Jordan Birnbaum

Host

So You Want To Join The Peace Corps...

Aug 1, 2013·53 visitors

Rebecca Westbrook Toker

Cohost

Stage· 271 messages

Aug 1, 2013

From 2007-2009, Rebecca served in The Peace Corps in Honduras. We Tawk about US foreign policy, the nature of poverty and cross-cultural emotional connections.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:00 AM

Hello my friend! How weird going right from that amazing Tawk into this one.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:00 AM

It's like watching Godfather I and II in the same evening

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from C. Brian Smith

“so weird”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“:-)”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:01 AM

I'm here! The page was being strange!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:01 AM

Kelly, I have to say thanks - that was AMAZING!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:01 AM

excellent! I'm glad you made it! We kind of need you.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:02 AM

OK Rebecca - so I have this broken into 2 sections

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:02 AM

Hello to old PC buddies and potential cohosts in the audience - glad you could make it!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:02 AM

human /spiritual and political /economic

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:02 AM

where do you and the audience want to start?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:03 AM

What do you think?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“Thank you. Can't wait to do more with the topic. WE need a "women" button on the topic menu.. ;-)”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:03 AM

A little intro?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:03 AM

Kelly -off topice, but I bet it's coming soon.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:03 AM

And Kelly, I TOTALLY agree! I have a few ideas in mind!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:04 AM

Yeah, you're right. We should have an intro.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:04 AM

Rebecca served in the Peace Corps from 2007-2009 in Honduras. I am in awe of peace corps volunteers.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:04 AM

Okay, so, I served in Peace Corps Honduras from July 2007 - September 2009.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“human spiritual first! :)”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:05 AM

I'm not sure if awe is the appropriate response - we are hairy, dirty humans. And we talk about our poops a lot. That becomes a thing.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:05 AM

@rachel - noted.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“yay vaginas!”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:05 AM

Indeed, Yay, vaginas!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:06 AM

yes, but you're so bold, so young. And I want to know what makes you like that.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:06 AM

Are there shared charectistics among volunteers? experiences?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“My suggestion would be that Becky starts when and how she got the idea to join the peace corps, it isn't typical of your average volunteer”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:06 AM

To begin, I have to say that each person's Peace Corps (PC) experience is individual. There are many program variations by country and every experience is unique. I only speak for myself.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:06 AM

yeah -what Aaron said.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“It always comes down to talking about what to make for dinner and poops. WE are a simple species.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:07 AM

lol

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:08 AM

Well, I saw a PC table at a career fair in high school when I was 16. And I was like, "That's it."

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:08 AM

And btw Aaron, I'm guessing now that you're my next new hero...

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“thanks Jordan, I like this platform”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:09 AM

me too

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:09 AM

So I worked toward that. I volunteered for everything, I took Spanish classes, I chose to pursue an education degree rather than art, all so that I could bring something worthwhile to peopl.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:09 AM

That was the idea, anyway.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:10 AM

OK - but you realize that most 16-year olds are not thinking this way, right?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:10 AM

I was 16, from a town of 800 people in north Texas, and had never really been anywhere. I didn't know anything. I just had this idea that I wanted to help.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:10 AM

so were you born for this? are you an old soul?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:10 AM

to attribute anything spiritual to it?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:11 AM

I think I am an old soul. And/or hopelessly idealistic.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachael Workman

“@Rachel my understanding is that you have no say in where you end up.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:11 AM

so what happens next?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:11 AM

It was all spiritual. It was all based on feeling.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:11 AM

you started preparing right away

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:12 AM

And Jordan, Aaron is great. I'm trying to get him to cohost - you'll see!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“Rachel, to answer your question, you have a limited say in where you go. Your application qualifies you for a type of project, which is active in several geographic areas”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:12 AM

Well, I've ALWAYS just wanted to help - to do something good. PC seemed like something I NEEDED to do. And it changed me so completely.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:13 AM

Matured, rather.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:13 AM

So what werr your early iinteractions with the organization and the other volunteers like? how was the cameraderie?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

“Wow, Rebecca - you are special, seems to me.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:14 AM

agreed.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:14 AM

I threw the whole thing up to fate. I told them I would go wherever - but told them that Russia might be a little hard for me to get used to (not a fan of cold).

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:14 AM

Um, to tell the truth, it sucked.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:14 AM

The first 3 months - training - was god-awful.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:14 AM

really? not what I was expecting.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:15 AM

It was like being in high school again, with the cliquishness and the having to live in someone else's house and have curfew and all.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:15 AM

well - like military training? designed to be bad?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:15 AM

NOT like military training. Like high school.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:15 AM

We were babied.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:15 AM

that's dissapointing

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:16 AM

I did not meet people like me - most other volunteers were going through intense emotional turmoil about whether they had made the right decision.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:16 AM

heavy -were they at the beginning too?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:16 AM

And the adjustment to third world likfe was harder for most. I grew up really poor, so it wasn't THAT shocking.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:17 AM

well, that's going to come in handy later when I ask about poverty

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from C. Brian Smith

“what was the scariest part of the peace corps?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:17 AM

but for now, a few questions from the audience.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:17 AM

I got on SO well with the staff, though. The PC trainers and program coordinators are some of the best humans on earth.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:18 AM

imagine they'd be!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:18 AM

The scariest part? The time the guy in the car I was hitching in wanted to show me his gun. That was terrifying.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:18 AM

yikes - not good.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:18 AM

It is HILARIOUS the way that I got out of that, though...

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:19 AM

which was? and why did he show you the gun?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:19 AM

And, p.s., I effing LOVE hitching. PC tells you not to, but you HAVE to. And it's great and terrifying and it is a great way to meet people.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:19 AM

You're fearless!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:19 AM

He showed me the gun because I was a pretty white girl and he wanted to impress me and make me a little scared so he could have control.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:20 AM

It's a VERY misogynystic culture.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:20 AM

how'd you get out of it?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:21 AM

Anyway, so this (other white) guy called me while I was in the car with the gun guy, and he started accusing me of taking over part of his territory (in my work with a school he also worked at)

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:21 AM

And it was like the last straw, so I broke into tears.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:21 AM

omg - neurotic white issues got you out of it?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:21 AM

And IMMEDIATELY the gun guy put the gun away, pulled over and fumbled for a kleenex

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:22 AM

that how I get out of most of my jams too!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:22 AM

Then offered to go shoot the guy who made me cry.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:22 AM

Holy shit.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:22 AM

power in tears.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“BTW - I am now drinking wine. In case anyone cares.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:22 AM

I do, Kelly.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“territoriality is a big issue with a lot of volunteers”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:22 AM

He was already pulled over, so I thanked him over and over (declined the offer to shoot the guy) and got out of the car. Walked that extra mile into town.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:23 AM

yeah - is that the high school factor or the primal factor - the territoriality, I mean

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:23 AM

Kelly, me too! Pinot Noir. What you got?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:23 AM

Ok sisterhood of the travelling pants....

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:23 AM

That was the "he had issues and had come to central america to escape " factor.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:23 AM

He wasn't PC.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:24 AM

But yeah, Aaron, they get territorial.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:24 AM

I see - a running from his problems kinda guy. tick, tick, rick...

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

“I wonder: for most PCers - are they welcomed as helpers, or resented as Americans?”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:24 AM

It's not because of whiteness or highschoolishness, I think...

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:24 AM

how about Rick's question?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:24 AM

it's more the "I am writing my story" aspect of PC.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachael Workman

“it's still a drastic change, regardless of expectations. and, depending on where you're placed, very isolating..”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:25 AM

Rachel, isolation is something that alsmost all volunteers go through.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:25 AM

do you bring a lot of books?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:26 AM

The big secrets of PC are 1.) It's really all about YOU (unfortunately). Two years is not enough time to effect cultural paradigm shift

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:26 AM

and 2.) PC volunteers go through so much emotional crap that they engage in very risky behaviors. Drinking, Drugs, Sex. It's like a frat.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:27 AM

wow. i bet that's not how they describe it in the brochure.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:27 AM

Tee hee, Jordan!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

“Drinking, drugs and sex - the upside of volunteer work.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:27 AM

Most countries have a book bank in the PC office.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:28 AM

I was so straight-laced because I wanted to be sure to get into PC. And then I got there and did things I would never have even thought of before.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:28 AM

I will not be asking a follow-up question.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:28 AM

What happens in-country stays in-country.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:29 AM

;)

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:29 AM

OK -so what about the relationships you form with the citizens who live there. Are they open to you?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“so did you feel like you didn't help others as much as you wanted to? I guess that's true of a lot of org.'s that set out to help it takes more than a yr or two to change anything unfortunately :/”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:30 AM

Rachel, exactly. Exactly.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:30 AM

Jordan - sort of.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:30 AM

Central America has a saturation of do-gooders.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:30 AM

mostly religious-based?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:30 AM

So there's not a real expectation that you're going to stick around.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:31 AM

Many are religious based. I will take this opportunity to openly denounce medical brigades - especially religious ones.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:31 AM

Oy - one despicable group at a time. So did missionaries have a history of abandoning people?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:32 AM

Central America doesn't need salvation - they are all either evangelical or catholic.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:32 AM

They're in good with Jesus.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:32 AM

Mission groups come in for a week or two at a time ALL THE TIME.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:32 AM

so they're doing it for show?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:33 AM

NGOs come in and people stay for a year or two at a time. The NGO may stay, but turnover means starting over.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:33 AM

ok slow down on ngos - that's a major topic

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:33 AM

Not purposely doing it for show. But that's what it amounts to. There is no long-term follow-through.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“the territoriality does have a more functional purpose Jordan, its because a volunteer is trading on social capital. Your "turf" is the network of people that will get jobs done with you.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:33 AM

so please first answer this, and then we'll go to NGOs

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kit Nowell

“I wanna know how you were so fearless, Rebecca?”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:34 AM

Okay.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“I love medical brigades, its like putting a band aid on an axe wound”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:35 AM

Kit, I wouldn't describe myself that way. i went with my gut. I depended on my brain to get myself out of situations. I guess I just believed that I was doing the rightso I would be okay. thing

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:35 AM

Oh, Aaron, this is why you are my dear, dear friend!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:35 AM

Umm - last thing -let's clarify what a medical brigade is supposed to do and what it actually does.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:36 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kit Nowell

“But at 16, I didn't even know how to listen to my gut!”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:36 AM

neither did I Kit

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:36 AM

superman doesn't know he's special

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:36 AM

A med brigade is doctors who go to developing nations for a week or two out of the year to bring aid to isolated areas.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:36 AM

that sounds well iontentioned at least

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:37 AM

In reality, they come in, help a few pepeople, see a lot more people and give them advice or prescriptions that they won't follow for cultural or environmental reasons.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:37 AM

Then the doctors go to a resort town feeling good about themselves and then go home until next year.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:38 AM

that's kinda gross

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:38 AM

★ Spotlighted from Warren Matten

“Sounds like the volunteers do it for show, the organizations don't really help, the religious reasoning behind it all isn't needed, and it's a big dirty party.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:38 AM

And they get angry (I got yelled at) when PC volunteers who translate for them try to educate them about culture.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:38 AM

Warren is what I like to call "our kinda guy."

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:39 AM

Warren, unfortunately, that's what it amounts to. That's not the intention,but it comes out to very little.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:39 AM

And you should know - you're South African!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:39 AM

if they were interested in culture, they wouldn't be douchebags

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:39 AM

Americans are doing this all over your country!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:40 AM

Bingo, Jordan!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:40 AM

so OK -what are NGOs? And what are their relationship to the US

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“wow if they are going to go in and try and help these people the least they could do is respect their culture...”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:40 AM

NGOs are Non-Governmental Organizations.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:40 AM

That's a UN designation? And what is their purpose?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kristin Ciasulli

“Wonder how different things would be if the PC said "Pack your bags. You're going to DETROIT!!"”

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:40 AM

no shit, Kristin!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:41 AM

Many are founded by international organizations and operate in multiple developing nations.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:41 AM

Are there laws they have to follow?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:41 AM

Others are founded by national organizations and operate on more localized goals.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“Maybe it's that we have an impulse to help, and do it in these really clunky ways. The intentions are real, but the reality is shit.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:42 AM

Exactly, Kelly!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:42 AM

So what is the purpose of an NGO, and why are all these groups forming them?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:42 AM

BTW - that's the punchline to my well-intentioned desire to "do good."

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:42 AM

Aaron, help me out here with a simple explanation...

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:43 AM

Kristin, Haha! Americorps does that, BTW.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:43 AM

OK - while Aaron provides an explanation that you guys have to vote up...

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:43 AM

NGOs are trying to help, too. Some of them are recognized by the UN - like Red Cross.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:43 AM

what about the American factor? What is our country doing, if anything, in South America?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:44 AM

I was in Central America, which is an important designation.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:44 AM

yes, sloppy of me.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:44 AM

another reason to hate myself. great.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:44 AM

To be frank, our country is strategically located in CA in case they need it.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:44 AM

california?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:45 AM

Jordan, be nice to yourself - we both just came from Kelly's talk!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:45 AM

Central America.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:45 AM

i'm pretending to be funny.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“the non-profit, like world vision is a well known example. They are non profit groups that operate in third world countries often filling functions that country cant provide their own people. Like running water in rural areas.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:45 AM

Yes. :)

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:45 AM

That's the idea, anyway, right?

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:45 AM

ok - what do we have that they don't for things like running water?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:46 AM

So, NGOs work on these initiatives.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:46 AM

But it's so CUMBERSOME!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:46 AM

like that song from the 90's? "Cumbersome." Which it was. To listen to.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:46 AM

The cultural differences are huge - it takes years before people trust them. And then, after theat, developing nations are inefficient, so a lot of time is wasted in inefficiencies.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:47 AM

so we bring in tecvhnology they cannot install or operate?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:47 AM

Sometimes, yes.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:47 AM

so who makes a profit in this?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:47 AM

FOr example, the water systems are often not chlorinated.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:48 AM

Even after the agreement and the training have "ensured" that it would be.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“NGO's also don't share information, because they are fighting for the cooperation of towns that they can use to justify their budgets, so you often get two of them pouring money into the same project, only to find out that's the case halfway in”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:48 AM

The profit is mostly in providing blue-collar jobs for locals within these organizations.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:49 AM

To look at it honestly.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:49 AM

Yes, Aaron. PC included. The information gap is debilitating.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“Did doing this PC work make you more or less hopeful in the end?”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:49 AM

Both, Kelly.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:50 AM

Most PC volunteers don't do so well suring their service. But they WAKE UP.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:50 AM

And many go back to the States and have a career and foment that little seed of an idea that they turn into something big

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:50 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“And most water systems are not chlorinated, or even maintained because the field office is looking to justify and allocate large amounts of budget at a time, so they get more "bang for their buck" by moving onto to the next construction project.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:50 AM

that will address a specific issue they saw while in PC.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:51 AM

Yes, Aaron. Yes. The inefficiencies. The irony. It still hurts so much I laugh!

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:51 AM

do you remember some of your defining epiphanies from the experience?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:51 AM

★ Spotlighted from Warren Matten

“So, NGOs are Non-Government Organizations. But Peace Core is a US government initiative right? So does that make it any better / different from the one's you're talking about?”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:51 AM

PC is Government, but it's basically the same.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:52 AM

and yes, everyone IS an asshole.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:53 AM

And it's supposed to be a cooperative effort between our government and theirs, but it's basically an imposition of our government - mostly because Americans come to do it after a 3-month indoctrination session.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:53 AM

Epiphanies.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:53 AM

Wow.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:53 AM

There were many.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:54 AM

One poignant moment was when I reread The Poisonwood Bible and realized that I was imposing my own brand of religion.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“So Rebecca you and I have talked recently about our Government in the U.S. was this where you saw your first glimpses into our corrupt system?”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:54 AM

Rachel, oh yes. This was where the veil dropped.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:54 AM

any particular examples?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:55 AM

Well, USAID sent food rations to women who attended the monthly prenatal and postnatal checkups at the village health center.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:55 AM

Many came JUST for the rations.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:56 AM

SOy flour began to replace white flour - because it's higher protien, right?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:56 AM

EXCEPT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:56 AM

People didn't like it or eat it.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:56 AM

They fed it to the chickens, if that.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:56 AM

But how would you know, unless you were on the ground?

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:56 AM

USAID reports it as successful.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:57 AM

That's poignant.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:57 AM

for any newbies, my first tawk with Rebecca was on the corruption of food and how we are basically being poisoned - it's worth a read - she knows her stuff: http://tawke.rs/12Ru5zy

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:58 AM

Another thing: i watched a family decide to let a paralyzed man go on ahead and die instead of receive the treatment we were trying to coordinate because it was "the will of God."

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“You tell me as I bite into a burrito.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:59 AM

Ha ha, Kelly - I won't even tell you what's in it!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:59 AM

That was a huge cultural lesson.

Jordan Birnbaum · 1:59 AM

yeah, that's disturbing

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 1:59 AM

But I want to say something POSITIVE now. :)

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:00 AM

All right, so we're out of time -and we didn't even get to the military coup!!!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:00 AM

so let's go out on a happy note!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:00 AM

I STILL (YES!) encourage anyone who can get free for two years to join the Peace Corps. There are such heartbreakingly wonderful people you will meet!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:01 AM

There is so much reality you will have to face.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:01 AM

most humans are really good people

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:01 AM

So much growing and digging you'll have to do...

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:01 AM

It won't be what you expect, at all.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:01 AM

The challenges won't be what you think.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:01 AM

MOST HUMANS ARE GOOD PEOPLE!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:02 AM

And the most important thing, that I didn't do too well, is to just WITNESS.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:02 AM

Just be a witness to the ebb and flow of life.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

“How many related to the drink, drugs and sex?”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:02 AM

Just take it in and feel it and see that what you knew is only part of the story.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:03 AM

TRY to "get" what makes the people tick.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:03 AM

Yeah, and if you figure it our, please call me.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:03 AM

It will change you. And then, after you've been humbled in so many ways,

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:03 AM

THEN

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:03 AM

THEN you can get to work.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:03 AM

I think the topic deserves further considerationh

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:04 AM

but for now, I will say that you continue to inspire all of us, Rebecca. That you are oblivious to it only makes it more charming.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:04 AM

Yeah, I feel that I gave you vagueries. It was an intense two years. Sorry for anyone I didn't directly respond to!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:04 AM

audience you rule, as usual.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:05 AM

newcomers - I hope you enjoyed it.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:05 AM

Come and hear me talk to Aaron next week - I'll get the date down ASAP. He's a stellar example of how PC changes your direction for the good!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:05 AM

Can't wait to be a wiseass in the audience!

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:05 AM

And to Rick - none of your business! :P

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:06 AM

good night, everyone.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“love that Rebecca... observation of our world and its people are so important in not only finding ourselves but finding commonalities with others”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:06 AM

Well-said, Rachel. And thanks, Rick!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

and if you're coming here late, click the "top" button in the upper left corner to pick this up from the beginning.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:07 AM

Thanks, everyone!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

“I have lots of respect for Rebecca.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

me too.

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Aaron Meyers

“thanks beckers!”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kit Nowell

“Thank you!”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Warren Matten

“Thank you guys.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 11:31 PM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“I am tres je jeune.”

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 11:31 PM

★ Spotlighted from Kelly Carlin

“Please don't. I claim to be awakened, but have not been able to integrate the food into that awakening...”

Forum · 136

Forum· 136 comments

53 visitors

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:00 AM★ Spotlighted

:-)

C. Brian SmithAug 1, 2013, 1:00 AM★ Spotlighted

so weird

Rachael WorkmanAug 1, 2013, 1:00 AM

double feature kidsss

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 1:01 AM

Fun. I didn't want to quit playing yet

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:01 AM

Hello All

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:01 AM

Except without the bloodshed.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:01 AM

hello everyone! :)

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:02 AM

let Rebecca tell a few stories, bloodshed is still possible

C. Brian SmithAug 1, 2013, 1:02 AM

seconded, Kelly

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:02 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you. Can't wait to do more with the topic. WE need a "women" button on the topic menu.. ;-)

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:03 AM

Equality for hermaphrodites!

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:03 AM

start narrow and then go broad...?

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:03 AM

Thanks Bri.

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:04 AM★ Spotlighted

yay vaginas!

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:04 AM★ Spotlighted

human spiritual first! :)

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:05 AM

haaha @Rebecca well that is something to be in awe of lol

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:06 AM★ Spotlighted

My suggestion would be that Becky starts when and how she got the idea to join the peace corps, it isn't typical of your average volunteer

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:06 AM★ Spotlighted

It always comes down to talking about what to make for dinner and poops. WE are a simple species.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:07 AM

So you get to choose where you wish to serve?

Rachael WorkmanAug 1, 2013, 1:08 AM★ Spotlighted

@Rachel my understanding is that you have no say in where you end up.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:08 AM

Thanks Rachel :)

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:08 AM★ Spotlighted

thanks Jordan, I like this platform

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:08 AM

dang I meant Rachael

Rachael WorkmanAug 1, 2013, 1:09 AM

haha no worries!

C. Brian SmithAug 1, 2013, 1:10 AM★ Spotlighted

what was the scariest part of the peace corps?

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:10 AM

Brian - what scares you the most?

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:11 AM★ Spotlighted

Rachel, to answer your question, you have a limited say in where you go. Your application qualifies you for a type of project, which is active in several geographic areas

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:11 AM

you can choose out of those general geographic areas

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:11 AM

Amazing Rebecca! :) I am impressed that you are also a Texan :) need more Texans like you lol

Lucy DyerAug 1, 2013, 1:12 AM

sorry i'm late. i miss anything?

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:12 AM

@Aaron oh so they choose based off of your skills too then cool thanks :)

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:12 AM

@Lucy just intros really :)

Rachael WorkmanAug 1, 2013, 1:13 AM

i know we have a lot of newbies in the crowd tonight so don't forget to click on "who's here" and listen to the people who's comments you want to see. from there, you should "like" the ones you want the hosts to see. they only see overheard comments

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:13 AM★ Spotlighted

Wow, Rebecca - you are special, seems to me.

C. Brian SmithAug 1, 2013, 1:15 AM

russia's a great place for anal these days

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:15 AM

Has the PC changed since the 60s much?

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:16 AM

ick nothing worse than having to relive high school

C. Brian SmithAug 1, 2013, 1:16 AM

yeah thats more on topic kel

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:17 AM

Because most volunteers don't know so early what they want to do. So the decision is newer to them - more likely to cause emotional turmoil.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:17 AM

sounds like you were made for the position. Maybe others thought it wouldn't be as gritty and such hard work? Really what were they expecting?

Rachael WorkmanAug 1, 2013, 1:18 AM★ Spotlighted

it's still a drastic change, regardless of expectations. and, depending on where you're placed, very isolating..

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:19 AM★ Spotlighted

I wonder: for most PCers - are they welcomed as helpers, or resented as Americans?

C. Brian SmithAug 1, 2013, 1:20 AM

and really, what could go wrong?

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:20 AM

I'd be so afraid of being harmed - woman, hitching, third world country...is that wrong of me to think that?

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:20 AM

haha you saw through his rouse right away haha. Oh my goodness I don't know if I could hitch after studying serial killers lol you are fearless!

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:21 AM

@Kelly nope I'd feel the same but I am a little untrusting of people too so.. maybe that's it?

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:21 AM★ Spotlighted

BTW - I am now drinking wine. In case anyone cares.

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:21 AM★ Spotlighted

territoriality is a big issue with a lot of volunteers

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:22 AM

Red, white or rose?

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:22 AM

I nice chardonnay.

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 1:22 AM

I care Kelly. Because I'm not drinking with you.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:23 AM

wow! scary! yes a woman can always resort to tears haha. @Jordan glad it works for you too ;)

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:23 AM

Well, virtually we are, Kit. And these days, that IS being with each other. Sigh.

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:23 AM

Hess Select.

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:23 AM

Rudolf?

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:24 AM★ Spotlighted

the territoriality does have a more functional purpose Jordan, its because a volunteer is trading on social capital. Your "turf" is the network of people that will get jobs done with you.

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:24 AM

but yes, it is also very high school

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:24 AM

No, Herman. Without the E

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:25 AM

lol

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:26 AM

As Buckaroo Banzai said, "Where you go, there you are." Can't run away from yourself or being human. Even in the PC.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:26 AM

So I guess it's a good thing if you are used to being isolated lol

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:27 AM★ Spotlighted

so did you feel like you didn't help others as much as you wanted to? I guess that's true of a lot of org.'s that set out to help it takes more than a yr or two to change anything unfortunately :/

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 1:27 AM★ Spotlighted

I wanna know how you were so fearless, Rebecca?

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:27 AM★ Spotlighted

Drinking, drugs and sex - the upside of volunteer work.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:27 AM

yes apparently I need to do more volunteering haha

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:28 AM

so it

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:28 AM

Do tell.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:28 AM

so it's because people feel so misplaced? And cling on more to those around them who are going through the same thing

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:28 AM

haha

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:30 AM

do they have stats on how many people serve in the PC who end up going the more non-profit route after the PC? That would be interesting to see

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:31 AM

Non-profits here are a closed club.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:32 AM

@Rick closed club?

Kristin CiasulliAug 1, 2013, 1:32 AM

Any medical brigades? Like Drs w/o Borders? FlyingDoctorsofAmerica?

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:32 AM

I've tried to give my time and considerable media expertise away and couldn't even find a taker.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:33 AM

maybe what they need is healthier food, more sustainable housing, and education instead of more religion

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:33 AM★ Spotlighted

I love medical brigades, its like putting a band aid on an axe wound

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:34 AM

@Rick that's unfortunate a friend of mine has built her own from the ground up tho it wasn't easy I'd love to make non-profits more accessible to people that's a shame!

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:34 AM

Yes, I was/am disappointed in that regard.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:35 AM

@Rick this is good to know as I plan on going to non-profit route after grad school.. may need to change those things ;)

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:35 AM

She's special - and lucky.

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 1:35 AM★ Spotlighted

But at 16, I didn't even know how to listen to my gut!

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:36 AM

@Rachel - I tried to go that route after many years in for-profit. You get characterized.

Warren MattenAug 1, 2013, 1:37 AM★ Spotlighted

Sounds like the volunteers do it for show, the organizations don't really help, the religious reasoning behind it all isn't needed, and it's a big dirty party.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:37 AM

psh they can try haha I am going for industrial-organizational psychology so I would think I could use that to go in and help non-profits become more efficient and help hopefully with grant writing too

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:37 AM

@Rick although if anything I will just help with my friend's non-profit who WANTS my expertise

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:38 AM

I have a PhD in Motivational Psychology. Didn'thelp.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:38 AM

hmm yeah maybe I will just stick with her non-profit then that is disgusting! how can they not want a way to have an edge over profiting companies?? :/

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:39 AM★ Spotlighted

wow if they are going to go in and try and help these people the least they could do is respect their culture...

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:40 AM

gotta love America lol just shove our ideals and beliefs down everyone elses throat and call it "Freedom" haha

Kristin CiasulliAug 1, 2013, 1:40 AM★ Spotlighted

Wonder how different things would be if the PC said "Pack your bags. You're going to DETROIT!!"

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:41 AM

that's called AmeriCorps Kristin, a great organization in its own way

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:41 AM★ Spotlighted

Maybe it's that we have an impulse to help, and do it in these really clunky ways. The intentions are real, but the reality is shit.

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:42 AM

I got your NGO right here (grabs her crotch and spits).

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:43 AM

of an NGO?

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:43 AM

would you call that well-intentioned disorganization Kelly? I mean it just sounds like yes intentions are good but if you don't identify with and speak to them through their cultural norms no wonder there is a cultural disconnect :/

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:44 AM★ Spotlighted

the non-profit, like world vision is a well known example. They are non profit groups that operate in third world countries often filling functions that country cant provide their own people. Like running water in rural areas.

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:44 AM

Doing right, he means

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:44 AM

Yeah, Jordan - don't be such an ugly American. Jeez.

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 1:45 AM

Jordon, here, eat a fudgsicle with me.

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:46 AM★ Spotlighted

Did doing this PC work make you more or less hopeful in the end?

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:47 AM

It's not the end yet.

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:47 AM★ Spotlighted

NGO's also don't share information, because they are fighting for the cooperation of towns that they can use to justify their budgets, so you often get two of them pouring money into the same project, only to find out that's the case halfway in

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:48 AM

@Aaron yes that sounds horribly inefficient

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:49 AM

so again it all goes back to money?

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:49 AM★ Spotlighted

And most water systems are not chlorinated, or even maintained because the field office is looking to justify and allocate large amounts of budget at a time, so they get more "bang for their buck" by moving onto to the next construction project.

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 1:50 AM

the average NGO field office is budget centric, not solution centric.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:50 AM

so to me then it seems like a charade, yes we will go help these people but it won't be sustainable and if you want us to come back it will cost more money?

Warren MattenAug 1, 2013, 1:51 AM★ Spotlighted

So, NGOs are Non-Government Organizations. But Peace Core is a US government initiative right? So does that make it any better / different from the one's you're talking about?

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:52 AM

haha no surprise there Jordan

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:53 AM★ Spotlighted

So Rebecca you and I have talked recently about our Government in the U.S. was this where you saw your first glimpses into our corrupt system?

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:53 AM★ Spotlighted

How many related to the drink, drugs and sex?

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:57 AM

wow and now I have been hearing awful things about soy so they probably had it right all along but they still reported it a success after the people rejected it? wow

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:58 AM★ Spotlighted

You tell me as I bite into a burrito.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 1:58 AM

yes very good tawk last time on food corruption

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 1:58 AM

With a chardonnay? How je jeune.

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:59 AM★ Spotlighted

Please don't. I claim to be awakened, but have not been able to integrate the food into that awakening...

Kelly CarlinAug 1, 2013, 1:59 AM★ Spotlighted

I am tres je jeune.

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 2:00 AM

wow. how sad! I am not even all that for yay modern medicine but with something like that how could you not try.. sometimes religious interpretations can be so debilitating :(

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 2:00 AM

yes something positive! :)

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 2:00 AM

I love it when you speak french.

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 2:01 AM

leave out the word good

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 2:01 AM

it's the institutions with a problem I thnk

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 2:01 AM

*think

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 2:02 AM

Where to now?

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 2:02 AM

To Kellie's for burriitos

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 2:02 AM

I'm just gonna pub crawl from one task to another....

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 2:03 AM★ Spotlighted

love that Rebecca... observation of our world and its people are so important in not only finding ourselves but finding commonalities with others

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 2:03 AM

Tawk

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 2:04 AM★ Spotlighted

I have lots of respect for Rebecca.

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 2:05 AM

Thanks, J&R

Rachel McDonnellAug 1, 2013, 2:05 AM

Thanks Rebecca and Jordan! :)

Warren MattenAug 1, 2013, 2:05 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you guys.

Kit NowellAug 1, 2013, 2:05 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you!

Aaron MeyersAug 1, 2013, 2:05 AM★ Spotlighted

thanks beckers!

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 2:06 AM

Bummer!

Rick RosnerAug 1, 2013, 2:07 AM

No, thank you.