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 bear witness to the courage, efforts, and endurance of people and families who live in chronic poverty worldwide, through a long-term commitment to learn from, and act in partnership with them. Fourth World Volunteers are men and women of different nationalities, faiths and philosophies, ages, professions, and backgrounds. They may be single or in a couple, with or without children. At times, they live alongside families in neglected, impoverished communities, shantytowns, or rural villages. In partnership with residents, they undertake small-scale educational, cultural, and civic activities and projects. At other times during their commitment, Fourth World Volunteers may 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 those most rejected and burdened by long-term poverty, while enabling people from all walks of life to come together in a common cause. (See our STEP campaign: Striving Together to End Poverty.)
Fourth World Volunteers all agree to lead a simple lifestyle. Rather than wages or titles, we place a premium on commitment. Thus, after the first year, all Fourth World Volunteers--regardless of their training, education, type of responsibility, or length of service--receive the same, equitable living stipend, in accordance with the standard of living of the country where they are located. There are some 400 Fourth World Volunteers serving in 28 countries. Over 60% have been involved for 5 years or more and nearly a quarter have served for 20 years or more. Take a new STEP toward partnership. Explore the international long-term Fourth World Volunteer Corps through a 3-month internship or other volunteering opportunities with us. Join Us
To get a preview of volunteering with Fourth World Movement, click here.