Would you volunteer here?

[Cat_eyed]

Hi guys,

I came across this volunteering opportunity that I think would be really interesting and fit with my schedule: It is an online youth volunteer, job description as follows:

 

"We are creating a website to help depressed teens and need input from young people. Volunteers will provide fresh ideas and feedback to the proposed program that will contribute to the success of the development of a new intervention to help teens with depression. Activities include reviewing YouTube videos, selecting music, choosing jokes and giving feedback on design features."

 

My question is regarding the organization itself: It is The Canadian Institute of Natural and Integrated Medicine. It is a kind of "alternative medicine" organization. They describe themselves as such : "CINIM was developed in response to public demand for information about alternative therapies and access to these therapies. CINIM conducts rigorous scientific research to evaluate natural and integrative therapies for the advancement of medical knowledge."

 

Would the adcom look down on volunteering for an organization that promotes alternative medicine? I'm thinking it would be okay and no big deal, they may even see it as a broadening of interests...but on the other hand, there is some tension between the natural medicine approach and the, ah, scientific and academic approach to medicine.

 

What do you guys think?

[Guest begaster]

I would volunteer there. In fact, do you mind giving me a link? Sounds like something I'd enjoy doing.

 

From what you posted, it doesn't seem like they're trying to push bizarre herbal remedies. Sounds like the alternative medicine they refer to is just psychological interventions, many of which are scientific.

 

I just looked into the site, check out their board of directors - http://www.cinim.org/staff.html

 

Looks legit.

 

Then again, when I read statements like, "as the body gradually succumbs to various stressors such as toxins, energy blockages, etc., this interactive state loses its ability to remain in harmony, which gradually results in illness," I begin to question otherwise.

 

I dunno. Do it if you think it will be interesting for you.

[medwannabe08]

energy blockages eh?

 

seems a bit kookoo

[medisforme]

i don't see anything wrong with the organization itself, however, make sure you carry out some volunteering that involves personal contact with others, not merely online interaction.