Empowering Women Volunteer Program

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Start dates are available year-round

Description: If lending support to sex workers interests you, Cultural Canvas Thailand places volunteers in a local women's rights organization called EMPOWER. EMPOWER (Education Means Protection of Women Engaged in Recreation) is one of the most established human rights organizations in Thailand. Founded in 1985, EMPOWER has worked for the past 22 years to promote equal opportunities for women in the entertainment industry, regardless of their country of origin. It seeks to empower women to make their own decision about their own lives and takes no stand on the moral issues of sex work. This placement is open to female volunteers only.

Highlights: All of Cultural Canvas Thailand's volunteer placements deal with social issues such as discrimination and the abuse of basic human rights. You will be learning about the lives of people from another culture and the problems they face such as poverty, hunger, disease, prejudice and many others. You will build relationships and gain an understanding of the issues confronting Thailand and many other parts of the world.

Qualifications: We welcome service from all walks of life and levels of experience. No specific training is required but becoming acquainted with the issues pertaining to your placement prior to arrival in Chiang Mai is a good idea. If you have an interest or background in a related area, for example we are always interested in people with an art background for our Canvas program, that is a double bonus for us.

Volunteers should be self-motivated, patient, team-oriented, compassionate, independent and respectful. Remember that the issues you will be dealing can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Please read carefully through our website to be sure that you are up to the task.

This placement is open to women ONLY.

Cost in US$: Varies based on program

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anyone over the age of eighteen who wants to broaden their horizons, see new and different places and people, face fresh challenges with a sense of adventure, and can give a minimum of three weeks volunteer time is right for Cultural Canvas.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Cultural Canvas Thailand's Mission Statement: The mission of Cultural Canvas Thailand is to generate awareness and volunteer support of the current social issues facing Chiang Mai, Thailand. We promote equality, community interaction, and social change through artistic outreach and volunteer services in conjunction with local organizations. Culural Canvas Thailand and our partner organizations focus on education and assistance in the following areas: HIV/AIDS, refugees, impoverished ethnic minorities, and sex workers.

Year Founded: 2005