Never the Same Again: A History of VSO Paperback Edition By Dick Bird The first complete history of Voluntary Service Overseas, Europe's largest volunteer agency. Entertaining and accessible, the story is brought to life through personal accounts by young people who have been transformed by overseas service. ISBN-13: 9780718829766 Specifications: 234x156mm, 208pp, Paperback with b&w photographs Price: £18.00 • US$38.50 Publication: May 1998 Order this Title Now

About this Book

This is an accessible and entertaining analytical history of VSO, brought to life through personal accounts by young people who have been transformed by service - those whose outlooks on the world were never the same again. As journalist Jon Snow says of his time with VSO in Uganda, "The discovery of real people beyond the tiny world I had occupied in England had a profound impact on my attitudes. The experience led me to journalism and a thirst for more contact with worlds beyond our own."

Alec Dickson, VSO’s charismatic and energetic founder - "the man with no brakes", as a Nigerian colleague described him - was inspired by his experiences of helping fleeing Hungarian refugees across the Austrian border in 1956. He described "a kind of fierce joy at feeling needed", a joy he wished to share with young people from Britain. He hoped that school-leavers who taught overseas would project warmth, freshness and approachability, as well as learning from those they helped.

From Dickson’s early vision, through VSO’s long and sometimes painful process of transition, Never the Same Again provides a fascinating insight into changing British attitudes to ‘abroad’ and development. ‘Doing VSO’ not only changes those who volunteer, but the organisation has itself adapted in response to public and media perceptions of its role. VSO has recruited ever more professional and experienced volunteers, and although many still go to teach, it also sends health workers, librarians and engineers to do vital work in countries with a shortage of trained professionals. What hasn’t changed is the altruism of the volunteers, who often accept very basic living conditions and a backward step in their careers in return for supplying their expertise.

Published to coincide with VSO’s 40th anniversary, with a Foreword by President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, this book will not only appeal to all those interested in overseas development work and to returned volunteers, their families and friends, but will undoubtedly inspire others to take an active role.

You can visit VSO's web site at http://www.oneworld.org/vso

Also available:
Hardback Edition

Reviews and Comments

".... will appeal to all those interested in overseas development work and to returned volunteers, their families and friends."
The Methodist Recorder

"... comprehensive and amusing ... Volunteers' letters...give a unique insight into their experiences. But the book also includes quite painless treatment of a range of issues ... Bird avoids glossing over thorny issues, and thereby provides an insightful exploration of the development of the organisation."
Orbit

"... eagerly awaited ... Bird has impeccable credentials ... A clear picture emerges of the environment in which (they) shared their skills with local partners and the impact these experiences have had on their lives. ... Over thirty years, Bird has made many valuable contributions to VSO and this book is one of them - a fascinating account, well illustrated with pictures and cartoons. A fascinating account of the work of the VSO."
Suresh Lalvani, in Third Sector

"... provides confirmation in plenty that a spell overseas at the commencement of any career, or indeed in mid-career, can enhance a volunteer's life and career subsequently. Replete with personal testimonies and stories the book is a good read."
The Expository Times

"The chronological and illustrated account becomes a history of recent times, fascinating in retrospect ... Packed with information and passion, this is welded together seamlessly and skilfully into a kaleidoscope of experience and event."
The Library Association Record

"For those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to read this book celebrating VSO's 40 year history as a volunteer sending agency, I would urge you to do so. ... this is a celebration of the volunteers themselves and a recognition that their commitment is an inspiring force."
Ms Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Co-ordinator, United Nations Volunteers

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, particularly liked the vivid stories of volunteers. There is a good deal of humour as well as an impressive level of honesty. Very highly recommended - a good read."
Judy Reading, Educational Librarian Group

About the Author

Dick Bird has worked in VSO for over 30 years, first as a volunteer in Malawi, then in Papua New Guinea as their first field director for and subsequently in various roles on the Senior Management Team. He is currently Director of Fundraising.