1. What is the Muslim World? The Muslim World is the space and the community that is interested in issues related to Islam. It isn’t a world of borders per se, but of shared ideas and interests that range from cell phone ring tones for the call to prayer to human development issues in countries where the majority of the population are Muslims. In the context of the AUA project and the AUA Directory, the volunteer opportunities we profile are not exclusively with Muslim communities, but rather are located in countries that have Muslim-majorities – all of which are in Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Middle East. The use of “Muslim World” is not meant to exclude but rather is a term like “Women’s World” or “Runner’s World,” that is meant to characterize a large group with a common interest or bond.

2. Why does AUA seek to promote volunteer opportunities in the Muslim World? Volunteering on projects that promote common interests is a great way to build mutual understanding between different peoples. Ten years after the 9/11 attacks, it is undeniable that significant work needs to be done in building mutual understanding and peace between America and the Muslim World. At Creative Learning, we value the capacity of individuals to build people-to-people partnerships that help to get past certain stereotypes.

3. What is the AUA Directory? The AUA Directory is the premiere resource for Americans to identify short-term volunteer opportunities that build people-to-people partnerships in Muslim-majority countries. The AUA Directory provides information on each organization’s programs, their cost, when they send volunteers, and other relevant details. Each AUA Directory profile also includes information from volunteer alumni along with Creative Learning’s observations on the suitability of the program for different types of prospective volunteers. To read more about the AUA Directory and how it was created, click here. To search the AUA Directory, click here.

4. Why does the AUA Directory only promote volunteerism across the Muslim World? Volunteer opportunities exists throughout the world and AUA encourages volunteerism world-wide. Until the launch of AUA, there was no initiative that promoted and supported Americans volunteering in the Muslim World. On the other hand, there are hundreds if not thousands of initiatives and programs that support volunteering in individual countries or geographic regions, like the Americas or South East Asia.

5. Are the volunteer opportunities listed in the AUA Directory only open to American citizens? No. Many of the opportunities are open to all nationalities, though a good number of them have an English-speaking requirement.

6. Is my pledge to become one of America’s Unofficial Ambassadors binding? By pledging, you are making a good-faith commitment to be a part of something bigger than yourself and to serve as a volunteer in development in the Muslim World. You are pledging to represent your country, your community, and yourself in an act of peace building. You are the only person who can make that binding and true.

7. What do I have to do? Devote yourself to building peace full-time for a minimum of seven days by helping to create substantive accomplishments. Volunteer in an area of human development, like education, health, or civil society, and support local leaders and citizens to build opportunities within their community. In the process, represent yourself and your country in the best and most humble fashion.

8. Why should I volunteer? Your life will change. You’ll challenge yourself. You’ll see the world in a different way. You’ll meet people you aren’t currently able to imagine. You’ll travel to places that you perhaps only dreamed of going to before. Volunteering is a way to support your community. In the 21st Century, our communities are bigger than the neighborhood where we live. You’ll be a part of building a movement that is bigger than yourself and that’s defining feature is creating good through service. If that isn’t enough, with the completion of your service, we’ll send you a certificate of achievement, a t-shirt, and a lapel pin.

9. What if I pledge and then decide not to volunteer? There will be fewer people-to-people connections made, less people who will benefit from the unique perspective and resources that you are able to offer, and you will miss out on doing something great that will likely change your life. You don’t have to worry, though. We won’t hunt you down, wave your pledge before you, and demand service. Life happens, we all do our best.

10.  When do I have to volunteer by? There is no timeline. You should volunteer when you are able to, when you can afford to, and when it is the right time in your life. That said, the sooner the better. We are at a turning point in history, and the more people who volunteer in development now and who make the effort to build people-to-people partnerships, the better our future. We’ll be in touch along the way and will want to know when you serve.

11. Where can I volunteer? Anywhere in the Muslim World, from Morocco to Indonesia. The idea is to serve in a Muslim community in an area of human development. You can use the AUA Directory to find the right opportunity or start off by doing your own independent research. There are many good opportunities out there with small organizations that only host a couple of volunteers a year or in other places, like India or Uganda, that are not Muslim-majority countries. Or you can contact us and join the AUA Network and ask for help in finding a good opportunity.

12. Do I have to worry about my safety while volunteering? Volunteering abroad can be an exhilarating and life-changing experience that opens up new worlds and possibilities. Wherever you volunteer, though, whether that is at your local soup kitchen or in a youth club in Casablanca, you have to take responsibility for your own safety.

13. Why should I register to become an AUA member? By registering with AUA, you will have full access to the Directory and many other related services that AUA has or will have in the future.

14. Why should I join the AUA Network? Members of the AUA Network will have access to a multitude of resources and helpful tips, ranging from how to finance your volunteer experience to best practices in cross-cultural interactions. You can also connect with an experienced mentor, and participate in webinars on issues related to international development, America and the Muslim World, effective volunteering, and more! The AUA Network is the conduit for everything you need to know about building peace and making a difference in the lives of others through volunteering – pre-departure and post-return.

15. Will I need to pay anything to become a member of the AUA Network? No.

16. Is CL/AUA a volunteer-sending organization? Not at this time. Programs are in development though.

17. Do I have to apply to AUA to go abroad? No. Prospective volunteers apply directly to volunteer-sending or hosting organizations.

18. What is a Mosaic Scholarship? The AUA Mosaic Scholarship is a program to support volunteers who wish to serve with an AUA Directory-listed organization and who would not be able to pay program fees on their own. We call it the Mosaic program because we hope that recipients of these scholarships with represent the diversity (the mosaic) of America.

19. How is AUA funded? The AUA initiative is funded privately by citizens (like you), companies, and organizations that are interested in building peace through service between America and the Muslim World. To support AUA click here.

20. Who can I speak with to learn more about AUA? Contact Project Coordinator Gideon Culman.