What is special about SCI? I asked that question to Anita here at ICM, who has written a doctoral thesis on SCI, and in which she made comparisons with other actors in international volunteer work.
In summary, the answer was that SCI has a clear aspiration to be inclusive and to apply its core values at all levels. It was nice to hear her put into words something that I had known and experienced, but had not fully put my finger on before. I have previously traveled as a volunteer both with SCI and with two other organisations, and then experienced a difference linked to both the goal/vision and the actual implementation/reception.
What she explained is that SCI is an organisation that is based on international volunteer work, it is a so-called IVS (International Voluntary Service). Other organisations that offer volunteer opportunities may have a political basis; this includes those that operate with a state mission to promote youth exchange. Then there is another type of organisation that offers something that she calls voluntourism, where volunteer work is an element of a tourism-like stay and where there is also a more or less clear commercial purpose.
Volunteering itself should promote a good cause. What distinguishes SCI is that it does not stop there, but solidarity permeates the entire organisation. An example of this is the idea of reciprocity in volunteer exchange, where the discussion about North/South, which is about volunteers from the global South also being able to participate in a corresponding way in projects in the global North. It is something that we work for and can implement to some extent, not by far as much as we would like, but it goes without saying that the issue is there. There is also openness and inclusiveness within SCI as a benchmark in all aspects. There are structures that invite participation.
Another interesting aspect from a researcher's perspective is that the main criterion for whether an organisation is successful is survival. SCI has been around for 100 years, IAL for 80 years. It is breathtaking that several generations have been involved in paving the way for the activities that exist today. 80-100 years is a very long time in international volunteer work. Even though times change and new issues become relevant to work with, such as the climate issue, there is something that makes SCI remain. I think that is connected to what she highlighted about how SCI works, with inclusion and with a holistic view.
Want to know more? Read more about Hanna's participation at ICM in Vienna 6–10.12.2023.
