As a novice volunteer and recent grad, I didn’t
know exactly what to expect when it came to volunteering
with CCIC. I have been very focused on studying
and working for the last few years but have always wanted to volunteer. Last spring I volunteered at a Management
Development Conference for Women at Carleton University and found the
experience to be very rewarding so I jumped at the chance to volunteer at the Forum and AGM.
From the get-go, our volunteer coordinator
Amy offered us a choice of meaningful tasks and roles as well as the chance to
actively participate in the forum. I joined a workshop for emerging leaders, chatted
with those who participated in the public debate and also volunteered as a
rapporteur during one of several breakout groups. Other volunteers have been
busy tweeting, snapping photos, taking videos and even engaging with
parliamentarians.
Although I have no experience in international
development, I have worked at Natural Resources Canada through the Federal
Student Work Experience Program and was immersed in several international
development issues related to sustainable mining in Canada and abroad. During
the emerging leaders workshop, I was able to share my experiences and learn
from others who were working in their respective fields. This was experiential
learning at play, which reminded me so much of the seminars that I had
participated in during grad school at Carleton. I was instantly impressed and
filled with anticipation of what the next few days would bring.
Later that evening I attended the public debate. After recently participating in some heated classroom debates, I was
excited to get the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy. Nevertheless, I found
myself taking notes, as if I was still in school anticipating and preparing my
rebuttals. During the networking session, the debaters were gracious enough to partake
in interviews with volunteers. At times I felt like I was the one being
interviewed but was luckily able to integrate some of the issues that were
discussed in the emerging leaders workshop. The debaters also took the time to
offer young volunteers timely advice to help us in our career ambitions, which
I know was greatly appreciated.
Thus far, I would have to say that my role
as a rapporteur was the most surprising and rewarding. Our breakout group
approached the session in a unique manner by first sharing personal stories and
then analyzing these experiences. Listening
to such passionate and open-minded thinking was inspiring. After creating our
flip chart, I couldn’t wait to see what other groups had come up with and was proud
to see some of the exceptional recommendations that were developed!
The gala awards, dinner and dance capped
off day one of the forum. I know that my fellow volunteers were happy to end an
eventful day by sitting back and relaxing at the Museum of Nature. What a
beautiful setting to enjoy good food, conversation and dance!
I am so happy that I decided to volunteer
with CCIC and thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Annual Forum. Initially,
my motivation for volunteering was to make some sort of contribution while
learning more about pertinent development issues. But this was no ordinary
volunteer experience and has far exceeded my expectations! Several voices have
been represented with the common aim of working together to improve the human
condition. I feel like I’ve developed a better understanding of these perspectives
and would have to say that my own perspective has been broadened.
Thank you CICC for an amazing opportunity
and congratulations on a successful forum!
Zainab Bekkari
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