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ODW is a student organization that encourages leadership, responsibility, and volunteerism in middle and high school age students. ODW encourages participants to view the world in a different way, and teaches them that they can make a difference in someone's life, as well as their own.
Every year, ODW students across the United States choose a project in a developing country that supports youth and education. ODW students believe that an education paves the path to success. Once a project is chosen, ODW students begin the education campaign. This first part involves educating themselves about the country and its people, then educating their school and community. ODW strives to teach students and people everywhere that youth in poorer countries are not as different from us as we might think. These students need an education to change their situation and the conditions in their country. Knowledge is power!
On a given day in the spring, the Thetford Academy students who choose to participate (96% last year) go out into the community to do odd jobs such as yard work, office work, or housework. The money that students earn from this day of work goes entirely to the project that ODW is sponsoring.
ODW teaches youth in the U.S. about the world and empowers them with the knowledge that they can change and improve the world a little bit at a time. Students learn to take responsibility for what is going on around them, and develop the resources and skills to make a positive change.
Solidarity
Solidarity is the principle behind Operation Day's Work, distinguishing it from charity organizations. The difference is that charity is a one-way benefit. The word solidarity means sharing; solidarity benefits both parties by sharing education and understanding. ODW exemplifies the old saying, "If you give a man a fish, he will be fed for a day; if you teach a man to fish, he will be fed for a lifetime." When students commit to solidarity they are not committing to charity, but to learning and helping fellow youth move toward self-sufficiency. ODW strives for global understanding and unity. We believe that when youth everywhere strive to understand and educate each other, the world will truly be a better place.
