The History of IVI
Involvement Volunteers Association Inc. (IVI) started in 1989, with seven volunteers from the UK volunteering in Australia. That number has now developed to over 300 people volunteering in over 30 countries worldwide every year.
IVI is helping volunteers from over 16 countries to participate in the many and varied volunteer placements available in an increasing number of lands around the world. IVI currently has associate organisations in:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Ecuador
- England
- Fiji
- Germany
- New Zealand
- South Africa.
Each IVI associate, or local organisation, is an autonomous Non-Governmental Organisation. Other volunteer organisations in over 40 countries also act as hosts for IVI volunteers.
IVI's Aim
IVI's aim is to enable everyone that wants to help others to volunteer outside their home country. We believe that everyone can learn and grow from their positive volunteering experiences. So far our volunteers have been aged between 16 and 75 years!
Our ongoing aim is to have IVI volunteers offering their assistance- either social services in the community or sustainable development and management of the natural environment - everywhere in the world that it is needed.
If you're looking to make a difference in the lives of others, and want a challenging, rewarding and life changing experience, IVI is ready to make it happen.
Meet the Team
 Rheema Issa
Positions:
Volunteer Program Coordinator (VPC) and Bookkeeper
What do you do for your customers?
As one of the Volunteer Program Coordinators, I am responsible for suggesting placements and assisting volunteers plan their Programs. I am also part of the team providing 24/7 support for volunteers, where and when it's needed during their travels.
What do you like best about working here?
The not-for-profit challenge when operating in over 60 countries. And constantly seeking to develop new and efficient ways to help each host and volunteer involved in placements. This requires meeting the IVI customer's needs and expectations, especially those of different cultures and backgrounds from all over the world. This is a challenging and interesting job.
What is your favourite part of IVI's services?
IVI opens up various volunteering opportunities for people who have a genuine interest in helping others, and those who are qualified and experts in particular fields of interest. IVI plays a significant role in assisting people and places that have been affected by natural disasters. Anybody from anywhere around the world can become an IVvolunteer and we are flexible in giving volunteers the freedom to choose where they go and what they wish to achieve.
What are your values and personal style?
I value hard work and putting in as much effort as I can, and helping as much as possible. Everyone has something different to give and, in return, will get a meaningful experience out of it. I also believe in "Never giving up", just keep trying. If one way doesn't work try another until you have achieved your goal.
What is your best tip for volunteers?
Choose a placement that is suitable to your abilities or needs for experience. Take the initiative to try something new and be productive. Be open minded and use your common sense. Respect the differences of other cultures and the effects of changes that might happen.
 Sonia Morshead
Position:
Africa Continental Coordinator / Volunteer Program Coordinator
What do you do as an IVI Staff Member?
Basically I look after the African continent for IVI's Hosts and IVI's Volunteers. This means organising programs for volunteers going to Africa and also liaising with all of the current and up coming African hosts.
What do you like best about being involved?
I love getting positive 'feedback'. It makes me feel that I have in some small way helped as well. Then I also like organising the programs for the volunteers. Let's just say that it keeps me motivated to save money for my next trip overseas! I also enjoy working with the hosts in Africa, and it has been a real privilege to meet most of them personally.
What is your favourite form of IVI Placement?
IVI tries to cater for everyone - individual and group placements - to help them give of their best and gain as much as possible from their placement and the experience. Personally, I'm particularly fond of East Africa and the placements available there. Lovely people, great music and, of course, helping African orphans is a fantastic experience.
I am extremely passionate about the group placement at a remote hospital in Zambia. For an out-of-Africa placement, and somewhere I haven't been, I would love to try out a placement in Mongolia for somewhere really different.
What are your values and personal style?
Through my extensive travel, I have learnt that a little stamina is important – you can't just give up when something doesn't go your way. You have to push and fight sometimes to make things happen and achieve changes. When it comes down to it, as long as you can really say you gave it your best shot, then that is all that matters. Honesty and integrity are also invaluable.
What is your best tip for IVvolunteers?
The single best tip would be to expect the unexpected. When volunteering, things don't exactly go as planned, especially in Africa! Second, always give your placement at least a week of ups and downs. This will allow you time to get used to your new surroundings. Let the hosts get used to you, allow yourself to get over your jet-lag, adjust to cultural differences and start to settle in. Third, be sensible with your personal security. Avoid demonstrations (you never know what might happen), don't flash around with cameras, jewellery and the like. Most importantly, trust your instincts.
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