Amidst global challenges, there is an increased recognition of the need for mutually supportive relationships, at all levels, that recognise the interconnectedness and interdependence of people and planet. In the final breakout sessions during Day 3, we will discuss how to sustain those connections despite myriad challenges. We expect delegates to draw inspiration from recognising that transformative change can happen in different ways.

In this Human Library Session, speakers will focus on will focus on sharing knowledge about working in volunteering and development and responding to crises through storytelling, allowing delegates to gain an in-depth insight into the experiences of others in a conversational and creative format where 'readers' interact with different 'human books'.

Moderator: Reem Talhouk (Northumbria University)

• Speaker: Jossam Josiah Katanga (VSO)
• Title: “The power of volunteerism in making the world a safe space to live”

Tanzania, Africa's sixth largest gold producer with a mining sector GDP of 9.7%, faces challenges in accessing quality services in its extractive sectors, particularly in the Mara and Geita regions, where high rates of poverty (62% and 50%) and gender-based violence (63% and 78%) persist. Through VSO's approaches, volunteers have impacted communities with access to justice in mining areas by linking victims of harmful/unethical practices to structured judicial and non-judicial systems; successfully supported community-based committees and structures, including the Social Accountability and Monitoring (SAM) Committee, the Regional Multi-Stakeholder Platform, Gender Champions and others, which have played a key role in facilitating public engagement with duty bearers, addressing human and economic rights and breaking down socio-cultural barriers. The speaker will explore how volunteer roles are integrated into community structures, promoting long-term sustainability through active participation in decision-making processes, fostering solidarity among diverse groups and advocating for sustainable governance structures. The presentation will highlight how VSO's strategies, such as the use of the Blended Volunteering approach, have been instrumental in building sustainable change at community level. This will be linked to how other strategies used by VSO have been applied to achieve these effects, such as improved accountability and the referral system in the community work context, which enables disenfranchised people to have a greater voice, access to justice and feel more empowered. The speaker will discuss the role of volunteers (such as national, international, community gender champions, paralegals, SAM committee members and e-volunteers) in helping communities around extractive industries gain access to justice and better service delivery.

• Speakers: Pie Hong and Angela Wang (Waker Welfare Action Association)
• Title: “Cross-border accountability through volunteer service: transitions in volunteer and donor identities”

In today's interconnected world, the dynamics of volunteerism extend beyond mere participation to encompass profound shifts in identities and responsibilities. This presentation will explore the transformative journey volunteers undertake as they transition from service providers to engaged donors, promoting cross-border accountability and solidarity. Volunteerism is a crucial pathway for individuals to develop a deeper understanding of global issues and their personal impact. As volunteers engage in meaningful service across borders, they not only contribute to community development but also undergo a transformation in their roles and perceptions. This often results in a dual identity— from dedicated volunteer to committed donor — marking a significant commitment to sustaining organisational missions and initiatives worldwide. Furthermore, the discussion will explore the important aspects of establishing transparent and effective governance mechanisms within volunteer programmes. These mechanisms play a vital role in ensuring accountability throughout the volunteer and donation cycles, thereby building trust and fostering lasting connections across diverse communities and regions. This presentation will discuss how cross-border accountability through volunteer service reshapes identities, empowers communities, and amplifies the impact of global solidarity efforts.

• Speaker: Andrea DeSantis (Peace Corps)
• Title: “Empowering youth climate leaders in rural Pacific communities”

In the small island nations of the Pacific, climate change announces itself every day. Cyclones intensify, shorelines disappear, crops shrivel, and communities are uprooted: physically, professionally, psychologically. These Pacific nations contribute little to the causes of climate change, yet it is their daily burden to navigate its impacts. Governments and NGOs have invested in adaptation strategies, but they do not always reach the 75% that live in rural communities, and they may not be understood or trusted when they do. In some of these communities, young, rural volunteer leaders are stepping up. Culturally fluent, brimming with energy and pride, and driven to care for their ocean continent and home, they are making relevant behaviour change approachable and cool—be that through new technologies or a fresh embrace of indigenous wisdom. In this session, the speaker will share how the Blue Pacific Youth Initiative—a pan-Pacific collaboration between Peace Corps, USAID, and dozens of amazing organisations—is exploring avenues to seed these rural youth with the knowledge, tools, resources, and leadership skills they need to catalyse climate action. From microfinancing workshops with Tongan youth groups to a multi-country Youth Champions academy, the initiative is finding innovative ways to network and mobilise this generation’s volunteer leaders.

*Four different modalities of breakout sessions have been designed to amplify diverse voices and promote opportunities for delegates to share their experiences in engaging ways during IVCO 2024.
Click here to find out more about what to expect from each type of breakout session.