Winrock International - Volunteer Assistance

Florida woman leaves home to help others, comes back enriched

Kathy Colverson is passionate about volunteering and it shows in the enthusiasm she displays when recounting her own experiences with the USAID John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer program.

Colverson has twice taken time away from her job as associate director of program development at the University of Florida�s International Center to offer her experience and assistance to Winrock�s Partnership for Safe Poultry in Kenya program. She used her expertise to help make improvements to the poultry value chain, encourage growth in the market, and assist in the creation of a National Poultry Improvement Plan.

Winrock staff spoke with Colverson after her second volunteer trip to Kenya. Here is what she so graciously � and enthusiastically � shared.

Why did you want to volunteer?

Because I love it! Everyone in the world should be of service. If you can volunteer with people less fortunate and learn yourself, it�s a beautiful experience. Anytime I can contribute my skill set to helping disadvantaged or marginalized folks, it is always a valuable use of my time. Also, I welcome any chance I have to work to benefit women; women are important to agriculture everywhere.

What was the highlight of your volunteer assignments abroad?

Kenya�s Minister of Livestock was supposed to make a cameo visit to our workshop. He got so interested in it that he came every day, for hours at a time. I think it�s because we used a participatory approach and he was so amazed by that approach that he couldn�t get enough of it. He really participated and enjoyed himself. And to get someone at that level to participate in that way, was really impressive.

What made your Winrock volunteer trip distinctive?

The Winrock staff are exceptional. They took care of my every need. For example, the staff in Kenya went out of their way to help me buy an instrument for my son. Now, my son is applying for Fullbright to go to Kenya. That is a complete circle. [The Winrock field staff] are the best trainers I�ve worked with in a long time.

How does your experience affect your world view?

The world is a very small place and small farmers everywhere face many of the same challenges. There are so many similar issues, even with small farmers here in the United States. My assignments have helped me think about how we can learn from domestic as well as international farmers.

Volunteering is an opportunity to go and engage person-to-person. That makes all the difference in the world. You see what they have to offer and they see what you have to offer. We all need to recognize that we are a component in making a difference. I believe everyone has something to offer; we just have to find out what it is.

What advice would you give a new volunteer?

Just do it. If you have any hesitation about doing something like this, you are going to miss out on an invaluable, life changing opportunity. Clear your calendar and make it happen. Don�t hesitate. Get out there. Do it. Enjoy yourself. Make a contribution.

Go in with an open mind and don�t believe that whatever history or experience you bring with you is the answer. Listen and be humble. Appreciate that most folks are so much less fortunate than we are, but they have so much to teach us. There�s a lot of wisdom out there. I always feel like I take away as much as I give.

In December 2010, Kathy, along with 18 other Farmer-to-Farmer volunteers, received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her volunteer work with Winrock International.

You, too, can follow in Kathy�s footsteps and make a difference in the lives of many people around the world. Find out about Winrock�s volunteer opportunities today.