Why People Should Volunteer and Ways to do it Abroad:
In my recent presentation and blog post I brought up the influential book, "The Spirit Level" which argues with significant statistical evidence that the more unequal a society is the more inefficient and unhappy the society will be. The book further argues that inequality negatively effects all classes therefore I further developed the idea to include the benefits of volunteering. Volunteering both makes the society more equal through the work you put into helping people in a given project and also brings classes together. There are clear happiness benefits that exemplify the Spirit Level hypothesis by both the help your giving and the profound sense of accomplishment and meaning one receives from dedicating yourself to something greater. Therefore, it is clear that equality creates a strong societies and more happiness while volunteering can be a key aspect to creating this equality.
So what are some ways to get involved in Volunteering?
The first thing is that it all depends on you! Personal interests, motivations, region, and of course bank account all play a huge role on where would be a good fit.
Here are just a few brief, cheap, and interesting ways that you can combine traveling with volunteering:
1. WWOOFing
(http://www.wwoof.org/) is a organization dedicated to matching up travelers with sustainable organic farms around the world for free. Basically, you live for free on a farm for a agreed amount portion of time and work a certain amount of hours per day helping out in exchange for food and a bed. WWOOF links with farms in every region of the world and can be the perfect opportunity for someone looking to live in another country for free and help local farmers in their community.
2. Volunteers for Peace
(http://www.vpt.org) This organization is an amazing resource for finding volunteer opportunities abroad. Their easy to use website matches you with a specific region, type of work, and time period to find perfect matches with your compatibility. VFP works in accordance with numerous other agencies around the world so that they are always abreast of interesting new service projects plus they give out scholarships and grants to make it easier on your purse. If there's a specific field of interest and country your interested in this could be your ticket.
3. PeaceCorps
(www.peacecorps.gov) If you are very serious about volunteering and could see yourself spending up to two years abroad then PeaceCorps could be a great opportunity. This organization assigns volunteers all around the world for a set time period around two years, it is a very serious commitment but also includes many benefits. The peacecorps fund everything you do so it is effectually for free although you are not paid enough to save money and also they will forgive your federal loans from College. So, if you are really looking into going into the field of international development or want to spend considerable time abroad for awhile this may be something to look into.
4. University of Vermont
If you are a student at a UVM or most universities they will provide numerous opportunities for volunteering and travel. UVM is affiliated with projects-abroad.org that has a huge scope for volunteer projects around the world. Also, a one can apply for grants and scholarships through the school to fund any research based trip of your choosing. I have found that many of the school lead trips can be overpriced and over managed while for a short period of time, but there are exceptions when they offer you opportunities that would you could not undergo by yourself. Therefore, UVM offers numerous opportunities through affiliations, grants, and service trips that are very worth looking into.
Remember also you do not always have to go through an organization or with other people to travel or volunteer if you research a country or project enough you can always just go alone and get in touch with projects yourself. Volunteering can be a fun, cheap, and meaningful way to travel. I hope everyone gets the chance to be able to so that they can both help others and themselves and make the world that little bit happier in the process!
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