Tag Institute for Social Development

This chapter will explore the role of values in motivating and influencing volunteers for international development by way of exploring the unique educational approach of an Israeli-Jewish international development and social justice organization called Tevel B’Tzedek. A highly distinctive feature of the organization is its focus on education and, in particular, on inculcating in volunteers a strong sense of values. The chapter begins with an explanation of the values orientation and education system by the organization’s founder and director Rabbi Micha Odenheimer. The chapter then continues with a detailed report of a year-long investigation into its educational methodology by Chen Levin-Schleider. A fascinating picture emerges of the interplay between values and other motivations, which raises important ideas for volunteering organizations.