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Newsletter
July 2009
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THIS MONTH'S TOPICS
1. TIP: “Is my organization a partner of UNV?” and other related questions
2. EXPERIENCE: Improving the quality of life of marginalized communities in Northern Pakistan
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1. TIP: “Is my organization a partner of UNV?” and other related questions
As a registered organization with the Online Volunteering service, is my organization a partner of UNV?
An organization’s account on the Online Volunteering service website shall neither be construed as an endorsement or a recommendation on the part of UNV or the United Nations, nor as a partnership with UNV or the United Nations.
How can I describe my relationship with the Online Volunteering service?
You may refer to your status as “an organization registered with the UNV Online Volunteering service” or as “an organization involving online volunteers through the UNV Online Volunteering service”.
Can I use the UNV emblem on my website?
While the UNV and Online Volunteering service names and emblems are protected under international law and may not be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of UNV, you may use the web banner downloadable on the Spread the Word page to promote the Online Volunteering service.
Are online volunteers UN or UNV volunteers?
No. Online volunteers mobilized through the Online Volunteering service are volunteers for the organization with which they collaborate.
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2. EXPERIENCE: Improving the quality of life for marginalized communities in Northern Pakistan
Since GRACE Association, Pakistan posted their first volunteer opportunity on the Online Volunteering service website in 2007, the organization working to empower marginalized and vulnerable communities in less developed parts of Northern Pakistan and to improve their quality of life, has increasingly benefited from the support of online volunteers.
“Online volunteers have designed publications, shaped our website and linked us to education networks. They also supported the development of 
projects, as well as the preparation of funding proposals for a disability resource centre and an early childhood care and development programme,” says Khadim Hussain, the organization’s founder and volunteer manager. “GRACE’s online volunteer base is robust and continuously growing. For example, we count upon the continuous support of an experienced Amsterdam-based art director and graphic designer, Yvonne Nelson from Australia, who gives our publications, such as the annual report, a professional look and thus helps us create international awareness of our work.”
Here are a few testimonies from volunteers who have done work for GRACE:
Jennifer Wells, USA, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor: Because of my professional background, the online volunteering opportunity asking for assistance with the establishment of a disability resource centre immediately sparked my interest, but I had nagging insecurities such as ’I don’t really know anything about Pakistan’ and ’What if there is a language barrier?’ and ’Will I really know enough to make a difference in a completely different culture?’. However, I kept coming back to this online volunteering opportunity again and again. I started reading whatever I could about Pakistan. It was several weeks before I found the courage to apply and find out the status of the project. When I did, the proposal had already been written, but I was asked to proofread, which I gladly did.
I contributed to later stages of the project by sharing suggestions on where to get more information to assist with training needs, as well as by exploring possible sources of funding. I would encourage anyone considering involvement in an online volunteering assignment to try it and not let your doubts get the best of you. I have learned so much about Pakistan and now actively read everything I can about the country to learn more.
I hope that I can continue to support this project in the future by providing guidance and suggestions as needed, and look forward to the day when people with disabilities in the region have a self-sustaining central place to go for disability resources and support.
Laura Reveni, Macedonia, living in Turkey, multimedia designer and Medialogy specialist: My first assignment was proofreading the website content and giving my opinion on its design. This further on continued with me getting the responsibility of updating the site with new information whenever needed.
A very good collaboration was developed between me and GRACE’s online volunteer manager Khadim Hussain, who updated me regularly. I am happy to be a part of what they are doing, help in every way that I can and share experiences with them. The relationship between me and GRACE has now grown stronger and I am honoured to say that the organization recognizes me as one of their online International Members. My role in GRACE’s projects might be minor but nonetheless I know that I am a part of an organization that is trying to make a difference.
Laura Gamboa Cavazos, Mexico, Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Master’s in European Urban Cultures: I contributed to the task of helping network for early childhood education. For three months, I researched on the Internet different organizations with which GRACE could network and share knowledge. It was a wonderful experience because I learned a lot about child education and increased my teaching skills. I spent hours researching because I became interested in the variety of educational alternatives and how important it is that every child anywhere in the world receives an education. I am very grateful because I had the opportunity to develop many skills while gaining international knowledge and meeting wonderful people in such a short time.
My contact with GRACE is Khadim Hussain, who is an excellent guide and supporter. He told me that GRACE Association was successful in developing linkages with some of the education networks and that these Internet-based resources are enriching the skills and knowledge of staff. He is an inspiration for me to continue working for social development. Participating in this project as an online volunteer was and still is a motivation to continue this beautiful task, not only as an online volunteer, but also in my home country in my work as a teacher.
Aisha Mian, U.S.A., Financial Analyst: I wanted to work with GRACE because of my Pakistani roots and knowing that I would be able to give back to the community, especially the children, in some form, which would bring me great joy. Our past collaborations have included working on finalizing an Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) concept paper as well as a budget for the programme, preparing applications for submission to the Global Fund for Children, and writing a letter of inquiry to the Aga Khan Development Foundation. During our online collaborations, GRACE Association opened the GRACE Public School, which brought me great joy as well.
All of my collaborations with Khadim Hussain have gone incredibly smooth and he made it as exciting and rewarding as possible, allowing me to provide feedback on his papers and ideas. My current projects include working on a concept paper for the Livelihood of People Living With Disabilities and Women, along with helping GRACE apply for grants with USAID. I look forward to continuing to help GRACE, and have greatly enjoyed my time as online volunteer. I encourage all who have a desire to help to think about online volunteering as it is an extremely rewarding experience to help people and at the same time make great friends across the world.
Kate Anderson Simons, U.S.A., Early Childhood Quality Specialist: Over the past months, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Khadim Hussain and GRACE Association on a proposal for the Early Childhood Care and Development Programme. This was my first project as online volunteer and very challenging for me because, although I have much experience in child development and early learning in the USA, I knew almost nothing about the issues in Pakistan. Khadim was very good about explaining the issues to me and offering me help along the way. Our final product was a collaborative effort and I have confidence that the project will be funded, because it truly is in the best interest of the children and families in the Skardu District. I look forward to assisting GRACE Association in any way I can in the future.
