OLD Jayne Blog on nonprofits/ngos, communications, community engagement, volunteerism, aid & development, women's empowerment, & random thoughts

Peace Corps seeks older, experienced volunteers

03:15, 29 April 2008

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The US Peace Corps for decades has been dispatching mostly young, well-meaning volunteers around the world to teach English or help out in other ways in developing countries. But the U.S. agency increasingly is tackling more complex issues, such as HIV and environmental problems, and per the requests of developing countries themselves, the Corps has launched a fresh effort to attract older, more skilled volunteers, including retiring baby boomers. Good story on this from the Christian Science Monitor, including a good comparison with the UK's VSO program. Want to volunteer for the Peace Corps or another organization seeking highly-skilled professionals as volunteers? See this resource.

Electronic Waste is EVERYONE'S Responsibility (still!)

02:49, 29 April 2008

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With people constantly upgrading their computers, TVs and cellphones, as well as ditching old tech (VHS players and CD players) for new tech (DVD players and iPods) electronic waste, or e-waste, has quickly become the fastest growing component of solid waste. Compounding the problem, e-waste is often extremely toxic. And e-waste is pouring into the harbours of Kenya, India, China and other developing countries. The Toronto Star has has an article talking about the growing e-waste problem, and mentions the work of StEP - Solving the E-Waste Problem, an initiative of various UN organizations with the overall aim to solve the e-waste problem; it's primarily focused on industry representatives. For more on what YOU can do, see this resource, which links to various initiatives.