Bridging Worlds

Jagriti International Programs

Bridging Worlds

Volunteers | Emerging Leaders
Volunteer Opportunities & Volunteer Journals

"Bridging - a time, place or means of connection or transition"

For each individual there comes a time to step outside or beyond ones own familiar boundaries. Some leave home to study, work or travel. Some have this opportunity at a young age or early in a career while others must wait until the children are grown. Bridging Worlds provides the opportunity for women to step outside their own countries and cultures by volunteering to work with a Women's Organization for a period of one to six months. Bridging Worlds is open to all women 20 years of age and older.

As part of Jagriti International mission to further and support the empowerment of women Bridging Worlds aims to:

1.	Create bridges between individual women and women's organizations
2.	Provide opportunities to share knowledge and skills with other women
3.	Awaken and enhance understanding and respect for different ways of life
4.	Awaken and expand the potential of women to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

Bridging Worlds includes two distinct residency programs: The Bridging Worlds 1 Volunteer program is open to women who are citizens or residents of North America, Europe and Australia and provides an opportunity to work with women's organizations in Asia, Africa and Latin America; the Bridging Worlds 2 - Emerging Leaders program is only open to members of women's groups from developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America that are registered with Jagriti International. These emerging leaders, selected as representatives from their own organizations, are given the opportunity to work with women's organizations in North America and Europe.

An important component of the Bridging Worlds Program is to match the skills and interest of the volunteer and emerging leader with the needs and work of the host Women's Organization. In order to make the matches, a comprehensive application and selection process will be completed. It is therefore important to note that not all applicants may qualify for placement.

Jagriti International has contact with extensive networks of Women's Organizations actively working to improve the lives and status of women throughout the world.

Bridging Worlds 1 - Volunteers

Volunteers from North America, Europe and Australia working with women's organizations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America

In developing countries, general areas of focus include women's rights, women's health, women's economic initiatives and education of women. Some women's groups operate on a purely volunteer basis with limited funding, while others have paid staff, offices and technical infrastructures. Many organizations in developing countries have expressed their need for short-term support and technical assistance. Some groups would like assistance in creating a web page, or developing a brochure about their organization. Others would like to learn English, enhance their nurse training programs, learn self-defense, word processing skills, or how to use the Internet. Women from North America, Europe and Australia who participate in Bridging Worlds 1 will spend one to six months in residence with one of these organizations.

Bridging Worlds 2 - Emerging Leaders

Volunteers serving as representatives of Jagriti partner women's organizations from Asia, Africa, and Latin America working with women's organizations in North America and Europe

Given the global nature of many issues, women's organizations in North America and Europe are also interested in creating bridges with women from different countries. By providing residencies to qualified candidates who are "emerging leaders" of developing country women's organizations, the foundations of these bridges and larger networks of skilled, experienced and empowered women can be built.

For detailed information about the qualifications, criteria and conditions for application please click on the appropriate Bridging Worlds site.

Bridging Worlds 1 - Volunteers
work with women's organizations in Asia, Africa,
Latin America

Bridging Worlds 2 - Emerging Leaders
work with women's organizations in North America
and Europe

Bridging Worlds Orientation

All Bridging Worlds participants will receive detailed orientation materials with background information about the women's organization, the country, and the conditions faced by local women. Upon arrival in the destination country the host organization will orient the volunteer to their organization and local customs.

Jagriti ToolsT are a unique feature of the Bridging Worlds programs. All participants will receive a set of Jagriti ToolsT to facilitate the process of transitioning to a new culture and volunteer role. Using journal entries, photography, and other reflective exercises, Bridging Worlds volunteers will be given the opportunity to experience their own "awakening." Upon completion, each Bridging Worlds participant will be asked to complete an evaluation of her experience.

Jagriti Ambassadors

Upon returning home, Bridging Worlds volunteers will be called upon to serve for two years as Jagriti Ambassadors to continue their support of grassroots women's organizations. As Jagriti Ambassadors, they may be asked to make presentations (oral or written) for local groups or publications. They may additionally be asked to share their experiences with potential Bridging Worlds and Awakening Journey participants. All ambassadors will be asked to raise $2,000 toward the gratitude grant fund for host women's organizations. A select group of Jagriti Ambassadors will be asked to assist with the selection and orientation of Bridging Worlds volunteers. Each year, one Jagriti Ambassador will have the honor of serving as a special advisor to Jagriti International's Board of Directors.

The Application, Selection and Notification Process

Applications for placements are considered on an on-going basis. Applications may be submitted by mail, fax or via Jagriti International website. All applicants will receive notification when their application has been completed. If an appropriate match is available you will be asked to submit two (2) references and to be interviewed (by telephone or in-person) by a representative of Jagriti International. Volunteers selected for a Bridging World's residency will be notified at least two month prior to their scheduled departure.

For more information about serving as a Bridging Worlds Volunteer - click here