(no subject)
I've been a productive bum today, if that makes any sense. I've been looking online for articles for the paper I need to write for the International Social Work course and have found so many interesting documents and volunteer opportunities in the process.
My paper will compare the United States approaches and effectiveness in addressing violence against women to the Convention Eradicating Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which was formed by the UN, but never ratified by the US (it is one of the few that has not done so...very interesting perspectives on that..).
In the process of researching, I've had to look on the websites for the UN, WHO, Amnesty, and other international and domestic human rights groups. Out of curiosity I looked at the volunteer opportunities available for each organization. The UN's volunteer program looks very appealing after I become licensed as an LCSW (I'll be 30). The minimum age is 25, and they seek trained professionals, so I don't feel this is an overly urgent commitment. Instead I can take my time and not feel like I am on a tight schedule.
I also noticed that Amnesty USA is seeking volunteer Stop Violence Against Women Coordinators nationally. I am submitting a statement of interest to see what the time commitment is. If it is a full time commitment, i.e. something like Americorps, I couldn't do it right now b/c of school. If it's not, I want to do it. I am certainly qualified, and for anyone who doesn't know, I would like to work for an organization like Amnesty one day.
I have to say that the trip to Germany has got the ball rolling for a lot of things lately. Yeah, the guy I met in Munich didn't work out, but I am excited about the other opportunities I am finding.