Volunteer Orientation: Compassion in Action
Meet Our 2017 International Volunteers
For three days in June, six of our newest volunteers arrived to CMMB’s NYC office to participate in the summer 2017 volunteer orientation. Led by Marcia Grand Ortega and Heidi West – CMMB’s volunteer program coordinators – they engaged with CMMB executives, employees, and former and current volunteers in preparation for their departure into the field.
The three days gave the soon-to-be volunteers an opportunity to learn more about CMMB and about the places and people they will serve. This included sessions about:
- The power of CMMB’s partnerships,
- Our history,
- The importance of capturing and telling stories,
- Cross-cultural communication,
- Managing stress
Perhaps the most important thing was creating new friendships with fellow volunteers and their CMMB colleagues.
We look forward to witnessing their impact on the communities where we work.
Learn more about our volunteers here!
Moments Captured
Adrian Kerrigan, SVP of partnerships, addresses the new volunteers.
Dr. Harry Owens Jr., contributes to the discussion about partnerships.
Adrian talks about the power of partnerships.
Debora and Lizzie are both interns at CMMB.
A big hug from Dr. Harry, making lifelong friends and sharing experiences is one of the most rewarding parts of being a volunteer
Marcia Grand Ortega is one of the coordinators of the international volunteer program. Here she chats with some of the volunteers during a break.
Brynn and Laura (manager of community engagement and communications) get the chance to chat over snacks during one of the breaks.
Lara, SVP of strategy and innovation, shares a joke to start her session.
Lara answers the important questions she is asked by the volunteers.
Chris Foster, director innovation & business intelligence speaks with the volunteers
Stephanie sharing her ideas and questions with the group
Meseret, SVP of human resources giving a presentation on managing stress and developing resilience
Dr. Mary and nurse Brynn collaborate during a group activity
Dr. Harry Owens Jr., shares stories about his time in South Sudan.
Dr. Harry Owen’s Jr., takes the subway for the first time since 1976
During the storytelling session, Megan and Brynn get to know each other a little better.
Dr. Mary and Dr. Helene get to know each other a bit better during the orientation.
Dr. Charles Cassidy and WASH specialist, Ashley Echols, are deep in thought during the orientation.
Bruce Wilkinson, CEO and president, talks to the group of volunteers about his own volunteer work.
Dr. Harry Owens Jr., leads a session about cross cultural understanding.
Dr. Charles and nurse, Brynn have a social moment during a break.
Stephanie and Dr. Harry collaborate during the storytelling and fundraising session.
A meal with new friends.
Roland Pugh is a volunteer photographer and communications specialist who captured all these beautiful moments.
Join our team
Become an international volunteer
Photo credit: The amazing and generous Roland Pugh who is one of our newest volunteers in NYC!