Volunteering
Fellow volunteers for CouchSurfing in Alaska
It is safe to say I am a huge fan of volunteering. I think it sends a clear message to the Universe (and yourself) that you bask in abundance and have much to give others, without the need for anything in return. But it doesn’t have to be all give, and no return. By volunteering my services, I have managed to see and explore areas of the world that I never thought I would.
I love volunteering so much that I haven’t had a paying job in almost two years. Yes, I have the benefit of some capital behind me, but you don’t need to fall into trap of paying huge sums of money for the honour of volunteering for an organisation.
I have found some fantastic resources for those that want to volunteer without the high price tag:
- www.go-mad.org
- www.independentvolunteer.org
- www.volunteersouthamerica.net
- www.idealist.org
- www.truetravellers.org
WWOOFING (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) – www.wwoof.org, is another option that involves the outlay of a small fee to receive the contact details of participating farms and homes in a country, where your services are provided in return for meals and accommodation.
The programs I have been fortunate to volunteer for have provided me with accommodation and food in return for my work, which is what has sustained my traveller’s lifestyle thus far.
The two organisations I chose to support with my free services lately were:
- Pro Vita Association, Romania, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping orphaned children, pregnant women and women and their children.
- CouchSurfing international, a web-based non-profit organisation that links up travellers with local hosts to improve intercultural understanding around the world.
Not planning on travelling anytime soon? Not to worry, you can still give the gift of volunteering. Why not approach your local hospital, aged home, community centre, or any other local non-profit organisation. Funds are usually short at not-for-profit organisations, so you can expect they will happily and readily accept any assistance you offer to help them achieve their goals in the community.
Good luck with your search for the perfect volunteering experience for you!
 Some of the kids of Pro Vita Association, Romania |
 View of the Pro Vita Association housing, Valea Screzii |
