My Nonprofit Reviews
Nancy K.
Review for Conservation Volunteers International Program, Inc., Orinda, CA, USA
I learned of CVIP through my former employers newsletter, the National park Service morning report. I called CVIP and after a short conversation where they described what the program was about, I told them I'd participate. Not only did I become involved in almost every aspect of their field work; surveys, archeological stabilization, trail clearing, BUT I was tasked to help another volunteer who was involved with technical rescue back in CA. As I had mountain rescue experience in my NPS career (34 yrs) I worked with him and we taught these skills to some eighteen workers from three diffrerent agencies all having responsibility for Machu Picchu and surrounding areas ranger operations. In doing this we gave them a greater ability to help others (injured, stranded tourists and workers) and gave them the ability to more safely do their very dangerous jobs. This also is applicable to safeguarding archeological workers who must be rope-protected, belayed, while they explore cliffside ruins. We brought these agencies together to obtain greater capabilities. Our training allowed the whole community to better appreciate the skills, and abilities of the rangers, fire departments and police of MP and Aquas Calientes. Rick and Rich facilitated the donation of over $18,000 worth of donations of ropes, hardware, personal protection gear, etc. from three different major climbing gear companies. This equipment was left divided between the rescue agencies at MP which facilitated their repeated monthly practice sessions. In this way, increasing the protection abilities helps protect those who protect the visitor and the environment that we all enjoy.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Giving the ranger, guide population at Macchu Picchu graeter skills and safeguarding of themselves. I saw where we realigned old archaeological stairways to Inca standards and prevented further deteriration of the archaeological resource.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Extend the amount of time the volunteer is on the trip. Reward them with more intimate teachings about the Inca, the Pizarro invasion, and consequent environmental and cultural impact on the indiginous Quechua population.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
It's such a perfect group and tasking that I have to say, seriously and jokingly, that less time should be spent on dinners and more (seriously but as a mibnor point) tiem spent on group planning dynamics. Debriefings of the day and action plans for the tomorrow. More evening educational programs on the Inca, Quechua and local history.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
It provided an awakening to the needs to preserve the Machu Picchu resource. To give the workers there greater skills and safety. It made me want to go there for longer periods of time and share these successes witht he locals as we did; increase the intensity!
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Read the above !!!!
