Have you ever dreamed of visiting the exotic kingdom of Morocco? Have you yearned to savor couscous tagines in Marrakesh or to awake to strong tea and morning prayers in Fez? The country conjures up dreams of old movies and foreign intrigue as it straddles Africa and the Mediterranean Sea. It offers mysterious foods and flavors and also boasts a wide range of organic producers yearning to enter the international market. If you have the right skill set, there may be an opportunity for you to savor Moroccan flavors and help organic growers all in one elegant mission.
In Morocco, almost 44% of the workforce is employed in agriculture in rural areas, and most of it is in organic agriculture. But many of the producers don’t have the marketing and branding expertise to realize their full potential in the international marketplace. This is where you may be able to help.
International Executive Service Corps (IESC) and the Farmer-to-Farmer Program are seeking a volunteer expert to help organic producers in Morocco improve the marketability of their products. The purpose of this 21-day Morocco-based assignment is to enhance the capacity of the Moroccan organic producers to improve their branding and marketing campaigns.
I have been fortunate enough to do several IESC volunteer missions in far-flung places like Tunisia and the Dominican Republic working with organic producers. Not only was the work enjoyable, but I reaped many personal benefits facilitating the missions. These missions afforded me a wealth of history, culture and the flavors of Tunisia and the Dominican Republic. I was able to make new friends and have a deeper understanding of new cultures, religions, foods, and flavors.
Being able to share my business acumen with organic producers gave me a sense of purpose and helped me realize I have something special to offer. Volunteering allowed me to be in my power as a professional and as a human being, giving my best.
This is a real-world way to get outside our desires, and ourselves, to experience something totally new and personally rewarding. I was so impacted by the rich cultures and warm people that I was moved to pen several blogs including “Tunisian Chronicles” and “Dominican Republic Mission.”
Volunteering increases self-confidence and gives you a healthy boost in self-esteem and life satisfaction. You develop new skills you didn’t know you had, building your professional experience and new leadership capabilities. In her research, Wharton professor Cassie Mogilner found that those who volunteer feel like they have more time (Harvard Business Review).
If you are interested in volunteering and developing organic product marketing strategies and provide training on strategies and best practices, do not hesitate to apply. IESC covers the cost of roundtrip airfare, in-country transportation, accommodation, meals and incidentals, and emergency travel insurance. It’s a free ticket to a rewarding and life-changing experience helping organic producers along the way.
Check out the details on the position description or contact Carybeth Reddy.
“One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.” – Gordon Hinckle
