Volunteer Global

Thank you for reading part 3 of this week's session on regional volunteering! On Monday and Tuesday, I talked about South America and Oceania. Today we'll go over a few groups that work in Europe.

If you read yesterday's entry, you learned that Oceania has, by far, the fewest volunteer groups working in it. Europe seems to be similar in its service projects -- most of the ones you'll find are paid or study opportunities, and not the "pure" volunteer opportunites you'll find so abundant in South America.

Let's take a look at a few of the groups operating throughout Europe.

Armenian Volunteer Corps
www.armenianvolunteer.org

"The Armenian Volunteer Corps invites motivated Diasporan Armenians over the age of 21, who posses the ability to devote their time and talents, and volunteer themselves to Armenia, for a long or short service term. Unlike other programs, the AVC is not a trip to Armenia, but rather a living and working experience, directly with the people of Armenia. While the commitment required of an AVC volunteer is much greater, the professional and personal benefits of the work term, is surely an immeasurable gain to anyone."

Volunteers help with such projects as administrative duties for small businesses, community development, education, research, and special care for those in need. For one month to one year, Armenians live in and work with underserved communities throughout their country.

ARCHELON - Greece
www.archelon.gr

“Since 1983, the primary objective of ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece has been to protect the sea turtles and their habitats in Greece through monitoring and research, developing and implementing management plans, habitat restoration, raising public awareness and rehabilitating sick and injured turtles.”

Volunteers with ARCHELON take part in sea turtle tracking, monitoring, and research projects. For one month or longer, participants stay in a campsite or in the sea turtle rescue center, at the cost of $200 to $350. To be eligible, volunteers must be 18 or older, possess a valid driver's license, and have English language ability.

Sunseed Desert Technology - Spain
www.sunseed.org.uk

"Sunseed Desert Technology aims to develop, demonstrate and communicate accessible, low-tech methods of living sustainably in a semi arid environment."

Working with Sunseed includes such activities as construction, facilities maintenance, gardening, research, and writing. Volunteers actively research how to develop new technologies for individuals and businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Participants may stay on the project for 84 to 165 Euro per week, and live communally in a volunteer house provided by the organization.

3H Fund - United Kingdom
www.3hfund.org.uk

"3H Fund is a charity that makes it possible for disabled people, children and adults, to have memorable and fulfilling holidays. Thanks to valued and continuous contributions from grant giving trusts, the business community and individuals, we are able to subsidise a range of group holidays for physically disabled people accompanied by volunteer carers."

Volunteers with the 3H Fund lead and care for disabled children and adults who are on holiday. With adventure trips such as white water rafting, participants provide an exciting experience for those who are unable to embark on these holidays on their own. Programs last for one week at a time, and volunteers stay in communal housing arranged by the group.

Thank you for joining me in this third entry in the Volunteering Global series on regional service opportunities! If you like the groups I've outlined here, then you'll love the hundreds of pages I have devoted to international volunteer organizations -- including where they work, what they do, how to apply, and more.

And before I go, I wanted to note that tomorrow's blog entry may be delayed to Friday. Such is the life of a full-time worker attending conferences from 8am to 10pm! Not to worry though -- perhaps you'll be treated with my entries on Africa and Asia both on Friday :-)