Fourth World Movement Volunteer Corps

They came with bare hands, without money, without power, without prestige. Their dedication and their courage built the volunteer corps… I demanded that they let themselves be taught by the families who had suffered the most…to start everything over again with those in deep poverty; to accept the idea of questioning what they had learned up until this point about religion, brotherhood, truth, justice.
-Joseph Wresinski; Founder, Fourth World Movement

Fourth World Movement Volunteer Corps members are committed to serving as witnesses to the courage and endurance of people and families who live in chronic poverty worldwide. They are men and women of different nationalities, faiths, ages, professions, and backgrounds. They may be single or a couple, with or without children. They make a long-term commitment to learn from and act in partnership with those in poverty.

Some live alongside very poor families in impoverished communities, shantytowns, or poor rural villages. In partnership with residents, they undertake various educational, cultural, and civic activities. Other Volunteer Corps members work at FWM centers, with responsibilities for establishing links and alliances with politicians, civic leaders, and the general public. They all endeavor to ensure that the Fourth World Movement's projects remain faithful to the poorest of the poor, while enabling people from all walks of life to come together in a common cause. Fourth World Movement Volunteers all agree to receive the same minimum living stipend, regardless of their training, type of responsibility, or length of service.