International Development

The International Development 101 material, including the history of development and the information regarding YCI’s asset based approach, allowed me to understand and recognize the purpose and importance of international development. I was drawn to volunteer with YCI because of its strong mission and vision statement, specifically, “Youth innovation drives positive social change.”

Using an asset based approach we (YCI) are able to recognize and empower individuals and whole communities to use their own assets to drive change in their communities. Much like a coach aides students/athletes to discover the talent they have within and allow them to develop and hone their skills to achieve a goal; YCI’s volunteers are there to help individuals and groups recognize the skills they possess and encourage them to use these assets to drive positive change. The greatest benefit to using asset based development is that is gets the citizens involved in the development with a high rate of participation, which provides them with ownership and pride (it fosters a sense of accomplishment).

YCI’s Asset Based Approach to Development utilizes the following five strategic approaches:

Youth Development: With the involvement of youth in the development process, the community is able to ensure future generations are empowered, educated and prepared to drive innovation and positive change.

Volunteerism:  The reciprocal nature of YCI’s volunteering fulfills both the mission and vision statements for not only the youth overseas but also the volunteers. The volunteer experience sees innovation and positive change in everyone involved.

Partnership: YCI recognizes and makes use of partnerships as necessary connections to achieve its goals within a community. Partnerships bring two or more people together to strengthen the pursuit of a common goal.

Equity: Operating in a fair and equitable manner YCI leads by example, demonstrating the power that comes from recognizing diversity as a strong and influential element of communities.

Advocacy: YCI is committed to advocating for youth when it comes to changing public policy and influencing governments to recognize the assets their youth possess.