Who we are.
Developing World Connections is a British Columbia registered society, Canadian Charitable Organization and a volunteer grassroots movement. We are non sectarian and have no religious, political or professional affiliations.
Our Story: In the year 2000, President Wayne McRann and Director Dan Miller had been working on a Rotary project in the jungles of Guatemala assisting with the installation of a water system. The desire to share the joy of this experience spawned the idea of Developing World Connections. What began as an idea many years ago became a reality as the society was formed in 2004. After the tragic Boxing Day tsunami, Developing World Connections quickly mobilized a grassroots response to help rebuild lives. We became registered as a charity in 2005 and what started as a grassroots response has now become a grassroots movement. Serving on four continents in twelve countries, much work remains.
Our Uniqueness: Developing World Connections is the only one of its kind in Canada. It provides an affordable opportunity to have an incredible experience. We are a non-profit and volunteer driven organization that is a registered Canadian charity.
Developing World Connections doesn’t do “aid” – we create mutually beneficial relationships with communities and with development partners. These relationships provide the opportunity for our volunteers to make a difference as our hosts leverage their efforts according to their priorities. The relationships we nurture offer everyone involved greater opportunity to learn about their global community.
Our Mission: To contribute to the betterment of our global community by providing service to people in developing nations.
Our Vision: Through us, people will develop a greater understanding of the global community.
Our Philosophy: Developing World Connections believes strongly that we must respect our host country’s culture and environment and that great learning comes as a result of working with people from all nations. Volunteers are guests who must honour the goodwill extended to them during their visit. It is not our purpose to change the culture of our host country, but rather to embrace and better understand the differences that give equal value to each society.
We believe the footprint we leave behind should be gentle, the friendships great, and the memories we bring home should positively and profoundly impact our lives.
Developing World Connections international volunteer experiences and projects benefit all; the volunteer enjoys a meaningful and satisfying experience; the project beneficiaries gain an increased understanding of the visitors’ culture and directly benefit from the projects; the host country enjoys the significant contributions made to its local economies; Developing World Connections is rewarded by being able to continue providing these valuable experiences and world connections.
The responsibility for the creation of a just and peaceful world begins with each person and in the development of relationships. As we foster world connections and work together towards our vision, a more peaceful world is a necessary outcome.
Our Success: Our multitude of volunteers, over 700 of which have participated internationally, have contributed hundreds of thousand of dollars and countless hours to worthy projects, volunteering abroad. The tangible legacy of their efforts includes the rebuilding of an entire village in Sri Lanka devastated by the tsunami. Our volunteers continue to work on much needed infrastructure projects such as community centres, homes, schools and training facilities.
By committing long-term to the community we serve, we develop strong ties with the locals and create a lasting legacy for their communities. However, our greatest legacies are the relationships created that provide the windows of opportunity for hope and a better world.
Who We Partner With: Our in country partners are non-profits and grassroots organizations who work with and for their communities. Our host partners run sustainable development projects that involve the people and community stakeholders.
Our partners value the opportunity to make connections with our volunteers and understand that within these connections exists the windows of opportunity and hope for a better world.
Our People: Developing World Connections – the organization – is the vehicle our community of global citizens uses to make a difference. The organization is supported by many volunteers: our office volunteers, the Board and our Team Leaders. We have a staff of five. We have fourteen non-profit host partners and three corporate partners.
