Euro 2008 Returned Volunteer Ronan Moore

Ronan Moore

Volunteer Experiences

My experience 6 years ago as a volunteer Irish N.G.O.- Voluntary Services International (V.S.I.) Don’t represent V.S.I.

Structure of related voluntary work. S.C.I. (Servas Civil International)

V.S.I. (Ireland)

(e.g.) S.C.I. India

Other national members agencies

Local NGO’s/ Community Groups

Local NGO’s/ Community Groups

Local NGO’s/ Community Groups

1. Pre-departure Information Day Overview of the work; cultural exchange

Weekend session 1 Deved; guest speakers; practicalities; rapport

Weekend session 2 Similar session; destination country presentation

1. Positives & Negatives Positives Provided good understanding. Sense of empowerment. Cost efficient

Negatives Slight pressure Dependant on individual presenters

2. In-country support None per se from sending agency Responsibility of the receiving agency Orientation on arrival

2. Positives & Negatives Positives Spirit of partnership Impractical Cost

Negatives No apparent standardization If issues arose that were not catered with then problems could ensue

3. Post-return Weekend gathering Sharing of experiences; consolidate friendships; feedback

Evaluation Detailed evaluation for org. learning (nat. & internat.) and future volunteers

Opportunities to continue Within V.S.I.; assistance and guidance to other avenues

3. Positives & Negatives Positives Attempts made to provide follow on

Negatives Limited by size No de-briefing if larger issues arose

Overall Positives Good approach; cultural exchange & partnership with NGO’s abroad Small NGO/agency Empowerment and developed sense of responsibility Low cost involved widening socioeconomic background of those who can get involved

Overall Challenges Small agency/NGO