title: The role of student-run organizations within global health promotion initiatives: commentary and call for research.
abstract: This article critically examines the strengths and challenges associated with student-run international volunteer organizations using a 10-week malaria initiative as an example. The project demonstrated a lack of understanding of the broader impact of such initiatives on the activities of other development organizations. There is a need for future research investigating some concerns regarding potentially limiting features of these organizations including (i) a lack of qualified volunteers, (ii) short-term projects with high turnover rates of volunteers and (iii) potentially short-sighted program objectives. Despite these limitations, student-run programs offer individuals unique opportunities to gain and enhance leadership skills.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H9, Canada. sfulawka@gmail.com
authors.forename: Shaughnessy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fulawka
authors.forename: Tanya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Berry
mesh_terms: D014943:Global Health; D006291:Health Policy; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008288:Malaria / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D040241:Social Marketing; D013334:Students; D013997:Time Factors