A little over year ago I went on the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) – Volunteerism “United We Serve.” As a service leader I shared about the impact of the program back home in Namibia. I was honored to speak at such a significant event about my experience.
Speaking at the conference allowed me to reflect on what has been happened since I returned to Namibia from America.
Most importantly, it’s moments like those that keep me going and pushes me to go the extra mile during moments of sadness, doubts, trials and tribulations about my social responsibilities.
One vital aspect of volunteerism is that it unites cultures across the globe. In April 2010 I participated in a volunteerism program “United We Serve,” sponsored by the State Department of The United States of America, designed and coordinated by Meridian International Center in Washington DC. It was during this period that a challenge was presented to the group of 97 countries and 103 volunteers by the founder and the CEO of the organisation Be the Change, Mr Alan Khazei, to work together on the idea of creating a international network that will spread the message of volunteerism globally, while supporting each other worldwide. This challenge was accepted, and a new global organization was established called the International Volunteer Service Network, with the logo VOLiNTEER. In the same breath allow me to briefly talk about the Global Service Leader Initiative (GSLI). The GSLI identifies, connects, and engages service leaders as social entrepreneurs, supporting them with leadership development to build and maintain sustainable communities.
GSLI fosters innovation in service around the world, promoting volunteerism in response to complex social issues. Volunteer leaders – and as a result volunteers – became stakeholders in their community, building civil society to address social needs. GSLI works directly with each service leader to understand social issues at the local level, explore models for solutions, and develop programs with scalable impact. If you are interesting in joining GSLI or learning about programs, please contact Meg Poole at mpoole@meridian.org.
I strongly believe that there is amazing power in numbers. When we join hands we can achieve great things. This is a challenge and a humble plea to service leaders to join our network.
I challenge all - VOLiNTEER members and all service leaders around the globe turn the tide against the social problems.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONFERENCE
CHAMPIONS OF SERVICE
I was humbled and touched to learn about the hard work of the Champions of Service in New Orleans, especially after hurricane Katrina. I was also saddened that so many people have lost their lives and houses due to the damage caused by hurricane Katrina. However, I was very inspired by the courage of the volunteers in America. The conference was about stories of champions of service.
Each service leader has a unique and inspiring story, the involvement of the Mayor of New Orleans, Americorps, citizens of New Orleans, companies like Target, Bradford Marsalis and many others.
GIVING BACK TO THE AMERICAN
PEOPLE
I was thrilled to see Chad and Elizabeth both Peace Corps Volunteer together with members of Pots of Hope join hands to volunteer on the May 7 International Day of Service. The day was celebrated with a laudable initiative that marks the launch of the micro-gardening project, with the purpose to provide food for the infected and affected people by HIV of Kamanjab. This day was celebrated with 49 other countries globally, on the international day of service, initiated by Meridian International Center.
Little did I know that after few weeks from the May 7, I would be in New Orleans giving back to the American people.
SAM BONART PLAYGROUND SERVICE PROJECT
I was honored, delighted and overjoyed to be among the 150 volunteers who were engaged in the installation of all new playground equipment, building soccer fields, building sideline benches for the baseball and soccer field etc. I was in the group of 4 who were responsible for building sideline benches with our expert team leader.
The park was in the area that was affected by hurricane Katrina and knowing that little ones will be happy to use this facilities I completed my task with passion and love.
“When a man loves a woman”, yes the one and only one – Percy Sledge! Seeing Percy performing live at the closing ceremony was best gift that the organizers gave me besides the gift from Handson Network, the book titled “Extra Mile America” by Shawn Anderson.
I strongly agree with him when he said “I believe that planted deeply within every single person is the seed of something extraordinary. It has nothing to do with fame, power, or money…and everything to do with contribution and adding value to others” – Shawn Anderson. I found the book very inspiring and empowering and is a must read!
I would like to give my sincere gratitude to Meg Poole of Meridian International for inviting me to the conference and keeping the fire burning, Amb. Sharon P. Wilkinson, the Senior Vice President of Meridian International for being so supportive and encouraging during the panel discussion. It was my first time to speak at the international conference but being beside her gave me inner calmness and I spoke from my heart as I was talking about issues close to my heart. Thumbs up for Points of Light and National Community Service, I don’t know what to say, it so empowering and inspiring to be part of the conference. I thought the social challenges I face in my community are greater than any other, but I was humbled, touched and saddened by the happenings of hurricane Katrina. However, I was inspired and encouraged to go the extra mile in my community.
