Stacey Seaside

Volunteer?

In Scotland?

In a Scottish Summer of 7 degrees?

FAWCO’s Youth Program did just that during June and July.

FAWCO (Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas) offers a Youth Cultural Volunteers program designed to engage young people in meaningful volunteer work while exposing them to diverse cultures.

I have the privilege of serving as Co-Chair of this program that has been providing international volunteer experiences to the daughters, sons and grandchildren of our club’s members for more than a decade.

I was introduced to the program when Julia Goldsby came to visit me in Greece in 2015.

In 2019 AWOG–the American Women’s Organization of Greece–hosted the program in Athens.

This year I travelled to Scotland for the program. Volunteers and the coordinators pay to participate in the program. I covered my travel expenses to and from Scotland and paid the same fees as the youth who participated in the program as did the other adult volunteers and chaperones.

I have included photos of the places we saw in Scotland. I was on the ground for the program chaperoning 12 youth, 24/7, ages 13 to 17, with the program coordinator, Amanda Drollinger. In past programs the cultural youth volunteers have the opportunity help in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, that focused on people. Amanda designed the program to expose youth to better caring for the planet through conservation and ecology.

The youth visited the Scottish Sea Bird Center in North Berwick traveling by boat to Bass Rock to study the mating habits of puffins and gannets as well as observing marine life through tide pooling and beach cleanups.

We spent another five days in the Highlands at the Dundreggan Rewilding Center-Trees for Life. There the youth were trained in bracken bashing, weeding, fire starting, shelter building and taking seeds of trees from sapling to young tree to be re-planted in the forests. The youth also visited the Highland Wildlife Park, a model zoo for creating habitats that cater to the animals needs.

Youth were not just immersed in nature. While in Edinburgh they were sensitized to performance geared for the visually impaired through the use of audio description and touch experiences. They also were privy to a session with poet Peju as she led them through a session on finding their voice. They also had the opportunity to meet online with Awesome Blossoms director; a program that teaches impoverished women how to garden using hydroponic systems and creating earnings for themselves through the sale of the vegetables they produce.

Cultural Immersion

Participants travel to different countries and immerse themselves in the local culture, learning about traditions, languages, and customs. This cultural exposure helps broaden their global perspective.

Community Service

The program includes various volunteer activities, such as working with local non-profits, helping in schools, participating in environmental projects, and supporting community initiatives. This hands-on experience fosters a sense of social responsibility.

Leadership Development

Through the program, youth develop leadership skills by planning and executing projects, working in teams, and interacting with community leaders. These skills are crucial for their personal and professional growth.

Reflection and Learning

The program often includes sessions for reflection and discussion, allowing participants to share their experiences, challenges, and learnings. This reflective practice enhances their understanding and empathy.

I have dedicated my life to volunteerism from my own teen years, securing a seat as an officer for my high school’s student council. Giving to the community in service has many rewards as noted above and the younger you start, the more time you have to find your niche.

I learned plenty about the life of trees and their network of communication as a community. I was happy to breathe in the cool wet air, scented from earth and leaves. There was rain and clouds everyday but I actually didn’t mind. It was a good break from the arid, hot climate of Mykonos, which was hitting temperatures, before I left for Caledonia, of 35c.

What I did mind was the 7c degrees our first days in the Highlands. It was July and I had tucked myself into 5 layers!! Leggins, socks, pants, sweaters, scarf–I kept asking if this is summer what is winter like?

Oddly I had been before when it was March and it had not been nearly so cold or cloudy—bright skies of blue and daffodils everywhere! This time, the foxglove was pervasive in fuchsias, exploding amid the green landscape.

Scotland is a beautiful country as are its people. Everyone I encountered was enthusiastic and friendly. In many ways I felt I was in an English language version of Greece.

FAWCO’s Youth Cultural Volunteers program aims to cultivate global citizens who are aware, compassionate, and proactive in addressing social issues.

I hope that the nine days we spent with the youth inspired them to continue to volunteer their time and energy. And if they are not so keen on volunteering that they at least have developed an appreciation for the time and energy volunteers put into the work they do.

What have you volunteered for lately?

How is cultural immersion and volunteerism significant in a world that brings us everything and anything through the world wide web?