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Local and international youth and
adults, who feel passionate about
change in Chennai want to use their
free time meaningfully, are welcome
to volunteer at MCCSS.
Our volunteers come from all over
the world and all walks of life. Volunteers
are a valuable support to many programs
and administrative tasks within MCCSS,
contributing their time, talent and
energy to help change the lives of
children, women, families and communities
living in unfavorable situations.
Amisha Parekh, MPH Global
Health Promotion, Volunteer from USA
– January 2006
 “My
experience at MCCSS, has been much
better than my experiences at the
other NGOs where I have encountered
sexual discrimination and skepticism
for being an American. I am glad that
being an opinionated female is not
an obstacle here. The majority of
my time has been spent with the Anti-trafficking
Department, which has been a wonderful
experience. Working with the women
of the project has also been a touching
experience especially hearing their
astonishing stories of their troubled
lives. Working here has been a perfect
complement to my studies in International
Public Health. “
Erika Sahlin, Volunteer from
Sweden – February – March
2006
 “
I will never forget the shock I got
from visiting the homes of the Commercial
Sex Workers (CSW) in the slum areas.
That made me even more certain that
MCCSS’ work teaching STI, HIV
and AIDS awareness to the CSWs and
keeping an eye out for girls who might
get trapped in trafficking, is so
incredibly important. The Indians
have for sure made a huge impression
on me. I will always cherish this
period of my life.”
Megan Knighton, Volunteer
from USA – July – August
2006
“Although my time with MCCSS
was short, I feel that it was a life-changing
experience. The people here are a
laughing and loving people, with a
strong sense of community and family.
To be honest, at first this idea of
family value was new to me and I found
it quite uncomfortable. Eventually,
I began to feel more at ease and really
began to appreciate these relationships
so much. I am in awe with the amount
of dedication and care these people
have for their jobs and their community.”
Julia, Volunteer from Switzerland
– December 2006-February 2007
 “I
am so glad I have chosen MCCSS because
they put their emphasis on prevention,
reintegration and leading their clients
to independence which is from my point
of view the most effective way of
helping. It was always a great pleasure
to spend time with the girls and women
of the Short Stay Home. I am highly
impressed by their enthusiasm to start
a new future and I wish all of them
the strength to reach their goals
in life.”
Stefanie Schell, Volunteer
from USA – January 2007 –
March 2007
 “
I had spent weeks searching for an
organization with the right volunteer
program where I could do my field
work experience. In MCCSS I found
the perfect match. My first task at
MCCSS was to interview women in the
Self Help Groups. I have learned a
great deal about women and development,
in particular that once women are
empowered, they initiate positive
changes for their families and communities.
I have learned so much from this organization,
from developing, programmes and overcoming
obstacles to what it means to be dedicated
to changing society. I am so grateful
to have had such an enriching life
experience. “
- Learn the intrinsic skills in
mobilizing, organizing and formation
of Self Help Groups (SHG) of both
men and especially women
- Know the means and methods of
Micro Enterprises, Systems of Small
Savings, Loans and Financial Management
- Learn the modalities of formation
of local, zonal and central committees
and to ultimately form joint federation
of the groups (men & women)
and to emerge as a powerful peoples
group with social advocacy power
- Conduct a comparative study of
women both affiliated and unaffiliated
with SHGs to understand the impact
of these groups
- Learn the role of government
in the activities of Women Development
Corporation of Tamil Nadu, SHGs,
entrepreneurial enterprises and
local banks
- Visit both the government office
and bank to gain exposure
- Take part and observe in the
empowerment of women through skill-building
initiatives
- Directly interact with the trafficked
survivors through English or translation
- Plan and execute educational,
recreational and rehabilitation
activities for the residents and
assist in regular group activities
planned by the staff
- Document the intricacies involved
in the life of a trafficked survivor
- Assist with video documentation
of the project
- Make home and field visits with
staff
- Network with police, judiciary
systems, and other NGOs
- Take awareness classes on trafficking
issues for an English speaking audience
- Conduct individual or group work
within the survivors at the Drop-In
Shelter
- Help in preparation of posters
and IEC (Information, Education,
Communication) materials
- Join a team to create awareness
among young adolescents
- Assist in the dissemination of
information through creative ways
and means (street plays, collages,
poster making, etc)
- Gain exposure to slum area while
participating and witnessing group
meetings, community meetings, and
cultural programs
- Aid in condom demonstration and
dissemination
- Document the procedures and outcomes
of the programs
- Visit Hospitals/VCTC clinics
while interacting with peers and
PLWHA
- Interact with high-risk groups
(auto-drivers, commercial sex workers,
transgender)
- Participate in blood-screening
camps
- Help to develop healthier behaviors
and lifestyles among women in prostitution
- Study the ‘Why, How’
and ‘What’ involved
in the lives of commercial sex workers
- Participate in personal one to
one interaction and group discussions
- Visit local brothels and high
risk areas
- Understand how sex workers can
gain a voice in asserting their
health rights (example: condom usage
by partners)
- Examine the projects struggle
in navigating conflicting traditions,
religious beliefs and changing cultural
values
- Participate in offering alternative
professional opportunities through
the formation of small savings programs
and micro enterprise ventures
- Observe case handling by the
counselors
- Visit individual homes, judiciary
establishments and police stations
- Participate in the medical and
psychiatric care of clients
- Gain exposure to family court
proceedings and the activities of
the All Women’s Police station
- Plan systematic programs for
the residents of the Short-Stay
Home
- Document clients’ life
stories and assemble in a sharable
medium (video, book, etc.)
- Participate in individual case
work and group work
- Arrange picnics and psycho-social
care workshops
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