Since our inception in 1912, we have been placing volunteers in some of the most remote and impoverished parts of the world. It was a tradition started by our founder, Dr. Paluel Flagg. His first mission trip was to Haiti, were he served people suffering from the physical and psychological effects of leprosy. Witnessing the extreme need in just this one country, he made it his mission to recruit others to join him in serving the poorest and most vulnerable around the world. We have been sending volunteers ever since. Learn more about our program and the principles that guide our service.
We know from our experience in the field that a lack of access to basic health services often means the difference between life and death for women and children living in poverty. In addition to a lack of essential medicines and medical resources, one of the biggest barriers is a critical shortage of skilled health workers.
Our international and US-based service opportunities enable Volunteers to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. In an effort to address this shortage of health workers, we pair healthcare professionals with CMMB programs to put their values [faith] and skills into action to provide high quality healthcare.
The following principles are used to guide the CMMB Volunteer Program and the volunteers who support our work during their time in the field.
Values
Rooted in Jesuit tradition, CMMB and its volunteers embody values of collaboration, love, excellence, and respect in our work. We foster humility and an openness to learn from those we serve.
Sustainability
Volunteers work with CMMB’s teams and partner health facilities to build capacity of host country colleagues, so that the work of our volunteers is sustained well after their service has ended.
Collaboration
We love what we do, but we can’t do it alone. We collaborate with country partners and host communities, and build valued partnerships with aligned organizations, including the Ministry of Health in each country, that connect us with qualified professionals.
Demand Driven
We work closely with our teams in the field to identify the needs of local health facilities and communities for volunteers to fill real gaps and build sustainable change.
Long-Term Investment
We look for volunteers to serve in the field for a minimum of six months because we believe this provides for greater, sustained impact and a more fulfilling experience for volunteers, as they become part of a community. Shorter-term assignments are available to experienced professionals who can contribute vital skills to fill critical gaps and build capacity.
Responsibility
Our volunteers act as “ambassadors” of CMMB, of their families and friends, and of their own country of origin. They abide by the professional and ethical standards of the country in which they serve, as well as their ‘home’ country to ensure the highest quality of care and service.
Equality & Reciprocity
We believe in the equality and innate value of all human beings. Cross cultural understanding and collaboration are essential to our mission. Our volunteers commit to opening themselves up to the community, accepting challenges, and learning from local staff in order to be successful in their service.