The Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) has a longstanding commitment to advancing research in International Voluntary Service (IVS), acting as a hub for cooperation between academic institutions, local organisations and communities and international networks to enhance the impact and understanding of International Voluntary Service worldwide.
Research Initiatives and Impact Assessment
CCIVS employs both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to assess and improve the effectiveness of IVS projects. Our research focuses on:
– Individual Development: Evaluating personal growth, leadership, and intercultural competencies among volunteers.
– Community Engagement: Analysing the influence of IVS on social cohesion, conflict resolution, and cultural diversity within host communities.
– Organisational Capacity: Investigating the structural and functional dynamics of organisations involved in IVS to promote best practices and sustainability.
These efforts are detailed in our Impact Measurement Report 2010-2022, which provides comprehensive insights into the transformative effects of IVS over a twelve-year period.
Academic Partnerships
CCIVS has established collaborations with universities to further research and develop tools that enhance the quality and impact of IVS:
– University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, USA: Focused on studying the impact of IVS;
– Coventry University, UK: Developed peace-building tools in partnership with CCIVS;
– Technological University of Santa Fe, Argentina: Contributed expertise and advisory support related to environmental actions;
– Salzburg University, Austria: Engaged in collaborative research initiatives;
– Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia: Participated in joint research projects;
– Johns Hopkins University, USA: Provided expert advice and collaboration;
– Myongji University, Republic of Korea: Engaged in collaborative research on youth volunteering and non-formal education;
– Ryukoku University, Japan: Engaged in research collaboration and authored significant reports;
– ASEM Education and Research Hub on Lifelong Learning: contributed to the Research Network on non-formal and informal learning;
– The Chinese Society of Education Training Centre: Engaged in the CCIVS ImpACT Project co-funded by the European Union.
Talloires Network of Engaged Universities: Between 2011 and 2012, CCIVS was the sole non-university member of the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities, a global coalition committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of higher education institutions. This partnership underscored CCIVS’s dedication to integrating academic research with practical volunteer service to address global challenges.
International Conferences and Workshops
CCIVS has actively participated in and organised international conferences to promote research and dialogue in IVS internally and externally: it was among the few international NGOs consulted by the United Nations Volunteers for the first State of the World Volunteering Report, and regularly participates in different international platforms such as in the Annual Conference of International Volunteer Cooperation Organisations (IVCO), The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, among others.
Ongoing Research and Resources
CCIVS continues to produce and disseminate research findings to inform and improve IVS practices globally. Our Resources Section offers access to publications, toolkits, and reports that support organisations, volunteers, and communities engaged in international voluntary service.
CCIVS remains at the forefront of research in International Voluntary Service, continually striving to enhance the effectiveness and impact of IVS worldwide.