Volunteer Global

Welcome to Part 4 of the Volunteering Global series on regional service! Today's topic: North America.

Let's take a look at a few of the groups operating in this area:

Bimini Biological Field Station - Bahamas
ww6.miami.edu/sharklab

“Founded in 1990, the Bimini Biological Field Station (Sharklab) is owned and operated by Dr. Samuel H. Gruber. Dr. Gruber came to Bimini decades ago after discovering what a vital habitat the islands were to an array of marine life, especially the Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris). The station was set up as a place for Dr. Gruber, and his students, to carry out field research on elasmosbranchs full time. The facility is set up, and run similar to the research vessels where Dr. Gruber has spent much of his scientific career.”

Volunteers work with sharks and other marine animals in aquatic conservation and research projects. For $695 per month, participants may work with the field station, with the option of longer research/internship options available for an additional $50 per month. In order to apply, volunteers must be 18 or older and must be pursuing a graduate degree related to the station's research, or at least have a background in marine biology. Housing is provided within the research station.

Red Leaf Student Programs - Canada
www.red-leaf.com

"Contribute your skills, enthusiasm, and personal interests in a unique volunteer position. We match your specific skills, interests, and availability with non-profit volunteer organizations that have similar needs and availability. Immerse yourself in an activity that you're passionate about. Volunteerism is a recognized and growing global movement that enriches the lives of everyone involved."

Students between the ages of 13 and 17 are invited to participate in projects related to animals, environmental conservation, children, and community development. Programs cost $500 to $600 for two or more weeks -- students are placed in underserved communities throughout the country, where they'll learn about underlying issues in the area and how to fix them.

Creative Corners - Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
www.creative-corners.com

“Creative Corners is a not for profit volunteer organisation that specialises in creative projects for creative people. But no matter what your skill - even if you think you are not creative - we will find a creative way to apply it. Our mission is simple: We match people to projects where they are best suited and return profits to communities that need them most - a WIN/WIN scenario.”

As a UK-based nonprofit, placement fees are in GBP£ and vary depending on location and duration. Most projects start at approximately US$560 for two weeks in Bolivia up to $1,575 for two months in Costa Rica. Volunteers stay with a host family and work with children in creative education or other similar projects -- programs are arranged by the volunteer, who contributes to any creative project he or she can arrange within the community.

Platanitos Turtle Camp - Mexico
www.seaturtlecamp.org

“The Turtle Camp depends on donations and ecovolunteers to help it function. Volunteers from towns and cities like Guadalajara, Mexico, as well as international volunteers, help by donating their labor. The ecovolunteers pay their own expenses to cover meals and incidental costs.”

Volunteers monitor, tag, and research nesting sea turtles while also working on environmental conservation projects. Most participants stay for one or more weeks, at the cost of $4.25 to $7.00 per day. While they work on the project, volunteers are housed in the research station.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center - USA
www.wyodino.org

Volunteers with WDC help to excavate dinosaur bones in one-day or ongoing projects. Participants must provide their own accommodations and food, and must be 18 or older and in good physical condition; younger volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. Individuals help with aspects of digging, sifting, and brushwork at the dig site.

Thank you for joining me in part 4 of my series on regional volunteering! Tune in Monday for the conclusion, and to read about some great volunteer groups working in Asia!