Time to plan another vacation? This time, consider volunteerism. Here are several resources to get started.
Ode Editors | November 2008 issue
Books
- Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others (Volunteer Vacations)
By Bill McMillon, Doug Cutchins and Anne Geissinger (Chicago Review, 9th edition, 2006)
Ddescribes 150 vetted volunteer programs. - Volunteer: A Traveler’s Guide to Making a Difference Around the World (Lonely Planet)
(Lonely Planet, 2007)
Includes many practicalities as well as listings.
Online resources
- Transitions AbroadResponsible travel portal; listings include tips and trips
- Ethical VolunteeringGuidelines on responsible volunteering practices from British expert Kate Simpson
- World Volunteer WebOperated by the United Nations Volunteers program; links to volunteer opportunities
- International Volunteer Programs AssociationDatabase of volunteer-abroad programs; stresses ethical practices
- Catholic Network of Volunteer Service Comprehensive directory of Catholic and other Christian volunteer opportunities
- Action Without BordersClearinghouse for 46,000 non-profit organizations worldwide; includes listings for internships, volunteering and jobs
- Cross-Cultural SolutionsRecognized leader in international volunteering; projects involve community development, education, developmental disabilities and women’s issues
- Earthwatch InstituteLongtime leader in historical, archaeological and scientific volunteer work; in 49 countries
- Ecovolunteer ProgramDutch organization; offers land and sea conservation and science projects worldwide
- Global VolunteersOne of the earliest and most authoritative voices on overseas volunteering; also offers domestic programs
- Volunteer South AmericaLists free and low-cost volunteer opportunities in South and Central America
