WUSC Corporate Volunteer Program
** Note: Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation and to protect the health, safety and wellness of the university community, and with continuing changes in operations at our international partner institutions, Western has cancelled future university-sanctioned international travel until September 1.
At this time, we are continuing to accept applications for programs taking place after September 1.
Program Overview
WUSC’s Corporate volunteer program is offering you a unique opportunity to directly contribute to positive and sustainable change in a developing country. Employees participate in a 3-4 week volunteer experience, where they gain experience, exposure to social/development issues and take a key role in showing how we are making a difference internationally.
WUSC is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. They bring together a diverse network of students, volunteers, schools, governments and businesses who share this vision. The goal is to foster youth-centered solutions for education, economic opportunities, and empowerment to overcome inequality and exclusion in over 15 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Quick Facts About WUSC at Western
#1: OPEN TO ALL STAFF
- The WUSC Program is open to all full-time staff at Western who have at least one year full-time service. To see if there is a mandate that matches your knowledge and skill set, check out current positions.
*If there is no mandate on the website that corresponds to your expertise, we still encourage you to apply and tell us what professional skills/expertise you could contribute through a WUSC experience. We will work together to identify potential matches.
#2: FREE
- All you need to contribute is your vacation time - the cost of participating (transportation, accommodation, vaccinations etc.) is covered through an agreement between Western and the WUSC program.
#3 WHEN
- Postings are between 3-4 weeks in length. The date of the mandate depends both on times you are available and the needs of the organization with which you will be partnering overseas.
#4 WHERE
- WUSC offers volunteer experiences in 15 different countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Where you go depends on the professional skills you can offer, priority areas, your interest and language skills.
#5 APPLYING
What Do I Do As A Volunteer With WUSC?
WUSC Assignments
- WUSC offers volunteer experiences in over 15 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa..
- Positions are posted on the WUSC website.
During the Assignment
- Volunteers are greeted at the airport and receive lodging and a daily stipend for food
- Each volunteer works with a local partner organization in a developing country
- Volunteers build their partner’s capacity in a specific ongoing project
- Volunteers act in the role of advisors and work closely with a few members of the partner organization to transfer their skills
After the Assignment: Public Engagement
- The WUSC program experience does not end when volunteers go home; the second phase is public engagement after their return
- The goal of public engagement is to raise the Canadian public’s awareness of development issues and motivate them to take action
- Examples: presentations to colleagues, publishing an article in a magazine or a newspaper, blog postings, photos, etc.
- In general, volunteers create their own public engagement activities
- Public engagement activities take place at work and in the community
- Each volunteer prepares a personalized public engagement plan during the pre-departure orientation; this tool helps them plan public engagement activities upon their return to Canada
- WUSC supports volunteers with their activities, but they have to be proactive and create their own public engagement activities
How do I apply for WUSC?
The program is open to all full-time Western staff who meet the eligibility criteria.
Application process:
- Candidates must be eligible to leave on vacation or approved leave of absence and must include written approval from their supervisor and AVP/Dean in their application
- Complete the application form and attach your resume
- Please list your top three choices in the list of WUSC postings and briefly explain how these postings match your skills. If you do not see a position that matches your skill set, please consider skills and knowledge you have (e.g., facilitation & training, additional languages you speak, areas of expertise) and apply anyway! If you are selected for an interview, the WUSC program manager will provide you with additional information about possible positions that match your skills and experience
- Mention in your application form or resume any volunteer experience and other training or skills not directly linked to your current job
Eligibility criteria
- Must be a regular full-time staff member of Western who has at least one year of full-time service
- Candidates must be eligible to leave on vacation or approved leave of absence and must receive prior written approval from their supervisor and supported by the appropriate AVP or Dean
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Have no criminal record (funder requirement)
- Be in good health – to be eligible to our insurance program for short-term volunteers
- Undertake a volunteer assignment with a local partner organization in a developing country.
- Participate in a two day pre-departure orientation session (during a weekend)
- Upon return share your experience with your colleagues and the Canadian public in collaboration with the WUSC team
- Volunteers are also invited to take part in a debriefing session in order to share their experience and stories
