Summary
Volunteering: issues of international solidarity
The recent challenges of the Copenhagen summit or the financial crisis have revealed the extent to which it was no longer possible to ignore part of the world in order to make decisions.
In this new context, the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have adapted their areas of action, which range from the environment to schooling and including microfinance. NGOs are now experts in their fields and, through effective action, bring real change to the world. In particular, they have evolved towards a partnership with the targets of their aid, in order to give them the tools for their own development.
International solidarity volunteering (VSI) consists of going on a mission of general interest in developing countries. The mission can take the form of development cooperation or humanitarian action. Of an associative type, this international voluntary service is carried out exclusively with these NGOs.
VSI: in which associations to engage?
International solidarity volunteering missions are carried out with international associations approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are 23 in total, divided into 3 large groups:
- faith-based associations (eg Catholic Delegation for Cooperation);
- humanitarian associations (e.g. Action Against Hunger);
- associations that carry volunteers on behalf of local authorities or associations (the European Guild).
Who can be a volunteer?
Anyone of legal age and without professional activity can take part in international solidarity volunteering. There is no nationality requirement.
Some associations set 21 as the minimum age to do a VSI. In general, most volunteers are over 25 years old and have a level of education above Bac +3.
Volunteers mainly occupy positions:
- administrators;
- teachers;
- or facilitators.
How to get involved?
Often with an international influence, NGOs such as ACTED, CARE or CCFD often seek very specific skills to carry out specific projects.
If you do not have the qualities sought (knowledge in engineering, management, or education), you can always participate in their action, through donations or by getting involved at the local level.
Indeed, if it is always attractive to fight against poverty on the other side of the world, there is still work to be done here to resolve local inequalities or support the functioning of large NGOs.
For example, the Red Cross allows you to be effective quickly in the field by providing voluntary assistance to the most disadvantaged. More generally, many associations are looking for volunteers to continue their work. You can consult the website www.francebenevolat.org to find out more.
You can also raise funds to support the action of NGOs, whose budget is largely based on the generosity of donors.
Where to go to do your international solidarity volunteering?
International voluntary service assignments take place outside the European Economic Area.
International solidarity volunteering missions last between 6 months and 24 months. However, it is possible to combine several international solidarity volunteering missions. But the cumulative duration of these missions must not exceed 6 years.
The remuneration of a volunteer varies between 100 and 813.07 euros. It is accompanied by an additional allowance linked to the assignment abroad, the amount of which varies according to the country. The volunteer can also claim certain end-of-mission aids:
- the flat-rate professional integration bonus (€2,001 maximum paid over a maximum of 9 months);
- and the resettlement allowance (€3,700).
Our tips:
The site of the Liaison Committee of volunteering NGOs (CLONG-Volontariat), is a group of associations that promotes international solidarity volunteering: www.clong-volontariat.org