DaLaa, International Volunteers for Social Development Association or known shortly as DaLaa is a sprout of 3 international voluntary networks that are interrelated and have been from the very beginning and are still our basement, nourishment and inspiration
Our international networks are born to balance back the world from the horror of wars with PEACE practice and promotion. We wish to unite our differences on meaningful local initiatives for long lasting social development. We crave AUTHENTICITY, RESPONSIBILITY and INCLUSION. Our motto: LIVING, LEARNING, WORKING TOGETHER.
DaLaa is made of unique connections between Thai & international VOLUNTEERS living, learning and working together with local dedicated HOSTS. At the center, a few STAFF and the Committee carry the association. We love to link the generations and all kinds of people, the artists, the peasants, the sellers, the educators, the students… with the volunteer mind as a common ground.
This is the first rock of the International Voluntary Service. In a short period of time, from a few days to 2-3 weeks, ‘workcampers’ will experience a volunteer team project in diversity and common will to serve the local needs of the host(s). That could be an educational camp, students summer camp, agricultural camp, construction or renovation, culture or environment preservation…
Through all the partners from our networks, we provide placements, preparation and follow up for our local (Thai) volunteers to join a project abroad. We call those OUTGOING volunteers. There are plenty of opportunities with grass roots organizations from all over the world. It’s either workcamps, or MLTVs.
6) MLTV (Middle and Long Term Volunteer)
DaLaa offers volunteers’ opportunities for longer stay like 1 or 2 months to 1 year. This is the continuation of the workcamp atmosphere but in the long run. The host needs more dedication, and possibly acts as a team, a family to show the direction. The volunteers need a full involvement and measure the balance between what they actually can give to the local community and what it needs in terms of self- management, and adaptation in the local environment.
In over 20 years, DaLaa has been working in various places mainly in South Thailand and created this rich local network and fresh compost and support for our activities and volunteers. It ranges from the Schools and alternative/ home schools, alternative markets and organic/ eco-friendly farming, to the health sectors and music and art sectors, university volunteer clubs and internships to the ministry of social affairs. Of course our former members and hosts are an integral part of DaLaa’s strength.
8) VSC (Voluntary Service Community)
VSC is our last identity element: in the last 10 years, we have been working on our own volunteer community where we, staff can mix our practice of volunteer life by hosting volunteers together with our office work. It demands a lot of investment but sharing life with like-minded volunteers is a treasure and fruits of our efforts are the best reward.
