Volunteering in the USA

During their preparation period, IICD participants have volunteered with community organizations in Benton Harbor, 20 miles from IICD. Benton Harbor has a large African-American population, and is a city with a high rate of crime and comparatively high HIV rate.

IICD participants (going to Africa) have the chance to take the HIV Counselling Course offered by the State of Michigan. Successful completion of the course leads to the award of an HIV Counselling Certificate, which enables the holder to work as an HIV Counsellor in Michigan or elsewhere.

Our participants have volunteered regularly at a Women's Center in Benton Harbor, running programs for the women and children there. Furthermore participants have volunteered with PAL ( Police Ahletic League) in Dowagiac as well as participated in building a house with Habitat for Humanity.

Former IICDers also spent one of their "Action Weeks" painting the house of Hizmut, an Iraqi refugee in Lansing. That was a great chance for cultural exchange and meant that Hizmut could keep his house. IICD participants have also volunteered in homeless shelters and animal shelters in the local area.