I always get a little nervous when I see the amount of money and time that goes into helping the cause of animals-whether it's celebrities demonstrating on camera or an auction to help an endangered species. The images of small children dying of starvation and disease seem to have less impact on the general public than the image of a baby seal having its brains bashed in.
Civilization is a machine that does not offer an instruction manual. Humans are constantly learning cause and effect the hard way. Cut down trees to grow crops, and the dirt washes away. Start a war over oil, and an entire nation is plunged into the Middle Ages. Pocket aid money from Western governments and use it to go shopping in Paris, and entire populations starve. We don't see the cause a lot of times, but we do see the effect.
These days, the hides of Americans are thicker than that of the endangered rhino. Reality TV shows spawn like flies from maggots, and people watch the pain and suffering of total strangers interrupted every eight minutes by commercials selling toothpaste and new cars. The 4 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 7 o'clock, 8 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock news cut together the world's woes and wars into 15 minutes, complete with snazzy graphics, logos and maps. Designed to stop channel surfers and fire freaks, television zooms in with nice clean images of blood, explosions, screaming and "you are there" action. The trouble is, you aren't there, and even if you are, television makes it seem more distant and less painful. Anything too disturbing can be cast away with a simple click of the remote control.
People helping people can make a difference. Whether it be teaching kids a song or working for 10 years for their indigenous rights, every time you do something for someone, you change his or her life. Dangerous places need people who can help push back the danger. You don't need to be a bomb disposal expert or a facial reconstuction doctor to make a difference; by simply picking up a shovel you can do wonders.
Those seeking a productive outlet for their urges to make the world a better place should look into the variety of groups that strive for global peace. Many of the groups are bad hangovers from the Cold War era. Some engage in endless discussion to provide solutions, while other groups get their hands dirty, and clean up the mess. We would advise you to investigate the results of a group's efforts rather than its intentions. Don't waste your time polluting the world with more hot air.
The more people who look for solutions and actively carry out the remedies, the better off the world will be. There are groups that can provide an outlet for your need to make the world a better place. Some require major commitments of time; others can take your money and put it toward projects that do good. There is no way we could list every charitable organization that seeks to elevate the position of people in the world, but here is a start:
220 East 42nd Street, Third Floor
New York, New York 10017
(212) 949-4242, (800) 876-2377, FAX (212) 949-9379
Since 1947 AFS has been a global leader in promoting intercultural understanding through high school student exchanges. AFS offers U.S. students more than 100 programs in 46 countries around the world. Students live and study abroad for a year or a semester of high school. Or they can take time out between high school and college to do valuable community service work in another country. AFS also offers opportunities for families and high schools in the United States to host selected students from 50 countries who come to live and study in America for a semester or a year.
322 Eighth Avenue
New York, New York 10001
(212) 807-8400
Amnesty International likes to shine light in dark places. When the London-based organization organizes the dissemination of thousands of letters, they tend to send jailors and governments scattering like cockroaches scurrying for cover. By showing these governments that they are aware, they hope to embarrass or pressure governments into better treatment of political prisoners. Their method is simple and easy to effect. They coordinate the writing and mailing of letters to the captors of prisoners of conscience. Their methods have been proven successful and the international group was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 for their efforts to promote observance of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The membership is over 500,000 people in over 150 countries. Together, they can create an avalanche of mail and global protest over the mistreatment of prisoners. Amnesty International has groups that focus on health needs, legal support, human rights awareness and education and even a writers group that writes three prisoner appeals each month to government authorities. There is an Urgent Action network which will step up the pressure to aid prisoners who are in immediate danger of execution or torture.
Amnesty International began in London in 1961 and so far claims they have come to the rescue of 43,000 prisoners. Today, the staff of 200 monitors news and information and communications from around the world to seek out cases of mistreatment. Their goal is to pressure governments to end torture, executions, political killings and dis-appearances, to ensure speedy trials for all political prisoners and to effect the release of prisoners of conscience provided they have neither used nor advocated violence. Many countries with political prisoners (don't be so smug, the U.S. is on their list) insist that they are just meddlers. They are the only global organization that can really apply enough pressure to save the health and life of many political prisoners.
As a member, you can provide letter writing assistance, organizing skills or financial support. Memberships run $25 a year ($15 for students), and you are urged to participate in as many programs and networks as you would like. Freedom writers are sent sample letters which are then written and mailed by the member. Lawyers can contribute research and defense skills. Doctors can work to dissuade medical practitioners from participating in torture and executions. Students can join a 2000-school-wide student network that works in groups of five to 100 people to write letters, educate peers and gather signatures for petitions. Regular Joes can get writer's cramp sending letters to prisoners identified in the Amnesty Action newsletter. Amnesty International has local chapters in 47 states as well as four regional offices and their national office in Washington, (202) 544-0200. If you want to attend the monthly orientation session held in New York leave a message on Randy Paul's machine, (212) 873-1073.
| A Few Tips on Writing Letters to Governments |
|---|
| AI encourages members to write letters, but telegrams are more effective in gaining the attention of the reader. State the purpose of your letter in the first sentence and make sure you end it with your request. If you are writing about a specific person, clearly state his name. The letters should be short. Be polite and state your concern as simply and honestly as possible. Always assume that the person you are writing to is a reasonable person. Tell the reader what you do for a living and what country you are from. Do not bring up politics, religion or opinions. Use the proper title of the addressee, write in English, write it by hand and sign the letter "Yours respectfully." |
Worldwide Headquarters
151 Ellis Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 681-2552, FAX: (404) 577-4515
CARE was founded when 22 American organizations joined to help European survivors of World War II. It is the world's largest private, nonprofit, nonsectarian relief and development organization. In 1994, CARE provided $367 million in goods and services to more than 30 million people in developing countries. There are programs for disaster relief, food distribution, primary health care, agriculture and natural resource management, population, girls' education, family planning and small-business support. Ongoing self-help projects are in place in 61 of the least developed countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, and programs are in progress for the emerging economies of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. CARE responds to disasters overseas and has sent emergency aid to victims of famine and war in Rwanda, Haiti and the former Yugoslavia.
11 Invalidenstrasse
Vienna, Austria 1030
[43] 171-50-715
CARE Austria provides mobile gynecological and women's clinics in Bosnia and Croatia. They also offer care to ex-Yugoslavia's refugees. To help out, contact them at the number above or in Croatia at Poljickih Knezova 15, Stroxanac, 58312 Podstrana, Croatia.
One Copenhill
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
(404) 331-3900, FAX: (404) 331-0283
Jimmy Carter has been busy since he left office. His peace negotiations in North Korea, Haiti and Bosnia have been effective in achieving short-term results as well as angering many hard-liners by his friendly approach to our enemies. Carter shows that a mild-mannered, ever smiling good ol' boy from the South can play the perfect good cop to the U.S. military's bad cop. Jimmy Carter seems to be working overtime for the Nobel Peace Prize. Not because he needs more stuff to hang on his wall, but because he really believes that all people have good in them and he has a responsibility to make the world a better place.
Jimmy and Rosalynn's "keep busy and do good" organization is the Carter Center. Eternally miffed by Reagan's skunk job on the Iran hostages, Jimmy is in the good guy business in a big way. He works out of a 100,000-square-foot complex, complete with chapel, library, conference facilities and museum. Seeded by $28 million in donations, the center works to fight disease, hunger, poverty, conflict and oppression in 30 countries. The center is linked to Emory University and operated by the Federal government. Jimmy Carter has been busy acting as a force for good and justice everywhere, from doing Bill's dirty work in Haiti and North Korea to monitoring elections in Africa. It could be argued that Carter has done better out of office than in. Some programs could be considered downright useless (preparing for democratic elections in Liberia and teaching CIS TV journalists how to cover elections), to down-home practical (like eradicating the Guinea worm and immunizing kids). The center is always happy to receive donations and resumÈs of motivated individuals who want to volunteer their time. With Jimmy's upstaging of fellow Southerner Clinton, you might just be making it to the Soviet Union, northern Ireland and elsewhere.
215 First Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
(617) 495-2562, FAX: (617) 621-3814
There is much talk that there is more work being done to save the rain forest than the people who live in it. Nomadic forest dwellers have no money, own no land and in many cases do not integrate into societies who are pushing them out of their homeland. Having seen the havoc wreaked on our own native Indians and Inuit, it is difficult to come up with viable alternatives to their eventual extinction.
This is an organization of anthropologists and researchers whose goal is to help indigenous peoples (like tropical forest dwellers) develop at their own pace and with their own cultures intact. Cultural Survival's weapon is the almighty dollar, and they put it in the hands of the groups they help. Working with indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, they import sustainably harvested, nontimber forest products. What are those, you ask? Well, handicrafts, cashew and Brazil nuts, babassu oil, rubber, bananas, even beeswax. The end result is that indigenous peoples gain lands, develop cash crops and don't have to live in shantytowns or timber camps to support themselves.
Founded in 1972, the group has a variety of methods of achieving its goals: education programs, importing and selling products, providing expertise to larger aid groups and providing technical assistance to local groups seeking economic viability.
The organization has projects in Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, Guatemala, Ecuador, the Philippines and Zambia. Membership ($45) gets you a subscription to the CSE Matters and the quarterly journal Cultural Survival Manual. Ask for a free catalog of products. By purchasing the products for sale, you directly support the peoples who gather and manufacture them, something very rare in this world of markups and middlemen.
If you would like to work as an intern, they are looking for people to help crank out the newsletter, raise funds, handle the office work and expand the network of indigenous groups and supporters. To receive an application, contact Pia Maybury-Lewis, Director of Interns, Cultural Survival, 46 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, (617) 441-5400, or fax your resume and a letter that explains your personal interests to (617) 441-5417.
256 South 16th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 546-1738, FAX: (215) 546-4567
You don't have to be a pimply-faced student to do good in the world. Captains of industry, artists, farmers and educators can do their bit too. Based on the premise that the best leadership is by example, the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship (EEF) is looking for prime examples of successful people from education, business and government. The organization allows you to submit your own ideas on what needs to be done and how you intend to do it. In other cases host countries ask for specific expertise and they try to fill the need. Either way, you will find the opportunity offered by the EEF rewarding and stimulating. You can reach out and touch someone, and EEF will pick up the bill.
If you have a few years, a little knowledge and a yen for travel, but don't have too much money, you might want to apply for an Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship. They offer two shades of the same color, the USA-EEF program and the USA Emerging Democracies Program. The former is a one-month gig in October that will take you and your spouse to a selected foreign country (this year's choices are Argentina, Taiwan and Turkey), where you'll speak on topics like journalism, international relations and human rights. The EEF will take care of all the arrangements (and the basic bills) on this short but intense trip.
The Emerging Democracies will require three months of your life and will usually plunk winning candidates in places like the Czech Republic or Romania, talking on topics like information technology, arts management and helping extend the growing season in Romania. Candidates should be "mid-career professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their professions." You will compete with other overachievers, but once selected, expect the foundation to pick up airfare, domestic travel, housing and meals for you and a spouse (yours, of course). Leave the kids at home. You will conduct workshops, attend numerous meetings, get one on one and, it is hoped, inspire and enlighten your hosts. You must be an American citizen and have some experience in leadership and participation in organizations outside of your regular place of work. The bowling league won't cut it.
The Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship was founded in 1953 to honor and emulate then President Eisenhower. Their goal is to promote the exchange of ideas, information and perspectives throughout the world.
1522 K Street, N.W.
Suite 910
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 371-6592
This organization promotes and monitors human rights worldwide. Human Rights Watch serves as an umbrella organization to Africa Watch, Asia Watch, Americas Watch, Middle East Watch, Helsinki Watch and the Fund for Free Expression.
432 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10016
(212) 684-1221
ILHR is a nongovernmental organization with a history of human rights advocacy since 1942. Originally a voice for those fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, the League became a force for the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world. With the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as its platform, the League addresses a full range of international human rights issues and holds consultative status with the United Nations, UNESCO, the ILO and the Council of Europe. The Children of War project aims to improve state protection of human rights for children. The Religious Freedom project attempts to improve the protection of persecuted religious groups. The Eastern European Gender Discrimination project strives to achieve more equal treatment of women in Eastern European countries. The Human Rights and Business project works with transnational business for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. ILHR conducts briefing sessions with U.N. delegates regarding human rights issues and offers a number of publications, including Mission Reports, Critiques, and the ILHR Human Rights Bulletin.
(212) 929-6300
NCIB regularly publishes listings and reports on charities, monitoring which groups meet their standards. Ask for a copy of their Wise Giving Guide. Individual contributions of $25 or more and corporations and foundations contributing $100 or more will be sent the Wise Giving Guide for one year. NCIB also publishes detailed evaluations about organizations. As many as three reports at a time are available without charge.
333 Valencia Street, Suite 330
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 431-4204, FAX (415) 431-5953
The ODN is primarily for students who want to work overseas in an intern (read no pay) position.This is also called "alternative tourism" in the San Francisco area. The benefit is that you get to get in there and do something about hunger, poverty and social injustice. The 12-year-old organization has placed over 200 interns overseas and in the Appalachian area of the States (yes, Third World standards do still exist in America). If you want to do your good deeds even closer to home, ODN membership ($15 Student, $25 for a regular member) will introduce you to other like-minded students. There are also positions with ODN requiring about 12-20 hours a week. You can gain experience organizing, promoting, writing and marketing and get a good "foot in the door" position if you want to get serious in global affairs. All positions are unpaid and require a minimum commitment of three months and eight hours a week. You can take part in a local ODN chapter, work to build sustainable locally initiated development programs within your local community or just contribute to the ODN's ongoing programs.
1990 Street, N.W.
Room 9320
Washington, D.C. 20526
(800) 424-8580
When most people in the '60s and '70s thought about how they could change the world, the Peace Corps came to mind. It may surprise you to know that the Vietnam-era hearts and minds division of the U.S. Government is still hard at work making the world a better place without killing or maiming.
The Peace Corps is pure American do-goodism from its Woodstock-style logo (the Peace Corps was formed in 1961) to its Puritan slogan "The Toughest Job You'll Ever Love" and goes straight to the soul of every Midwestern farm boy. The Corps appeals to the American love of doing good things in bad places. In the 30 years of the Peace Corps' existence, 140,000 Americans have heeded the call and the world has truly benefited by an outpouring of American know-how. Last year there were about 6500 volunteers spread out over 90 countries. What do you get? Well, the answer is better stated as what do you give. Successful applicants go through two to three months of language, technical and cultural training for each "tour." You will get a small allowance for housing, food and clothing, airfare to and from your posting and 24 days of vacation a year.
While in-country, you will work with a local counterpart and may be completely on your own in a small rural village or major city. The payoff is that you can actually make things happen, understand a different culture and say that you did something about the world. Does the reality meet the fantasy? Apparently it does. The average length of time spent in the Peace Corps is six years with nine months of training. That works out to three two-year tours with the minimum training. All ex-Peace Corps volunteers we talked to said it was among the most rewarding years of their lives.
Getting in is not that easy, but once in, you join a club that can benefit you greatly in your career. Being an ex-Peace Corps member says that you are about giving and hard work and a little more worldly than most.
You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old and healthy. Most successful applicants have a bachelor's degree. You must also have a minimum 2.5 grade point average for educational assignments or experience in the field you want to enter. Although there is no limit on age, the Peace Corps is typically a young person's game and considered to be an excellent way to get a leg up in government and private sector employment. The government will give you $5400 when you get out, find you a job in the government on a noncompetitive basis and even help you apply for the over 50 special scholarships available for ex-Peace Corps members.
The emphasis is on training and education in the agricultural, construction and educational areas. There are not too many fine arts requirements, although they do have a category for art teacher. Couples with dependents are a no no, and couples are strongly discouraged. It helps if you know a foreign language, have overseas experience and have a teaching/tutoring background.
The Peace Corps does not mess around in countries that are overtly hostile or dangerous to Americans, like Peru, Colombia, Angola, Algeria and Iran. Also, you will not be posted to Monaco or Paris. You can be posted to Fiji, Thailand, Central Africa or most countries in the CIS. If you are curious, the Peace Corps recruiters hold two-hour evening seminars at their regional offices. Don't be put off by the slightly '80s banner of "Globalize Your Resume." You can meet with returning volunteers and ask all the questions you want.
(703) 276-0100
The Council and its Philanthropic Advisory Service (PAS) promote ethical standards of business practices and protect consumers through voluntary self-regulation and monitoring activities. They publish a bimonthly list of philanthropic organizations that meet the Council of Better Business Bureau's (CBBB) Standards for Charitable Solicitations. The standards include Public Accountability, Use of Funds, Solicitations and Informational Materials, Fund-Raising Practices and Governance. Ask for a copy of Give But Give Wisely ($1.00). Many of the groups have e-mail addresses, databases and on-line services.
5 Caledonian Road
London, England N1 9DX
[44] (171) 713-0392, FAX: [44] (171) 837-2290
http://www.igc.apc.org/pbi/index.htm
The Peace Brigades try to prevent human rights violations by escorting individuals at threat, carrying a camera, holding all night vigils and other non violent actions.
P.O. Box 693
Boulder, Colorado 80306
Founded in 1982 to provide medical supplies and other aid for refugees and war victims. There are no salaried staff and volunteers pay their own expenses. All administrative offices are donated. RRI has assisted people in Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Balkans, Thailand and Cambodia
International Secretariat
5, rue Geoffroy-Marie
Paris, France
[33] 144-838-484
RSF was founded in 1985 and has offices in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland with members in 71 countries. Their job is to defend imprisoned journalists and press around the world. Their annual report offers tips for journalists on 152 countries, including the ones where journalists have been harassed, threatened and murdered. The annual report is available for US$20.
They will send protest letters and provide lawyers (if possible) and other forms of assistance to reporters in jail. If you want to convert to journalism after you are jailed, these folks can't help you.
50 Wilton Road
Westport, Connecticut 06880
(203) 221-4245, (800) 243-5075, FAX (203) 222-9176
SCF is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization, founded in 1932, to make positive and lasting differences in the lives of disadvantaged children both in the United States and abroad. SCF has more than 60 years of experience in 59 countries and throughout the United States providing emergency relief and community development assistance. The group targets four key sectors: (1) health/population/nutrition, (2) education, (3) economic opportunities and (4) commodity-assisted development/emergency response.
338 East 38th Street
New York, New York 10016
(212) 686-5522, (800) FOR-KIDS
UNICEF is the leading advocate for children throughout the world, providing vaccines, clean water, medicine, nutrition, emergency relief and basic education for children in more than 140 nations. Children in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia have been recent recipients of emergency relief. UNICEF is an integral but semiautonomous agency of the United Nations with its own executive board. Financial support for its work comes entirely from voluntary contributions. UNICEF's budget is not part of the dues paid by the member governments of the United Nations. An extensive network of volunteers work for UNICEF throughout the world, and local volunteers are always needed.
P.O. Box 2500
1211 Geneva 2, Depot, Switzerland
[41] 22-739-8502
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees works to prevent refugees from being forcibly returned to countries where they could face death or imprisonment. It also assists with food, shelter and medical care. Refugees Magazine focuses on a different refugee movement each month. The U.N. defines a refugee as anyone who flees his home country in fear of loss of life or liberty.
1717 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 701
Washington, D.C. 20036
USCR In Review compiles statistics and reports from more than 100 field workers. The U.S. Committee documents and defends the rights of refugees worldwide, regardless of their nationality, race or religion.
World Learning Inc.
Kipling Road, P.O. Box 676
Brattleboro, Vermont 05302-0676
(802) 257-7751, (802) 258-3248
This organization offers a school for international training in teaching languages, intercultural management and world issues as well as college semester abroad programs in 30 countries. Citizen exchange and language programs include summer abroad programs for students and seniors, corporate language projects and youth adventure camps. Au pair arrangements and exchange programs are also offered. Projects in international development and training strive to improve economic and social conditions around the world through development management, human resource development and development training.
4675 MacArthur Court, Suite 830
Newport Beach, California 92660
(800) 848-2121, (714) 955-2030
An international teenage exchange-student program dedicated to world peace. If you are interested in hosting an international teenage "ambassador," contact this group.
375 West Broadway, Fourth Floor
New York, New York 10012
(212) 226-9890, FAX: (212) 226-7026
e-mail: Dow@igc.apc.org
http://www.interaction.org:80/ia/mb/dow.html
Medecins Sans Frontieres USA (Doctors Without Borders USA)
11 East 26th Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10010
(212) 679-6800; FAX: (212) 679-7016
http://www.interaction.org:80/ia/volnteer.html
gopher://gopher.igc.apc.org:7050/00/alli/volopp.car
http://www.astro.rug.nl/~grijs/aevso.html
http://www.amigoslink.org/
http://www.ciee.org/ciee.htm
http://www.Opus1.com/emol/projectindia/index.html
http://www.cc.emory.edu/OIA/Volunteer_Opp.html
http://www.earthisland.org/ei/gsc/gschome.html
http://www.globalvlntrs.org/home.htm
http://www.impactol.org/iol/volunteer/international.html
http://www.clark.net/pub/peace/PeaceCorps.html
http://www.isp.acad.umn.edu/istc/Work/VolServDevW.html
http://suna.unv.ch/
http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~jopam/
http://www.vermontel.com/~vfp/home.htm
International Volunteer Projects
205 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
(888) COUNCIL
e-mail: info@ciee.org
Offering more than 600 projects in 30 countries, CIEE gives volunteers the option to work in archaeology, nature conservation, construction and renovation, or social service. The directory costs $15, a charge that CIEE will deduct from the $295 project registration fee. For a directory or more information, write to:
475 Riverside Drive, Suite #831
New York, NY 10115-0050
(212) 870-2106, FAX: (212) 870-2055
E-mail: crw@loop.com (for brochure and an application)
E-mail: oca@igc.apc.org (for summer program: Africa/Brazil)
Operation Crossroads Africa has volunteer opportunities in several African countries as well as in Brazil. Since 1957, 10,000 Crossroads participants representing 500 universities, colleges, organizations, etc. have come together to work for a better world. Being a Crossroads volunteer is an intense living, working, and learning experience at the grassroots level.
965 Stunt Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-8300, FAX: (818) 222-8315
EMAIL: ccsmailbox@aol.com
Project India Cross-Cultural Solutions has established Project India, a volunteer program that allows participants to hold short-term positions in India.
1008 S Street, Suite B
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 556-1620, FAX: (916) 556-1630
EMAIL: voca-california@voca.org
57 Forsyth Street, NW, Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30303 USA
(404) 522-9490, FAX: (404) 688-6148
EMAIL: 254-9295@mcimail.com
The Friendship Force is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to create an environment where personal friendships can be established across the international barriers that separate people.
gopher://gopher.bev.net/00/community/peacework
EMAIL: 75352.261@compuserv.com
Sponsors short-term international volunteer projects in developing communities around the world.
EMAIL: pslny@aol.com.
Offers programs which combine structures academic studies with volunteer community service for summer, January term, semester or year
http://www.tiac.net/biz.fcie
EMAIL: college@findhorn.org.
Findhorn College in Scotland is a global college offering semester and year-long programs in human ecology and environmental studies.
e-mail: LEIDS@ICYEUS.IGC.APC.ORG
The US committee of an international network of volunteers: the Federation of the International Christian Youth Exchange (ICYE).
EMAIL: odn@igc.Org.
Offers summer volunteer internships in Mexico.
InterAction Suite 801
1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 667-8227, FAX: (202) 483-7624
EMAIL: alliance@interaction.org
A coalition of more than 150 organizations working together to educate Americans about the developing world and the global issues that will shape the future.
These are comprised of mostly university-funded think-tanks on developing peaceful solutions to conflict.
http://hdc-www.harvard.edu/cfia/pnscs/aei.htm"
http://www.emory.edu/CARTER_CENTER/
http://www.cdi.org/
http://www.cgg.ch/
http://www.colorado.edu/conflict
http://www.igc.apc.org/copred
http://www.isr.umd.edu/~pzaphiri/peace_center/index.html
http://www.netaxs.com/~nvweb/for/
http://www.conflictresolution.org/
http://hdc-www.harvard.edu/cfia/pnscs/homepage.htm
http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/
http://www.vvaf.org/icrs
http://www.igc.apc.org/
http://www.antioch.edu/~peace//ipra/IPRA.html
gopher://csf.Colorado.EDU:70/11/peace/orgs/prio
http://web.gmu.edu/departments/NCPCR/
http://www.igc.apc.org/pbi/index.htm
http://www.reliefweb.intl
http://www.sipri.se/new_location.html
http://www.uta.fi/laitokset/tapri
http://www.un.org
http://www.usip.org
http://www-igcc.ucsd.edu/IGCC2/igccmenu.htm
http://www.warchild.org
gopher://hqfaus01.unicef.org:70/00.cefdata/.emerctyprof95/
http://www.hrw.org/research/afghanistan.html
http://www.interaction.org/ia/sitrep/afgan.html
http://www.unhcr.ch
http://www.usis.usemb.se/human/
http://www.ifrc.org/pubs/wdr/95/
There are angels in Rwanda, Somalia, Angola, Afghanistan and Iraq. They are not there to convert souls or play harps. They are not soldiers or politicians but white-coated volunteers who sew back limbs, pull out shrapnel from babies' heads and minister to the sick and dying. They are the men and women who try to ease the suffering caused by violent actions. Natural disasters also tax the resources and stamina of aid workers to the limit. If you don't mind stacking bodies like firewood or can live with the ever-present stench of too many sick people in one place, you will do just fine.
The world needs people who are capable of cleaning up the mess caused by governments. If there is a disaster, chances are you will see these folks in there long before the journalists and the politicians. These are nondenominational groups that are found in the world's most dangerous places. If you have medical skills and want to save more lives in a day than a tentful of TV evangelists in a lifetime, this is the place to be. Conditions are beyond primitive, usually makeshift refugee camps on the edges of emerging conflicts. Many groups will walk or helicopter in to war-torn regions to assist in treating victims. Many aid workers have been targeted for death because of their policy of helping both sides. There is constant danger from rocket attacks, land mines, communicable diseases and riots. These people are not ashamed to stagger out of a tent after being up 48 hours straight, have a good cry and then get back to work saving more lives. It hurts, but it feels good. Contact the following organizations for more information:
National Headquarters
17th and D Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 737-8300
For 115 years, whenever there has been a disaster or war, these folks have been on the scene knee-deep in bandages, blood and cots, helping the injured and consoling those who have just lost everything. They always have a need for volunteers, particularly people with medical and technical skills. If you can't volunteer your time or skills, blood donors are desperately needed.
161 Cherry Street
New Canaan, Connecticut 06840
(203) 966-5195, (800) 486-4357
AmeriCares is a private, nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that provides immediate response to emergency medical needs and supports long-term health care programs for people around the world, irrespective of race, color, creed or political persuasion. Since 1982 AmeriCare has delivered more than $1.4 billion worth of medical and disaster aid around the world. AmeriCare works with corporate America to secure large donations of supplies and materials. Cash contributions are used primarily for logistical costs. For every $1 donated, AmeriCare is able to deliver $22 worth of relief supplies.
11 East 26 Street, Suite 1904l
New York, New York 10010
(212) 679-6800, FAX: (212) 679-7016, France: [72] 73-04-14
http://www.interaction.org:80/ia/volnteer.html
Doctors Without Borders, founded a quarter of a century ago, is the largest international emergency medical organization in the world. Every year around 3000 volunteers leave for three to six months of service in more than 70 countries around the world. Many of the countries are in a state of war. Sixty percent of the volunteers are medically trained and come from 45 countries around the world. Most are 25-35 years old. The organization assists victims of natural disasters and health crises like Ebola, and ministers to refugees and war victims. To deploy people as quickly as possible (within 24 hours when possible), special emergency kits were created with strict operational and medical procedures. Today, these kits and manuals are used by other international organizations around the world.
375 West Broadway, Fourth Floor
New York, New York 10012
(212) 226-9890, FAX: (212) 226-7026
http://www.interaction.org:80/ia/mb/dow.html
e-mail: Dow@igc.apc.org
12233 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 280
Los Angeles, CA 90064-1052
(310) 826-7800; FAX: (310) 442-6622
e-mail: IMC@IGC.APC.ORG
IMC is a private, non-sectarian, non-political, non- profit organization established by US physicians and nurses to provide emergency medical relief and health care training to devastated regions worldwide
International Medical Corps
12233 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 280
Los Angeles, CA 90064-1052
(310) 826-7800, FAX: (310) 442-6622
e-mail: IMC@IGC.APC.ORG
IMC is a private, non-sectarian, non-political, non- profit organization established by U.S. physicians and nurses to provide emergency medical relief and health care training to devastated regions worldwide where few organizations operate
Portland Oregon
The International Red Cross
http://www.icrc.org
229 West Bute Street, Suite 820
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 625-7569, FAX: (757) 625-7680
PFP is an apolitical non-profit organization that helps to foster international peace and cooperation by improving health care.
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