Canada World Youth

Today is a bit of a bombarding of entries, well a whopping two! 
I have been waiting to hear back from organizations about having phone conversations or emailed answers and unfortunately the next two were unable to provide either.  

I had emailed initially with CWY and they offered to mail me a package which i have in hand but it lacks the information to give a feel for the organization is really about when you get down to it, to get a feeling for what makes them tick.  Unfortunately when I followed up by email as was suggested I was told they didn't have time to answer the questions i had emailed.  Of course I understand organizations like this are busy but the extra five minutes to share information can go a long way to connect with people..
But without further ado...

                     Canada World Youth

Vision

"A world of active, engaged global citizens who share responsibility for the well-being of all people and the planet"

Mission

"To increase the ability of people, and especially youth, to participate actively in the development of just, harmonious and sustainable societies"


CWY Was founded in 1971  and offers programming to youth and young leaders to develop their leadership skills and become agents of change. programs are developed to hone their leadership and communication skills while providing a unique cultural experience

Programs

There are four different program areas offered in over 20 countries

You Leaders In Action
Consists of 6months for youth age 17- 25.  The program has two parts, one in canada and one overseas each lasting 2-3 months.  Youth from both countries take part in volunteering in both countries, in programming aimed at community development projects with focusses on health, environment and gender equality.  The participants stay with host families and are part of youth led activities.

Aboriginal Programs
These programs are aimed towards aboriginal youth and helping them become strong leaders and to explore new cultures both locally, nationally and internationally. These programs are available to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth.  
Programming developed specifically for aboriginal youth are also available which focus on work within aboriginal communities in other countries.

Global Learner
Programming is available in 9 countries for individuals or groups 15 years and older.  This program provides 2 week to 3 month volunteer work placements, host families, educational activity, and critical reflection.

Quebec Sans Frontieres
This is for Quebecers age 18-35 who  have a passion for global issues.  This includes 60 pre trip training hours and a group internship of 5-9 participants for 75 days.  

Partnerships

CWY has partnerships with colleges and universities providing credits for students.  These include:
Capilano University
Cegep Marie-Victorin
Dalhousie University
University of Ottawa
In addition they partner with TakingITGlobal to provide tools to share information and experiences.
They have numerous educational partners across Africa, Asian, Eastern Europe, and Latin America which can be found at http://canadaworldyouth.org/about/partnerships/international-partnerships/

Funding

On the CWY website they have listed some funders including:
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Minstere des Relations internationales du Quebec
Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation
Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
Foundation Louise Grenier

Donations

On the website there is a tab allowing you some choices in terms of donating.  You can click "Give A One Time or Monthly donation", "Aboriginal Youth Leadership program", or "Donate to the Youth Leaders Fund".  There isn't any additional information provided once you click these options. 

In the package I received in the mail it does have some detailed Financial Statements which also list  other sources of funding such as The Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Donner Canadian Foundation.


In Review
I really am disappointed I wasn't able to get more in depth information from the organization as I often find websites leave something to be desired such as what happens to the donations specifically when they receive them and just to get that feeling of who is behind the generic answers.  
I do have to say that I really like that they provide financial information which I have found a lot of organizations sites don't do.  As funders or donors it is really important I think to have transparency as to what is going on behind the scenes a bit.  
I also like the easy to use website, I think a well maintained website goes a long way and the added list of testimonials is fantastic to fill in some gaps for the interview/chatting end of things.  
In terms of partnerships though I would love to know a bit more of what type of program partnerships they have, in terms of what did the DFATD contribute? Was it in a specific program or country etc

I had looked into internships with CWY and unfortunately the options we were given did not sit well with me in terms of location etc so unfortunately I have to say in review I am on the fence with the organization for me personally.  I do not discount any of the work they do but it is simply not a match for me and what I look for in an organization. I do encourage you to always do your own research when looking into organizations, look beyond the website and especially when you are looking to travel with an organization!


CANADA WORLD YOUTH
www.canadaworldyouth.org
1-800-605-3536
2330 Notre-Dame West, Suite 300
Montreal, Quebec
H3J 1N4
info@cwy-jcm.org