A student's story

This message was left on the guestbook

Hello, I am a student at a California Community College which has recently been infiltrated by CCTG propaganda.   I believe it is very misfortunate that this organization would exploit the young of today, while misleading the public and peoples of neighboring countries. 

I was able to have an oppurtunity to travel to Africa last summer, with a non profit called BRIDGES.(Building International Dialogues through Grassroot Exchange) and I became interested in Campus TG as a vessel to return and continue my work. However as I began to contact this organization I realized that there were serious pieces missing from the puzzle. 

The first warning sign that there was something amiss was when I asked for the criteria for the applicants. The response I recieved was that it was open to "Everone who is a hardworker" that concerned me especially since it is essential to understand the pretenses in which one would choose to participate in such venture. Traveling to India, or Africa is a big deal, and not just anyone is qualified to sustain such an adventure. 

When asking them about there curriculum, I recieved a vague response. They said that the previous participants would be giving language preparation courses, and there would be some focus on global economics. When asking them as to there focus, or stance, they would give no further information. Educating people is one thing, and indoctrinating is another. It worries me that this organization taking students to Africa is not more open about how they will be training there participants. 

They also mentioned the fundraising, saying that you will be required to go out into the streets and ask for money. You would think that an organization that is so focused on action, would encourage fundraisers that encourage the support of the community.  They also mentioned the website www.netup.org, which has sites in California, the East Coast, and In Holland. The website states that they are working with Humana- People to people, and the participants can fundraise all of there money in as little as three weeks. It seems like an easy solution, however gives no information as to the projects that the participants would take part in.   Furthermore it charges each person $250.00 (US) activation fee (Sketchy!!) In many ways this does not make sense, economically or otherwise. Why would participants have to pay a fee to RAISE money?? 

I am very glad that this community based concern site is up. CCTG appears as a exciting and noble cause. However internally it is disorganized, misleading, vague, and destructive.

Volunteering Internationally is not a one way street, and is more then good intentions, it takes the help of others. Unforturantly, due to the neglect and underrepresentation of developing countries, there is much work, and few resources. 

Many organizations which attempt projects abroad encounter difficulties and oppositions both locally and internationally. 

CCTG is a bottom feeder, feeding upon vulnerable organizations, and extracting money from people who genuinly want to help. It is frustrating that organizations like this cause individuals to shy away from assisting in the international realm. Hopefully this organization will be exposed in more then one way, and the other more insightful and meaningful organizations will be brought to light.

IF you are interested in Volunteering Internationally please check out the following website.

WWW.VOLUNTEERINTERNATIONAL.ORG

Or if you are interested in contributing to reputable and succesful grassroots organization which is promoting Youth Leadership and International Involvement, please check out the following site:

www.bridgesfellowship.org