Volunteer Global

Yesterday we looked at five types of volunteer projects you can embark on worldwide. Today we’ll highlight five more, including three groups for each that you might consider joining.

Education

Education is one of the most popular types of volunteer programs, and for good reason: Participants can teach children, teenagers, and adults in subjects ranging from basic math and language to business development and training. Programs are good for skilled and unskilled volunteers, and vary from short- to long-term. Some organizations that offer education projects include:

• Action for Children in Conflict
• Bridges for Education
• Hampy

Community development

These programs are very broad in spectrum, but generally involve many people within an underserved community working together to promote a common goal. A few examples may include promoting green building efforts, establishing a youth center, or establishing an adult education or business development program to benefit the area. Programs are good for skilled and unskilled volunteers, and vary from short- to long-term. Some organizations that offer community development projects include:

• Manna Project International
• Maximo Nivel
• Relief International

Agriculture

Volunteers on these projects often help with sustainable practice consultation or with hands-on farming and other assistance. Programs are best for skilled, long-term volunteers, though unskilled individuals usually can find available projects. Some organizations that offer agriculture projects include:

• INFO Nepal
• Life and Water Development Group
• Rancho Esperanza

Trail building and maintenance

This type of work is particularly popular in the United States, where volunteers may assist with mapping, removing invasive species, recording plan and animal behavior along trails, and building or repairing damaged trails. Programs are good for skilled and unskilled volunteers, and often are short-term. Some organizations that offer trail building and maintenance projects include:

• American Conservation Experience
• ARCAS
• Merazonia

Women’s group assistance

These projects host volunteers who wish to assist with such varied programs as microfinance, education, social work, and women’s community development initiatives. Programs usually are best for skilled volunteers, though unskilled individuals may find related programs. Short- and long-term opportunities are available worldwide. Some organizations that offer women’s group assistance include:

• Adelante
• MADRE
• Tostan