Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Three international organization/communities of practice that appeal to me are as follows:

The International Child Art Foundation

http://www.icaf.org/ 

The International Child Art Foundation has served as the leading art and creativity organization for American children and their international counterparts since 1997.

As a world leader in international children’s art exhibitions, the mission of ICAF is to employ the power of the arts for the development of creativity and empathy – key attributes of successful learners and leaders. (ICAF, 2012). This non-profit organization uses art, sports, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as well as teamwork and healthy habits as a means of educating children in a creative way that enables several styles of learning.  They also have programs that reduce violence (Peace through Art), remediate suffering (Healing Arts), and cultivate imagination (Arts Olympiad). ICAF also wants to ensure that every “contemporary art museum dedicate a single room to the live art of children; that corporate headquarters devote a wall to display children’s artwork; that organizers try to include children’s voices in deliberations on the future; and that a child’s right to be creative and empathic be respected and honored” (ICAF, 2012). To-date, approximately 5 million children have directly benefitted from the ICAF programs and more than 110,000 people have participated in the ICAF festivals and exhibitions.

The International Child Art Foundation is a mostly volunteer run charity. At its office in Washington, the ICAF offers unpaid internships around the year to university students. An intern's responsibilities may include fundraising, marketing of ChildArt magazine, promotion of the Arts Olympiad to schools, social media, and writing and research. In addition, creative individuals can serve as the ICAF Spokespersons to advocate for children. In order to fulfill any of these positions, I feel you would first and foremost have a passion for the arts as well as how the arts can positively affect a child’s life. In reading about the aspects of the organization I feel creativity is another HUGE factor that individuals must posses to bring value. Other skills/talents such as a designer, editor, programmer, writer, marketing, media, PR or IT professional also will benefit the organization. I personally would want to volunteer and/or serve as a spokesperson for the organization.

The Association for Childhood Education

http://www.acei.org/

The Association for Childhood Education International or ACEI is a global community dedicated to promoting the optimal education and development of children in a changing world. Serving as a knowledge broker for innovative practices and an advocate for education and children's rights, the Association's vibrant and active past has ensured that children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in an equitable fashion that allows them to reach their true potential (ACEI, 2012). Currently, ACEI is advocating for child rights through the Love Me, Teach Me campaign developed to raise awareness about child rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. ACEI, believes each child possesses a unique set of gifts and talents while also understanding the key principles that join the world together through the common bonds of human dignity and respect.

ACEI also believes that educational experiences are enhanced by instructional strategies and learning environments that offer the very best opportunities for children's learning within the context of the nation, community, city, town or village in which children live (ACEI, 2012).

ACEI's has a Country Liaison program that encourages the development of a network of ACEI volunteer liaisons from various nations around the world. The purpose of this network is to gather information about childhood education practices and policies in various nations, share this information with members and non-members, provide information to support the development of association programs, and promote international and intercultural understanding (ACEI, 2012). In addition, at times, ACEI accepts applications for internships. Individuals wanting to invest their skills and time into this organization should have a passion for children’s rights throughout the world. Individuals should be able to accept and respect other cultures while working with a diverse group of individuals for a greater cause. By contacting the Operations Manager individuals are able to find out if any internships are available. Although I think this is a very powerful and influential organization, I am not certain I would want to work or volunteer for them. I would however spread the word of this organization and provide it as a resource to others.

Organisation Mondiale pour l’Éducation Préscolaire: in English, the World Organization for Early Childhood Education

http://www.omep-usnc.org/

OMEP-USA is one of more than 70 national committees working for healthy, peaceful, equitable, sustainable, and just environments for the world’s children. The organization is made up of college professors, preschool teachers, primary-grade teachers, school administrators, social workers, psychologists, doctors, nurses, policy makers, administrators, journalists, physical therapists, librarians, lawyers, policymakers, college students, volunteers, parents, grandparents, advocates, and activists (OMEP, 2012). These individuals work locally, nationally and internationally to promote the health, development, rights, and education of the world’s children and families. In addition, they advocate for high quality early education for all children everywhere, educate themselves and others about important issues relating to children, families, and early education while also developing activities for children and teachers as part of World OMEP’s Education for Sustainable Development focus (OMEP, 2012). 

There we not any career positions evident on the website, however there were different projects that one could invest their time into depending on their personal likes, goals and objectives to supporting children globally. You are also able to become a member of the organization. I feel the skills needed to support this organization again involve a passion for ensuring high quality care, education and the overall positive well-being of children around the world. There seems to be many projects available so there could possibly be something for everyone. I would personally consider volunteering for the efforts in Haiti.