Volunteer Globally, Act Locally

	Volunteer Piotr Mirowski worked with students on the SEED Water Project in Kazakhstan in August 2006.

One of the most common questions from SEED volunteers is, “How can I get involved?” The answer depends mainly on a volunteer’s location and level of commitment. It’s a good question, and the answer often raises more questions which this newsletter hopes to answer in brief.

Many Schlumberger employees, spouses and retirees who register as SEED volunteers are based in countries where there are no SEED schools.  SEED workshops, for instance, are mainly held in developing countries. Because SEED Educational Programs concentrate on underserved communities where Schlumberger people live and work, it goes without saying that participation in SEED workshops would require time and travel from most volunteers.

As a result, while it is possible for volunteers to obtain the sponsorship needed to participate in distant SEED activities, it usually requires a manager’s blessing or individual initiative. Unfortunately, many SEED volunteers do not get the opportunity to visit and interact with the students and teachers in SEED schools around the world as they would like.

With the aim to help our volunteers fulfill the desire to make a positive difference in the life and future of students in SEED schools, SEED has always offered a range of activities that can be performed by Schlumberger employees anywhere, including: