything from writing campaign letters to organizing a national art competition for youth to express the quote “be the change you want to see”.  To everyone who has either returned from project or is in the process of preparing to go I encourage you to contact the office to see how you can get involved….even if all you have are a few hours to spare. I look forward to reading about your experiences years from now!

Shauna is a Project Manager for DECODE, a strategic consulting & market research firm with an expertise in youth, young adults and young families. Shauna was also a participant in Costa Rica, Group Leader in Guyana and worked at YCI as the Youth Program Manager. Shauna currently sits as the Chair on the Volunteer Advisory Council and on the Board of Directors.