Community Volunteering for Change-Global

This subject is not offered in 2014.

132-152 hours

Completion of 100 points at undergraduate level. Selection into this subject is based on academic merit and timely submission of application. Proposed placement must be approved by the subject co-ordinator. There may be further eligibility and selection criteria required for Australian Volunteers International, for information regarding application and eligibility please refer to the following link:Internships & Community Volunteering.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject will provide an understanding of the community sector and community development through a substantial volunteer experience abroad. Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement of 80-100 hours with a not-for-profit organisation, offering an opportunity to contribute to a community through project work, research and/or engaging in the key activities of the organisation. The Faculty of Arts works in partnership with Australian Volunteers International (AVI) to place volunteers and assist students with risk assessment, volunteer orientation and monitoring and evaluation. AVI is an independent not-for-profit organisation, with extensive experience in the management people-centred development projects and programs in a wide range of countries. AVI’s work focuses on reducing poverty, providing health and education services, promoting human rights and gender equality, and protecting the environment. They work closely with individuals, organisations and communities across the developing world in response to locally identified priorities.

Upon subject completion, students will have a better understanding of the structure, culture and policy environment of community development. They will have enhanced their awareness of the challenges and approaches to development, been involved in a community project, gained insight into workplace issues through examination of the structure, culture and policy environment and enhanced their employability skills.

Selection into this subject is based on academic merit and a timely submission of application. Proposed placement must be approved by the subject co-ordinator. There may be further eligibility and selection criteria required for Australian Volunteers International, for information regarding application and eligibility please refer to the following link: Internships & Community Volunteering.

This subject will incur additional costs such as travel and accommodation. Students may be eligible to apply for the Melbourne Global Grant. Please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/outbound/study-abroad/index.html

On completion of Community Volunteering for Change-Global, students will:

• Demonstrate a greater understanding of the international community development issues and context as demonstrated through their own contribution to community projects and the interaction and sharing of information with other students in the subject
• Appreciate how the work of the not for profit sector contributes to community development in a developing world context
• Appreciate the diversity of community cultures and expectations and how these impact on workplaces and society in general
• Understand the complexity of issues impacting on the community sector and what this means for organisations in a global context
• Have enhanced ability to undertake independent research
• Demonstrate improved self-reflection and practical skills relevant to future career pathways and employability
• Demonstrate appreciation of active global citizenship and community leadership issues

The assessment for this subject is equivalent to 4.000 words consisting of the following:

• a 1000-word mid-semester progress report on the placement experience, including personal skills and knowledge development 20% (due mid-semester);
• a 20 minute team presentation analysing the strategic plan and mission of your host organisations and their relationship to community development goals 30% (due in weeks 10-12);
• a 2,000 major essay exploring some aspect of the nature of community development and volunteering as you have studied it and as you have observed it during your placement 50% (due end of semester).

The subject also has hurdle requirements - 80 hours of satisfactory work placement and 100% of attendance at seminars.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.