Connecting Community Engagement with a Global Mission

By World Camp Intern Rachael Thorn

World Camp’s United States headquarters are located in Asheville, NC, a small city known for its active local engagement and progressive ideas centered on community. As our focus lies on Malawian communities, it is necessary to understand how to motivate a tight-knit local community to become active in a far away community. Many people become more invested in projects when they are directly affected. For example, issues concerning climate change are more likely to be addressed when adverse effects are noticeable and affect one’s every day life. So, how do we connect community engagement with a global mission? What gets people passionate in engaging with an organization whose outcomes benefit those living in different parts of Malawi?

We should consider that the three aspects of community engagement involve decision-making, capacity building, and relationship development (Bang the Table). While these three facets are not mutually exclusive, a broader engagement relies most heavily on relationship development to engage citizens at a local level. Since the local community does not directly see the benefits of engagement, it is necessary for the lens to be widened to include a global vision and to redirect what a successful outcome looks like.

This is difficult, as modern psychology shows that humans are generally insensitive to scope. This means if you could save 1,000 birds by giving $80, you would not increase that amount proportionately if you were saving 10,000 birds. Since individuals are rather unaware of scope, the next approach to successful community engagement is outreach. If more people can become excited about the global vision, then the cumulative engagement will be more powerful than from a few individuals who will not be more driven to give by an ever increasing need. This is relationship development.

 Engagement through relationship development can come about by combining a few tools. These include: accessibility to information, clarity of mission and vision, providing welcoming and approachable events, implementing reward systems, and engaging with already present community staples. One of the best ways to keep the local community engaged is to make progress visible and current. Luckily, our globalized world can provide the reward of seeing the effects of donations or involvement almost instantly as pictures, videos, and online posts can keep donors updated on the successes that are happening everyday.
Stay connected to World Camp’s programs and projects, not only through this blog, but also on Facebook (World Camp Inc.) and Instragram (@worldcamp_Malawi).

Graphics from Bang the Table

A Return Journey to Malawi

A Return Journey to Malawi

When I arrived in Malawi this January it was 8 years to the day since I had first set foot there. I had always hoped to return to Malawi but never fully expected it to happen. How could I be so lucky as to set off on such an adventure more than once in a life? 

After a quick change of clothes (it was balmy in Lilongwe unlike DC in January), and Customs, I met my partner in crime, and guide to all things Malawi, Michael Kumwenda, our Country Manager. I was admittedly exhausted after the trip from DC but I was exhilarated on the drive from the airport to our house in Area 3. I had absolutely forgotten just how beautiful Malawi is – particularly in the rainy season. As before, the side of the highway was as congested as the roadway itself, filled with men transporting goods on the back of bicycles; whole families piled onto a single bike; small groups of school children walking in single-file lines; vendors selling all manner of things, from bricks, to tire scraps to puppies.

January is typically a time of great activity for World Camp. This particular January we were hosting a study abroad trip for a group of students from Appalachian State University. They, however, had departed for safari in Zambia the morning I arrived. It had been a long time since I had seen our house or any of our staff there, but it all came back so easily: the big, open space of the living room; the enormous kitchen (with its crazy cabinetry); and wonderful John and Angoni. 

The majority of my time in-country was spent working hand-in-hand with Michael to learn more about our day-to-day operations in Malawi. I attended many of our World Camp Club meetings, stakeholders’ meetings, and met with the community based organizations with which we work. Because the ASU group was there for the first half of my trip I was also able to do an overnight homestay in Mchezi and enjoy some of the fun trips our volunteer groups take.

My time in Malawi was half a chance to learn, half an exercise in remembering. I was reminded of the deep generosity and kindness of every Malawian I have met, the joy of driving down a dirt road and waving to everyone you pass. Being in Malawi feels like being in the biggest small town despite its rapidly growing population. Getting to spend a second month in Malawi, I was able to learn so much more about the country, its people, and customs. I was also reminded just how good Garlic Nali really is.

My time in Malawi has been and will be instrumental in the expansion of World Camp’s programming. I was able to learn vast amounts about Camp Hope (which is quickly approaching!), see first-hand how our World Camp Clubs are progressing, get to know our staff, and collaborate with them on many tasks and programs. I am excited to see what all will come of my trip. We have already refined processes, re-assessed program roll-out, and developed concrete measurement tools as a result of my time in Malawi.

I am grateful to have had the chance to return to Malawi and excited by the prospect of returning this summer. I know that the more amazing trips to Malawi I am able to take, the more I will grow, and the more World Camp will benefit.

 

Current Events in Malawi

Last week, the Malawi Humans Rights Commission (MHRC) urged for human rights issues be included in HIV/AIDS programs in Malawi. At a meeting held by the MHRC in conjunction with District Commissioners in the Northern Region, concern was raised over the human rights violations that occur in response to the stigma of HIV/AIDS. This bias against people who are HIV positive leads to further discrimination within society and the workplace as well. The MHRC are urging district commissioners to gain and acquire tools to combat the degrading stigma that exists. This stigma in the workplace and public sector has caused many people to go untreated. The MHRC believes sensitization to this issue and the needs of the HIV positive community in Malawi is vital in ensuring human rights are applied to all people, regardless or HIV status. Similar meetings in Central and Southern Regions of Malawi are anticipated in the near future.

http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/10/21/integrate-human-rights-in-hiv-activities-urges-malawi-human-righsts-commission/

From Brooklyn to Asheville :: meet Emily Stallings

At World Camp, we're passionate about reinventing development strategies through innovation in education. Our team is working every day to explore new strategies that will help communities in Malawi overcome issues surrounding poverty and disease. We have always been driven by a small, nimble team, and it's not uncommon for past volunteers to end up working with us in the field or as in this case, heading up our U.S. office.

Emily Stallings

She's been dreaming of joining a non-profit and applying her masters degree - now that's exactly what she'll be doing for us as our new Managing Director! Emily is a veteran when it comes to World Camp, first volunteering in Malawi in 2005 and later working as a Program Coordinator for our pilot programs in Honduras in 2008.

We're growing and exited to have a new addition to our already outstanding team.

Emily Stallings :: Managing Director

Tell us where you're from? 

"I'm from Ohio originally, then attended the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in Pittsburgh, PA. I studied International Development there. I just moved down here (Asheville, NC) from Brooklyn, NY."

How did you first hear about World Camp?

"I've been familiar with WC since 2004. I volunteered with WC during a January session in 2005. I had just graduated from undergrad and wanted a challenging and rewarding experience in a place unlike any where I'd ever been. I'd volunteered with a camp for children impacted by HIV/AIDS and was interested in continuing that sort of work so WC was a perfect fit!"

Where’s the coolest place you’ve ever traveled?

"Malawi is up there! But I also really loved Morocco and Cuba. I just got back from a trip to Greece that was wonderful!"

What’s your favorite Olympic sporting event to watch?

"I like swimming, diving and gymnastics. I didn't get to see that much of the Olympics this year, though."

What are you looking forward to most in Asheville?

"I am really excited about the job itself! But, I'm excited about trying new restaurants, finding new music spots, and playing in the mountains."

What are you going to miss the most about New York?

"I'm going to miss my friends the most. There is a lot to miss about New York, though! I will miss the museums and parks, music venues and never ending flow of acts coming through. There is also an endless array of restaurants and people - that's fun."

What do you like to do while you’re not in the office?

"I like to spend time with my friends and boyfriend. I like to enjoy a beer, knit, see live music, go on weekend trips to new places, eat and cook."

How would you like to see World Camp grow and evolve?

"I am excited to help WC continue to grow the new SchoolsWork programs - they are not directly related to the volunteer programs (though it is close to my heart!), but are more inline with my interests for sustainable development. I am hoping that my time in New York will help me lead WC in a way that's ahead of the curve on trends in programming and funding."

What is one fun/interesting fact about yourself?

"I've driven across the country 3 times and count Alaska, North Dakota and Rhode Island as the only states I have yet to visit."

We're always looking to welcome more incredibly talented people to get involved with our programs. If you want to volunteer in Malawi and help change the lives of thousands of people then World Camp is a great place to start - who knows, one day you might even work here!

from the office: Summer interns!

They’re a big force behind World Camp's success and we think you should know a bit about them - meet our Summer interns!

Lisa:

Where's your hometown?

I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC.

How did you end up at World Camp?

Michelle and I heard about World Camp through two of our sorority sisters: Nicole Bradley, who traveled with World Camp to Malawi last summer, and Morgan Nirenstein, who worked as an intern in World Camp’s office in Asheville last summer.  They both sang praises for World Camp, so I had to check it out.

Michelle on the left, Lisa on the right

What do you do when you're not busy at World Camp?

I love spending time with my friends.  A lot of times, we rent movies and lounge around.  I am into any genre of movie, as long as it is watched with great friends!  Also, I’m in the process of looking for a new place to live, so I’ve been house hunting throughout Asheville.  It feels like a part-time job!

What aspect of World Camp are you most passionate about?

I am most inspired by World Camp’s Camp Hope.  I think it is so important that HIV positive youth have an optimistic outlook on life.  Not only are the children offered education on HIV treatment, but they are also provided with strong support networks and positive role models.  Offering support to these children is so motivating to me.

What's your favorite thing to do in Asheville?

Eat!  Asheville has the most delicious food!  They take southern food to a whole different level, giving traditional foods an Asheville twist.   Some of my favorite places are Tupelo Honey, Early Girl Eatery, and Circle in the Square Pizza.

What has been your favorite thing to work on at World Camp so far?

One of my first tasks at World Camp was to organize information sent from Malawi via photographs into a massive spreadsheet.  The photos featured large posters filled with information about the schools connected with World Camp in the Malikha Zone of Malawi.  I was able to learn a lot about these specific schools, including student demographics, infrastructure, and the needs of each school.  This may not sound like a fun task, but I am obsessed with organizing things, so this was perfect!

What your hopes for the future of World Camp?

I would love to see World Camp expand to other countries in need.  I know that World Camp previously had service learning internships in India and Honduras.  To see these programs resume, and also begin in other countries, would be incredible.

Michelle:

Where's your hometown:

Born in Maryland, but raised in Raleigh, North Carolina

How did you end up at World Camp:

Lisa and I have a sorority sister that went to Malawi with World Camp and she absolutely loved it, and another one of our sisters interned here before. I guess we're following in the Alpha Xi Delta tradition of working with World Camp! 

What do you do when you're not busy at World Camp:

I like to spend time with my friends. We've gotten really into grilling out this summer. I'm also training for a half marathon again so I’m trying to get back in the swing of things.

What aspect of World Camp are you most passionate about:

I think World Camp and I share a passion of development through education. I think it’s the most sustainable way to make substantial changes. The idea of empowering people through education is golden. That’s why I am so thrilled to be working here! 

What's your favorite thing to do in Asheville:

Well this is my first summer in Asheville, so I’ve been trying to immerse myself in the summer culture! Whether it’s hanging out by the pool, Downtown After Five, the drum circle, or grilling at the Bywater, I’m open to suggestions! I’m excited to see all the festivals Asheville has in store this summer as well.

What has been your favorite thing to work on at World Camp so far:

I enjoyed working on a project about Home-Based Care in Malawi for someone in the field. I didn’t know much about the topic, so it was interesting learning more about the culture and traditions of Malawi.

What your hopes for the future of World Camp?

I just hope that World Camp can continue to grow and expand over the years to serve as many as possible and continues to bring about positive change in the world. It’s just a great cause so I hope more and more people get involved and “the word” about World Camp continues to spread. Also, Lisa and I also hope to get 1,500 likes on Facebook by the end of the summer!