Every Share Helps!

For people interested in volunteering, construction is a great way to go. Not only will working on a construction project allow you to help a community in need of repair, but it will also serve as a great learning experience if you are interested in construction management. Luckily there are a variety of organizations that provide people with the opportunity to help out, and you can usually participate in any phase of a project from the structure’s design to its construction. Better yet, there are volunteer construction opportunities all over the world, so you are not limited to working in a particular country, which provides even greater advantages to those who like to travel.

Habitat for Humanity

One of the most famous organizations for construction volunteering is Habitat for Humanity. However, this organization  does more than just create buildings; it's geared toward developing entire communities. This organization has a large volunteer network that has helped many people recover from difficult circumstances. In fact, there are often volunteer opportunities to rebuild homes in countries like New Zealand and Haiti that have experienced natural disasters. There are also many building opportunities in the United States. When volunteering with Habit for Humanity, the opportunities are endless. You can participate in the construction of a home or building, draft assignments and assist in daily operations. Best of all, Habitat for Humanity chapters can be found across the nation, making joining this outstanding organization a breeze -- contact your local office to get involved.

DOCOMOMO

Habitat for Humanity isn't the only construction volunteering group around. Another prominent group in the United States and beyond is the international Documentation and Conservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the Modern Movement (DOCOMOMO). With chapters in 54 countries, DOCOMOMO is comprised of a collection of architects, historians, conservationists and students. The main focus of the organization is to document and conserve buildings and communities. As such, DOCOMOMO works to protect existing buildings and to rehabilitate those is need of repair. Likewise, the organization spends a significant amount of time educating people about preserving buildings and how to implement to modern designs techniques to do so to ensure that they will last.

Architecture for Humanity

More creative types may be interested in working with is Architecture for Humanity. This organization provides people with the chance to develop buildings that boost impoverished communities around the world. Thus, this can be a rewarding opportunity for those who are interested in design, as they will be able to learn innovative design practices as well as give back to the global community. To become part of this incredible team, join one of the many local chapters and start contributing to the cause.

Architects Without Borders

Lastly, another architecture volunteer group is Architects Without Borders. This group asks for architects to volunteer their knowledge and services to provide excellent buildings in areas throughout the world. Currently, there are projects on many continents. If you are an architect, you have a chance to contribute to an original building in an area that could really use your help.

Construction volunteering is a great way to help others. Better yet, it will also help you. By volunteering for organizations like the ones mentioned above, you gain a great deal of experience and make strong contacts that will help in your future endeavors. Most importantly, you are making vital contributions to people who really need them.

Image courtesy of HFHI/Steffan Hacker.