What Makes the WLC Different? Its Core Values.
Contemporary global conditions and the challenges of the 21st century require fresh approaches to international service and to the training of future leaders. In response to this changing environment, the WLC has based it mission and programs on the following core values:
Multinational Service
International volunteer service should be open to individuals everywhere. Human need is borderless, and the talent and desire to serve can be found in every nation. Future leaders will benefit significantly from the experience of serving in a cross-cultural context. The WLC recruits volunteers from around the world and provides service assignments in both the developing world and in underserved communities within the developed world.
Respect for Host-Country Priorities
Decisions concerning the nature of the volunteer service assignments should begin with the preferences and requests of the host country. WLC volunteers work on projects that are developed in close consultation with our partner organizations and host-country leaders.
Building Sustainable Capacity
At the conclusion of the WLC service assignment, the volunteer’s project is either completed or a local citizen has been prepared to assume the role initiated by the volunteer. Through its service assignments, the WLC seeks to build independent intellectual and human resources.
Creative Use of Digital Technologies
A vast and rapidly expanding body of teaching material is available for use in schools and communities around the world through the Internet, video, DVD, CD, mobile telephones, and other technologies, current and emerging. Volunteers supplement local learning material and person-to-person instruction with innovative digital resources.
Service Learning
Educational experience is significantly enriched through the combination of service and learning. In addition to the training that volunteers receive as part of the orientation program at Oxford, the WLC will soon announce the completion of plans for a master’s degree in international studies. The master’s program will combine the year of service with a year of academic study.
Strategic Partnerships
The WLC has strengthened its work through alliances with a number of outstanding organizations: iEARN, the Earth Charter Initiative, Curriki, the DREAM Project, and ECOLOGIA. In the years ahead, the WLC plans to add partners whose missions and records are consistent with our ideals. We believe that collaboration among NGOs is a highly effective way to leverage resources and to stimulate fresh thinking in the partner organizations.
Full Support for Volunteers
The WLC program is open to outstanding young leaders from around the world, regardless of their financial circumstances. Volunteers are fully supported through the resources of the WLC and its partner organizations. No fees or other financial requirements are imposed. Transportation, board, room, pocket expenses, and insurance are provided by the WLC.
Networking Volunteers
During and after their year participation in the program, WLC volunteers are encouraged to share experiences and perspectives and to provide assistance to one another and to succeeding generations of WLC volunteers. With participants from all over the world, the WLC community is a richly diverse and promising network of young leaders for the 21st century.
|
