The Role of International Volunteerism in Social Transformation : Putting the Puzzle Together Case Studies - Peru

This book offers information and methodology to policy makers and volunteers about good practices associated with international volunteer programs. Following an action research framework, this book was developed, implemented, and produced over twelve months in collaboration with communities and host organizations in Peru. Three case studies were developed to document volunteer impact in both urban and rural settings. The notion of Social Transformation was used to describe changes at three levels: individual, organizational, and community. The study was based on the premise that social transformation takes place in learning processes through interaction with others. Findings showed transformation occurred in great part at the individual and organizational level; there was also evidence that transformation took place at the community level. The transformation processes found in this book can be represented by five developmental stages experienced by communities and host organizations. This process was ascertained systematically from the information gathered. Lastly, the author proposes recommendations that can support dialogue with respect to the future of international volunteerism