Volunteer Vacations  

Volunteer vacations are a terrific way to research while exploring, spend where it makes a difference, and give by taking a working holiday. Commitment to being an informed traveler impacts your effectiveness, whether you work for wildlife, children, housing, education, poverty or any number of other causes. The more knowledgeable you are when you arrive on the job, the better likelihood of a meaningful exchange between you and the community you serve.

Be Your Own Volunteer

Get to know yourself as a volunteer candidate by defining who you are and what you bring to the situation. Begin by researching your own preferences and interests thoroughly, before you start exploring organizations. Having realistic expectations can help you be more self-sufficient, and feel satisfied with your contribution afterwards.

Plan by building an outline that helps you get familiar with your needs, job interests, and time constraints. Carefully consider your optimum length of stay, the kind of volunteer work you want to do, and activities you feel particularly suited to at this time in your life. Assess what skills you have, write or update your resume, note language studies interests, and whether you want a solo or group experience. Take time to factor in your current stress level when deciding where you want to spend your vacation volunteering. Decide what you want based on the kind of situation that best fits your current health status, age, physical fitness and social needs.

Make a list of the values and vision that inspire you toward helping others. Include the communication skills and qualities of character you would like to expand within yourself. This list will help you match up with a compatible organization, learn about diversity and build lasting friendships with other volunteers and those you serve.

Meaningful Cultural Exchange

Your knowledge of the customs, culture, and history of the area can greatly expand the impact of your service, and enhance your vacation. When researching, keep your questions organized as you follow links and bookmark your interests. Log all questions as they arise to streamline your phone calls with specific organizations later, and systematize your research. Volunteers or alumni who have a history with the organization are an excellent resource for travel and work information. Having knowledge of the actual circumstances before your trip makes you a better advocate for the organization, a stable volunteer for those you’re helping and can reduce the number of stress factors you’ll be facing.

What it Costs You

When talking with organizations about specific volunteer opportunities, always request written documentation of the terms they are conveying verbally. The costs incurred to you for volunteering can include transportation, food, rent, health insurance and medical exams, vaccinations, and personal expenses. Each organization has different terms, so be sure to read the fine print and always keep good records.

The possibility of finding volunteer opportunities close to home is also an option when you want to commute, or do overnight stays in a new environment you can get to by car or on public transportation. The internet is an excellent tool for exploring options, once you’ve completed your research.

I offer this article in gratitude to our many participants in the School for Wonder, who have volunteered their life work, love and energy to cultivate courage in a more harmonious world. School for Wonder volunteers have contributed temporary housing, poetry, music, hosted events, performances, radio and television productions, and underwritten recordings and publications.

Not only have they contributed to the lives of people less fortunate, but also to those with wealth and privilege. Often people of great wealth have suffered from isolation and had limited experience of loving grass roots community and real friends. Generosity is a mutual exchange, when those who need resources connect with those who have them face to face. Giving adults the opportunity to build friendship is the most powerful tool I know for creating a more balanced world.

Let us know about the volunteer experiences that have changed your life or inspired you. 

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