Unveiling Audrey McLaughlin Volunteered In 1986 Canadian Crossroads International: What Really Happened - A Beginner's Guide

This guide provides a structured approach to researching Audrey McLaughlin's volunteer experience with Canadian Crossroads International (CCI) in 1986. It aims to help you uncover information about her involvement, the projects she might have worked on, and the broader context of CCI's activities at that time. While a definitive "What Really Happened" might require access to archival records and direct interviews, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies to conduct a thorough investigation using publicly available resources.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic Internet Literacy: Familiarity with search engines, websites, and online databases.

  • Time and Patience: Research can be time-consuming, and finding specific details might require persistence.

  • Critical Thinking: Evaluate sources carefully and be aware of potential biases.

  • Note-Taking System: A notebook, document, or spreadsheet to organize your findings.

    • Tools:

  • Internet Access: Essential for accessing online resources.

  • Search Engines: Google, DuckDuckGo, etc.

  • Online Archives: Library and Archives Canada, university libraries.

  • Social Media Platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook.

  • Newspaper Archives: Online databases like Newspapers.com (subscription required for some).

  • Canadian Crossroads International Website: [https://cintl.org/](https://cintl.org/) (or archived versions if available).

  • Audrey McLaughlin's Biography (if available): Provides context and potential leads.

    • Numbered Steps:

    1. Start with Background Research on Canadian Crossroads International (CCI) in 1986:

    * Objective: Understand CCI's mission, target regions, and activities during the mid-1980s.
    * Action:
    * Visit the current CCI website ([https://cintl.org/](https://cintl.org/)). Look for historical information, annual reports, or mission statements from the 1980s.
    * Use the Wayback Machine ([archive.org](archive.org)) to access archived versions of the CCI website from the 1980s. This is crucial if the current website lacks historical information.
    * Search for academic papers or news articles about CCI's work in the 1980s using keywords like "Canadian Crossroads International," "CCI," "volunteer programs," "development aid," and "1980s."
    * Focus on understanding the geographic regions where CCI was active in 1986.

    2. Research Audrey McLaughlin's Background and Political Career:

    * Objective: Identify clues about her interests, political affiliations, and potential connections to CCI's work.
    * Action:
    * Search for biographical information about Audrey McLaughlin online. Wikipedia, parliamentary websites, and news articles are good starting points.
    * Pay attention to her political career, particularly her involvement in the New Democratic Party (NDP). Consider how her political views might have aligned with CCI's mission.
    * Look for any mentions of her involvement in international development or volunteer work prior to 1986.
    * Analyze her political platform and speeches from the 1980s for potential connections to CCI's focus areas (e.g., sustainable development, human rights, community development).

    3. Conduct Targeted Online Searches:

    * Objective: Find specific mentions of Audrey McLaughlin's involvement with CCI in 1986.
    * Action:
    * Use search engine queries like:
    * "Audrey McLaughlin Canadian Crossroads International 1986"
    * "Audrey McLaughlin CCI volunteer 1986"
    * "Audrey McLaughlin NDP Canadian Crossroads International"
    * "Audrey McLaughlin volunteer work 1986"
    * Try variations of these queries with different keywords related to CCI's focus areas (e.g., "Audrey McLaughlin sustainable development volunteer," "Audrey McLaughlin community development CCI").
    * Search for newspaper articles from 1986 mentioning Audrey McLaughlin and CCI. Use online newspaper archives if available.

    4. Explore Online Archives and Databases:

    * Objective: Locate archival records or documents related to Audrey McLaughlin's volunteer experience.
    * Action:
    * Check Library and Archives Canada for any relevant collections. Search for "Audrey McLaughlin," "Canadian Crossroads International," and "CCI."
    * Explore university library archives, particularly those with collections related to Canadian political history or international development.
    * Look for digitized annual reports or newsletters from CCI that might mention volunteer placements.

    5. Leverage Social Media:

    * Objective: Connect with individuals who might have information about Audrey McLaughlin's involvement with CCI.
    * Action:
    * Search for Audrey McLaughlin on LinkedIn and Twitter (X). Look for any posts or connections related to CCI or international development.
    * Search for Canadian Crossroads International on social media. Look for alumni groups or individuals who might have volunteered around the same time as Audrey McLaughlin.
    * Consider posting on relevant social media groups asking if anyone has information about Audrey McLaughlin's CCI experience in 1986. Be polite and respectful in your inquiries.

    6. Contact Canadian Crossroads International (CCI):

    * Objective: Directly inquire about Audrey McLaughlin's volunteer experience.
    * Action:
    * Contact CCI through their website or by phone.
    * Explain your research project and ask if they have any records or information about Audrey McLaughlin's involvement in 1986.
    * Be prepared that they may not have readily available information, but they might be able to point you in the right direction.

    7. Analyze and Synthesize Your Findings:

    * Objective: Compile and interpret the information you have gathered.
    * Action:
    * Review all your notes and sources.
    * Identify patterns, contradictions, and gaps in your knowledge.
    * Create a timeline of Audrey McLaughlin's involvement with CCI, if possible.
    * Write a summary of your findings, highlighting what you have learned and what remains unknown.

    Troubleshooting Tips:

  • No results? Try different search terms and variations. Be creative with your keywords.

  • Information overload? Focus on the most relevant sources and prioritize your research.

  • Website unavailable? Use the Wayback Machine to access archived versions.

  • Contacting CCI unsuccessful? Try contacting former CCI staff members or volunteers.

  • Dead end? Don't give up! Sometimes, breakthroughs come when you least expect them. Take a break and revisit your research with fresh eyes.

Short Summary:

Unveiling Audrey McLaughlin's volunteer experience with Canadian Crossroads International in 1986 requires a multi-faceted research approach. Starting with background research on both CCI and McLaughlin's career, utilizing targeted online searches, exploring archives and databases, and leveraging social media are key steps. Direct contact with CCI may provide further insights. By carefully analyzing and synthesizing the information gathered, you can gain a clearer understanding of her involvement and the context of her volunteer work. While a complete picture might require further access to private records, this guide provides a framework for a thorough and informative investigation using readily available resources. Remember that persistence and critical evaluation are crucial for navigating the research process.