volunteering in general ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

volunteering in general

Replies: 9 - Last Post: 01-Oct-2007 05:55 Last Post By: shoma

jump to

Posted
15-Jun-2007 04:17
by: rossontheweb

Posts: 88
Registered: 17/10/05

volunteering in general

This may sound like a silly question... but....

I have been thinking of doing some volunteering (eco or helping) as a way of enhancing our travels and also as a way of getting off the 'banana pancake and beach bar' routines.

But, i wonder if the placements are either:
A) really young. I am 34, and although very young at heart i don't want to be surrounded by 18 year old gap students not really taking it seriously. Not being rude, but do people have experience of programmes being like this?

or

B) not open to new recruits. I know someone who volunteered in thailand and the women who ran it treated her as an outsider and would talk to her or give her any jobs - they wanted to be left alone with their elephants and shun the outsiders! if you are raising money and spending your time, you want to be involved in the activity and also make friends... any experiences?

I'm not being rude or condescending, just doing some research before i book... i'm sure most places are amazingly well run and rewarding -

Any suggestions for me?!!

Thx in advance

Gotcha!

Posted
20-Jun-2007 23:41
by: ashuang

Posts: 18
Registered: 01/02/06

1

Hi Ross(on the web)

Are you willing to do some teaching? Being 34 is no problems - I believe there are always professional volunteer needed with organisations such as Conservation Volunteers (http://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/) and Involvement Volunteering (http://www.volunteering.org.au/).

Or - I personally went volunteering with World Youth International (www.worldyouth.com.au) - they have programs for volunteers over 30 into teaching placements and they are very ethical and responsible.

Sorry my knowledge is very Australia based - but that's where I am!

Hope this helps.
Amy

Posted
29-Jun-2007 16:35
by: brethrenchic

Posts: 1
Registered: 29/06/07

2

Hi Ross!

I actually did a year of voluneering with Brethren Volunteer Service. The program is Church of the Brethren based and has many diversified project options. I don't know where you live or where you might want to go, but check out their website: http://www.brethren.org/genbd/bvs/index.htm

Brethren Volunteer Service is a great program! It's the only volunteer service I know of that does not allow you to choose a project prior to orientation. As for the age thing, my unit was very diversified. We had a few 18 year olds, mostly 22-24 year olds...but we also had several people in their 30s and one couple in their 60s.

Hope this helped a bit!

Heidi

Posted
06-Jul-2007 08:37
by: jcravens42

Posts: 147
Registered: 10/02/03

3

It's a myth that volunteering programs are only for young, inexperienced people. The average age of UN Volunteers, for instance, was 38 last I checked.

Are you looking to volunteer for just a few weeks or just a few months? Or, are you looking to volunteer on a more long term, intensive basis?

I have advice for international volunteering on my web site -- I don't run a program, but I do have quite a bit of experience in such.

--
Jayne A Broad
www.coyotecommunications.com/travel

Posted
16-Jul-2007 06:58
by: phoebe3002

Posts: 5
Registered: 16/07/07

4

Anyone can volunteer, you just have to make sure that you are choosing a project which is really making a difference and knowing where your money is going!
I got put in touch with trusted local people in Eastern Europe with www.yoursafeplanet.co.uk. I went off the beaten track and saw more of the Czeck Republic than anyone else I've ever met. I helped out for free on an organic apple farm and then helped make wine in Slovakia. It really was amazing and all my money went into the local community projects.
I recommend the site!

Posted
16-Jul-2007 09:49
by: HavanaClub7

Posts: 3,598
Registered: 24/08/04

5

Quote
I got put in touch with trusted local people in Eastern Europe

What does "ttested local people" mean in this context? What made you trust them?

I saw that show, 50 Things To Do Before You Die. I would have thought the obvious one was "Shout For Help"

Posso avere una bottiglia di repellent di zingaro per favore?

Posted
16-Jul-2007 09:50
by: HavanaClub7

Posts: 3,598
Registered: 24/08/04

6

Quote
I got put in touch with trusted local people in Eastern Europe

What does "trusted local people" mean in this context? What made you trust them?

I saw that show, 50 Things To Do Before You Die. I would have thought the obvious one was "Shout For Help"

Posso avere una bottiglia di repellent di zingaro per favore?

Posted
31-Jul-2007 03:15
by: rossontheweb

Posts: 88
Registered: 17/10/05

7

just looking for recommendations on projects still...

Gotcha!

Posted
26-Aug-2007 00:14
by: Sybille47

Posts: 359
Registered: 15/08/07

8

Hi Phoebe, your posts are getting a little boring, maybe, for a change, you should copy & paste a different version. It's cool to be enthusiastic about something, but you seem to be a little obsessed. Do you realise that you could be doing more harm than good to Your Safe Planet? I for one, don't like looking at the same post over and over again. cheers

Posted
01-Oct-2007 05:55
by: shoma

Posts: 330
Registered: 25/09/07

9

well yes you can also do some teaching disabled kids in india, or help self help groups become financially independent. all skills can be used for the betterment of people. for more places that you want to know about you can pm me. i am associated with some orgs and give my time ocasionally helping them. its not much but every drop counts

also before joining them its always good to email and talk on phone to the org you will be working with.

all volunteers need to be dedicated and not just think its all fun and games and travelling in the hot spots of the region. one has to pay nominal amount for hostel stay and food and also travel.

so if u are serious about your work get in touch and get going....

best wishes

Beyond the horizon and the oceans lies the rainbow.

Subscribe to the latest messages in this branch.

Your Recent Threads

Announcements

Website speed - Facebook...
Posted By: VenessaP -- 07-Oct-2009 16:30

Latest Community News

	Speaking in Tongues Messages: 66,161 Last message posted at: 24-Nov-2009 04:53
	On Your Bike Messages: 28,943 Last message posted at: 24-Nov-2009 06:19
	Travel Tech Messages: 27,868 Last message posted at: 23-Nov-2009 23:06
	Kids To Go Messages: 25,794 Last message posted at: 24-Nov-2009 01:26
	Like a Sore Thumb Messages: 22,518 Last message posted at: 23-Nov-2009 20:19
	Trekking & Mountaineering Messages: 21,992 Last message posted at: 24-Nov-2009 03:23
	Travel on a shoestring Messages: 20,879 Last message posted at: 24-Nov-2009 05:57

Destinations

WorldGuide is our online guide to the world - you name it, we cover it. Explore the richest source of global travel content on the web and let it fire your imagination.
more »

Shop Online