Volunteer work

[Matter-Eater Lad]

Any one know any goods organizations that do volunteer work? I'm researching them online but I'm worried its not a legit site. I'm looking for something in Europe or Africa. So far all the groups im finding make you pay for most the things, so I'm trying to find something cheap.

[Saffire]

Heh are you trying to pad your resume or something? Higher education is so overrated. :P

[Matter-Eater Lad]

No, I'm trying to help out the world. I'm not happy, I'm bored and I want to do something with my life. I also want to see the world.

[Saffire]

In that case, check out this website:

 

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

 

They rank charities based on what percentage of money donated goes to overhead, and what actually makes it to the people. Look for a charity that's got low overhead and does work in other countries, and see if you can get the contact information from there.

[Matter-Eater Lad]

Awesome, thanks for the help.

[luckycharms2987]

You sir are gonna be doing something amazing. The only thing I can think of is peacecorps or things like mission trips. Third world countries are always looking for help for rebuilding. Also, its probably going to cost some money, more or less, depending on where you choose to travel.

 

Check out. http://www.africaaid.org/?gclid=CPKH87zAs5MCFQkmIgodLEJqrg

 

http://www.volunteeringinafrica.org/

 

they seem pretty legit as far as africa goes and im sure theres tons more

 

http://www.peacecorps.gov/

 

Hopefully you find something, even if you cant travel overseas, america still needs alot of help:)

[Jpw48]

Thats an amazing website!

We have the RSPCA in the UK, who are a huge animal charity.

They keep asking for donations, yet they have literally billions in their bank accounts which go to the managers each year. Makes you wonder whats really going on sometimes...

 

I really admire what you're planning by the way, its a very noble and rewarding thing to do! :D

[Saffire]

I'm a big fan of microfinance because it helps states develop their own little economy from the ground-up rather than becoming reliant on continual donations.

 

http://www.kiva.org/app.php

 

Kiva is a site that lets you loan money to people who want to start their own small businesses in developing countries. It's a great way to see capitalism at work on the ground and it incentivises people to take risks, which is a cultural trait that is absolutely necessary if there's going to be economic progress.

[Matter-Eater Lad]

Well nothing is set in stone, im still in the deep thinking stage in life. It all depends on money, i have thousands of dollars in loans that i will have to start paying back soon, so im going to need a way to pay the monthly bills on those and i might wait until i get my AA then do it. Im not sure right now, I just know I'm dying living here doing nothing.

 

I think if i find a Christian charity, my Grandpa would pay for it.

[Space Cadet]

What about YWAM? I know a lot of people who have done it and loved it.

[Matter-Eater Lad]

What about YWAM? I know a lot of people who have done it and loved it.

 

I'm checking it out right now, it looks good so far. THanks

[Orian]

well, I went to be volunteer during the UEFA 2008 Football Championship. so far its really great

[Ms Magpie]

voluntairat.com (just type voluntariat in google)

 

i'm not sure if it's in english but it's worth checking it!

[girl_in_the_band_tshirt]

I'm a big fan of microfinance because it helps states develop their own little economy from the ground-up rather than becoming reliant on continual donations.

 

http://www.kiva.org/app.php

 

Kiva is a site that lets you loan money to people who want to start their own small businesses in developing countries. It's a great way to see capitalism at work on the ground and it incentivises people to take risks, which is a cultural trait that is absolutely necessary if there's going to be economic progress.

 

We were just discussing microfinance in a class of mine, and I mentioned that same site (:

 

This is my favorite thread now btw, I've been researching the same exact thing.

 

There's plenty of books that list different organizations that take on people to help out (My current favorite being this one: http://www.amazon.com/Delaying-Real-World-Colleen-Kinder/dp/0762421894 ...the 'why not change the world' bit. From their listing on Amazon you can find plenty more books on the same topic.

 

The Peace Corps is a sure bet, but it iis pretty serious stuff.. the 2+ years tends to scare off a lot of people. I don't know how much the programs you've been looking into charge, but this place seems pretty reasonable http://www.vfp.org

 

http://www.mercyships.org also looks amazing, albeit a bit more expensive... and out on the sea... (but, its faith-based, so maybe mention it to your Grandpa?)

 

And if all else fails, you can always search any number of databases. I haven't used this yet, but it looks pretty promising http://opportunities.serveyourworld.com/vop_search.php

 

I hope you spot something that fits you, and keep us posted if you find anything else interesting. Awfully exciting stuff.

 

Maybe see you around Ghana or somewhere :P

 

M.

[BostonSportsTD]

yea i went to botswana a few summers ago and volunteered at an orphanage. every sumemr since i've tried to get out and volunteer somewhere else but i have the same problem as you... i don't want to pay a lot and i don't know which programs to trust and what not. so if you find anything good let me know!

[Matter-Eater Lad]

Ahh fuck I can't figure out what I want to do. It sucks being a cliche young person without direction.

[Matter-Eater Lad]

I decided what I want to do, if the next few weeks go well, I'm going to try to do it next summer, if not I'm going to find a trip to Africa or Europe asap.(if i can find someone to take over my apartment lease)

[Fixed]

I have no direction either mr cool. I'd love to do some sort of charity/volunteering work but have no idea where to start - I'll check out the sites recommended above I guess. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[Matter-Eater Lad]

I figure volunteering in Africa is a better alternative to blowing my brain's out.

[MrMagpie]

Ahh fuck I can't figure out what I want to do. It sucks being a cliche young person without direction.

 

I'm doing International Development Studies, and Environmental Studies. So it should set me up to go places, but I have no idea.

Sometimes it just hurts the head way too much.

And then throw in a Christian perspective on top of it all, and sometimes it can get confusing.

[Matter-Eater Lad]

I heard of a good groupm invisible children. I know someone who has 2 good friends high up in this group. He's going to try to get me in so i can volunteer in Uganda.

[Matter-Eater Lad]

Anyone have any ideas on how to raise money for this? Most programs I'm looking at cost 3-5 thousand. I decided If i can get accepted and get the money I'm going to go for hopefully a few month's. I just need to think of a way to pay for it.