by Ann Merrill

30 November 2006

IUNV Ann M. Merrill (USA), Community Development Specialist with the Chornobyl Recovery and Development Programme (CRDP), promoted international volunteerism during meetings with over 100 university students at The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio) and Ohio University (Athens, Ohio) during a recent visit to the United States.

During four presentations at the universities, Ms. Merrill shared information about the 1986 accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the important community development and social mobilization work conducted by CRDP in the affected territories. She particularly highlighted the role of volunteerism in recovery and development activities, especially the work of international and national United Nations Volunteers.

Students were very interested to learn about opportunities to live and work abroad. When asked how they could gain the requisite skills and experience to qualify for UN Volunteer positions, Ms. Merrill encouraged the students to learn foreign languages, study abroad, and get involved with volunteer activities locally as well as to consider “virtual volunteer” opportunities through UNV’s Online Volunteering website.

Related Links

UNV Online Volunteering www.onlinevolunteering.org

The Ohio State University www.osu.edu

Ohio University www.ohio.edu