Many volunteer organizations pay recruits' travel expenses and living wages.
There's no shortage of volunteer opportunities worldwide. Those with a desire to help others will find plenty of ways to assist---from building bridges, literally and figuratively, to teaching children, planting crops, boosting business endeavors and sharing technological knowledge. Many agencies charged with the task of organizing volunteer efforts provide transportation and shelter during the length of the mission; some provide stipends and other benefits, as well.
ACDI/VOCA
Some volunteer groups offer training in basic construction techniques.
The Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance organization sends U.S. volunteers on worldwide assignments. ACDI/VOCA recruits volunteers with expertise in agriculture, business, finance and community development to serve two to four weeks at a time. The organization provides airfare, room and board.
ACDI/VOCA
50 F St. NW
Suite 1075
Washington, D.C., 20001
202-383-4961
acdi/voca.org
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Part of the payoff for Appalachian Trail volunteers is working amidst striking surroundings.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy relies on trail crews to complete trail relocation and rehabilitation and to build bridges and shelters along the 2,000-mile, North-South expanse of prime American landscape that stretches from Georgia to Maine. It's hard work; crews work eight hours a day in all kinds of weather and stay in tent camps for a week; however, the Conservancy provides shelter, food, tools and safety equipment.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
799 Washington St.
P.O. Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807
(540) 953-3571
appalachiantrail.org
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms
Some organic farmers offer shelter and food in exchange for work.
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) matches organic farmers around the globe with those willing to work in exchange for shelter and food. The UK-based WWOOF organization formed in 1971; since then, WWOOF exchange programs have been established in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. A list of WWOOF organizations and contact information categorized by country is available at wwoof.org.
Peace Corps
Peace Corps volunteers teach, build and share information in communities around the world.
Volunteers accepted into the U.S. Government's Peace Corps travel across the globe to collaborate with local leaders on augmentation of education, health, agriculture, sustainability and technology programs. In return, volunteers receive professional and educational benefits, a living allowance, student loan assistance and full medical coverage.
Peace Corps
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20526
800-424-8580
peacecorps.gov
Winrock International
Volunteers provide educational tips and manual assistance to farmers.
Winrock International recruits volunteers to bolster economic development and agricultural, nutritional and technological efforts worldwide. Assignments are typically two to three weeks in duration. Winrock provides round-trip airfare, trip expenses including fees for passports, visas and immunizations, and living wages to cover housing, food and other expenses.
Winrock International
2101 Riverfront Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202
501-280-3000
winrock.org
Tags: Peace Corps, Appalachian Trail, ACDI VOCA, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, shelter food