What is a Debrief?It’s a chance for you to meet with other volunteers who have been through similar experiences. Because ongoing support networks are vital to our learning and development, talking about your experience, assignment, challenges and triumphs. It allows you to reflect on what you did, identify how you contributed to your host country and organisation and gain new insights. It is also a space to explore future goals and how VIDA can assist you.
The Learning Outcomes for a Debrief are that returned VIDA volunteers will:
• Be able to articulate the ways in which the experience has impacted on their lives
• Explore the effectiveness and impact of the assignment in contributing to development
• Reflect on the volunteer experience in light of current cross cultural and development practise
• Provide feedback to the program to contribute to ongoing learning and improving the volunteer contribution to development effectiveness
• Explore re-entry issues and identify strategies for effective cultural adjustment
• Identify future goals and strategies for their own capacity development and involvement, as appropriate
The research shows that people who have had similar cross cultural experiences in a development setting find it valuable to come together in a structured, comfortable atmosphere to share lessons learnt and this enables them to integrate their experiences more effectively into their lives. A Debrief is a space for you to get your needs met. It is not training or therapy or counseling but if there are issues that need addressing, the debrief team can identify opportunities for further information and support if needed.
If you are a returned volunteer that has yet to attend a Debrief and would like to know when the next one is being held please contact
VIDA for more information on upcoming events.
How do I attend a Debrief?The next debrief will be held in Adelaide on 6th September. If you are a returned VIDA and would like to attend please complete the
registration form and return it to the
Community Engagement & Marketing Coordinator.
If you would like further information on the debrief please email
VIDA.
The VIDA Alumni provides returned VIDA Volunteers with access to information, employment and networking opportunities within the volunteer and development communities.
The Objectives of the VIDA Alumni are:
• Facilitate returned volunteers integration into Australia
• Engage returned volunteers in an Alumni network
• Provide Alumni with access to information, employment and networking opportunities
• Provide a forum where Alumni can provide support to each other as well as mentoring to
VIDAs in-country and preparing for their assignments
• Raise public awareness of VIDA, the Australian Volunteer Program, AusAID and development issues
• Provide a forum for Alumni to exchange information regarding professional development opportunities and activities in Australia and abroad
How do I get more information about the Alumni?All returned VIDA volunteers will automatically receive the monthly e-newsletter the Alumnus Advocate. This is aimed at keeping Alumni better informed about attending a Debrief, employment opportunities, being involved in VIDA promotional activities and networking with fellow Alumni.
For more information on Alumni activities contact the Community Engagement & Marketing Coordinator, Matt Lees, on:
Freecall 1800 995 536 (in Australia)
Employment Opportunities and other information
Australian Development Gateway: the leading online resource for Asia Pacific aid and development professionals
The Australian Development Gateway (ADG), an Australian government, AusAID initiative, supports members of the development community in their efforts to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region.
Access free quality information, stay abreast of key and emerging issues in your sector and tap into Australian and local country expertise across the Asia Pacific region!
The ADG website currently features twelve topic areas including Agriculture, Development practice / effectiveness, Disaster Management, Education, Enterprise development / microfinance, Environment, Governance, Health, HIV/ AIDS, ICT for Development, Infrastructure and Water, with new topics added regularly.
The ADG also helps you to build your professional network and profile! Search and register with the ADG individuals and organisations directory, suggest a resource, ask a question of sector specialists and access the latest tenders and job vacancies. With over 40,000 users visiting the ADG website every month this is a great way to market your skills and expertise to the region, click here for more information.
The ADG website is essential reading for all development practitioners.
