International Agents of Change

Here are just a few examples of international organizations that work for positive social change for children and families, why they interest me and what types of jobs I am interested in:

Save the Children http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

I have heard of this program before but had no idea of the magnitude and scope of outreach they were involved in.  They save children’s lives from all over the world and protect them from exploitation.  What interest me about this organization is that they seek to provide services that will help the whole child.  This includes early childhood development, health and nutrition, and family outreach.    They have a long history of effectiveness and so there is a lot I can learn about them just by studying the way they organize themselves and what they have done to impact families around the world. 

A posted opening on their web site they listed a position for a Family Services Coordinator.  This person would be responsible for support services for Head Start families and for assisting parents to learn about and use community resources.  Of course this would change depending on the location so I would need to be very familiar with the culture that I would be working with.  Responsibilities would be to help develop family partnership and help parents with the goal-setting process.  I would also asset in monitoring and reporting of family related services and work with a variety of other professionals.  I was surprised that Head Start was involved with this organization and definitely learn something new.  The requirements are to have associates in Social Work or a related Family/Human Services field.  I would also need three years’ work experience related to family Services.  They also require strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other staff and community partners.

International Step By Step Association

http://www.issa.nl/index.html

The International Step by Step Association connects professionals and non-profit organizations working in the field of early childhood development.   •Nurture professionalism in the education and care services from birth through primary school, building capacities and using comprehensive resources.

ISSA promotes inclusive, quality care and education experiences that create the conditions for every child to be happy and reach his or her full potential. The organization does this through three different pillars of action: ensuring equal access for all children; promoting high-quality and professionalism in early year’s services and supporting parents and communities to take part in their children’s development and learning. The programs and activities implemented focus on:

This organization provides a great resource for those that are striving to bring professionalism to the field of early childhood education.  They work to raise awareness of the importance of quality care by informing the general public and by advocacy work.  The main part of this organization that interests me is that they have developed resources for teachers that join the organization.  You can apply to be a full or affiliate member.  The other great aspect is that ISSA members have access to an online community, to exchange information, read the latest news and access an online library for research.  You can also form collaboration groups around common interest.

I found an interesting position posted for a consultant.  In this position I would work with the Executive Director and the ISSA Board.  I would be helping to develop long term goals, and join the ISSA’s Strategic Planning Committee.  I think it would be interesting to find out what other organizations are doing and analyze strengths and weaknesses.  In particular I would want to focus on the professional development piece.  Qualifications are having experience with strategic planning and organizational development.  Requirements also include fundraising experience and knowledge of trends in European and international donor circles.  This last part I would have to gain experience in, but the other areas I have had experience in and would enjoy being part of a team of passionate professionals.

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

UNESCO builds networks among nations so that every child has access to quality education.  I identify with their statement that quality education is a “fundamental human right and as a prerequisite for human development.”  This organization interest me because of the great exposure to diverse populations and the building of intercultural understanding.  I looked at several job postings and most of them I would not have the experience or qualifications for; however they had an internship program that is offered to post graduate students to supplement their academic knowledge.  The assignments would be practice and help to understand UNESCO mandate and programs.  Requirements are to complete at least 3 years of full-time study at a university.   I would need computer skills and a commitment to multicultural work and public service.  I think it would be a great experience that an education alone could not give, especially learning more about intercultural relationships.