Everyday Giving Blog

Tips On How To Volunteer Abroad During A Gap Year

Gap years are a popular idea for many students who are stuck on what they want to do with their future or who just want to explore the world before they get stuck into even more education. Some people take a year out to travel, while others do the same and volunteer abroad to broaden their horizons, get an experience of working and, above all, help out people who need the good will of others. It can be a fantastic experience, but if you go into such an endeavour blind, you could end up regretting it. So here are some top tips on how to go about volunteering abroad during a gap year.

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Fundraise

One of the biggest issues surrounding such a potentially life-changing venture is the financial side. Travelling isn’t free and, if you’re a student, the chances are you have a little amount of money to your name – so looking to your bank isn’t going to work. What do you do? You fundraise! It may take time, but if you plan your trip accordingly, you should have plenty of time to raise funds. Remember, you don’t have to act coy and feel shy about asking for money to fund your travels; after all, you’re going to be helping others out in a foreign country!

Share your ideas, your ambitions, and your beliefs. Make sure they understand why you’re doing it and give them some passion. But don’t just leave fundraising to donations from others; take up a part-time job and save, save, save! You have to be dedicated.

Use the web

Search engines are a wonderful thing, especially when you’re trying to find helpful tips and advice about gap years and volunteering. Thousands of people have done it, so there will be hundreds of success stories and testimonials about how people did it and what the experience was like.

Their stories could inspire you further, inspire ideas, and even potentially get you even more excited than you were before!

Be creative

If fundraising is becoming a struggle, then take up a blog – get yourself out there! Create a Facebook page, a Twitter page, a nice blog and basically get people into your plans! Give them a reason to want to donate money to your cause. By entertaining them with funny stories, articles and content, your pages could be visited hundreds, potentially thousands, of times a day.

It’s all about awareness to get your gap year rolling!

Ask friends

The best way to find out if a gap year abroad could be for you is by hearing your friend’s opinions who have been there and done it. The opinion of a respected friend could make a major difference in your decisions – after all, it is a massive decision for anyone to make!

It’s not all fun and adventures; you will have to work hard and you will definitely feel a culture change no matter where you go!

Do your research

Research, with any big decision in life, is essential, but with a gap year it’s beyond essential. If you don’t research every part of your trip, you could end up either struggling financially or in a situation you don’t want to be in.

Take your time, put the effort in, ask around, build up your funds, and be happy with your final decision. It’s your life, so live it!

Pick a good cause

So, you’ve got enough funds for your trip, but do you know where you’re going to go? Is it Peru, Africa, Asia? Wherever you go, make sure you have everything worked out regarding where you’re going to live and how much it’s going to cost. Oversights are this stage could be costly, so while it may not be exciting it is essential. UNICEF, the International Volunteerism Resource Centre (IVRC) and the International Volunteers Program Association (IVPA) are all out there to help you find the perfect gap year volunteer job, location and cause.

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Please, whatever you do, don’t use a resource or company who is not backed by the official sources and organisations. You could end up a seriously sticky situation. Pick a cause which you feel passionate about. Something that you think you can really do well in.

Many thanks to the Cancer Research Jobs team for putting together this informative article.

Kids Volunteering: A Special Way to Learn New Things

Volunteering is extremely essential for all whether it is a kid, youngster or older person anyone can enjoy the benefits of it. There are many advantages of involving children in volunteering as it is an ideal way to spread awareness in the community. It teaches compassion empathy, tolerance, gratitude and community responsibility to your children. Children of all ages can be volunteers, and volunteer opportunities can teach those skills they may not otherwise learn and could be necessary later in life. One must talk to the school principal or teachers for child's volunteering opportunities. It helps develop vital skills, including critical thinking, organizing, and collaboration and increases self-confidence.

Explore your teen’s interests

There is a need to look at which fields your kids are interested in. Kid volunteering provides them with useful knowledge of different things. Learning from small age will defiantly give right direction to their career and also prepare them ready for future. There is a need to work on children’s strategy such as if your children like drawing then you must put him in a coaching class, consult with the drawing teacher of his school. Little one will increase his skills, ability and talent by giving volunteering services.

Become kids a role model

All children love to copy their parents they are particularly interested in what their parents are doing. When a parent or guardian can also take part, the child often looks forward to the activity even more, and get to share this memorable time with your child. There are many parents who have gained the benefit of including their children in volunteer work. Kids gain the respects of others which make them feel proud. Volunteer work will prepare kids ready so that they can face any problem.

Make it a part of family schedule

If an individual wants to perform volunteer work just simply make it part of the family routine and make sure that your children have a say in the activity your family chooses, so that they get even more out of the experience. One must teach his kids importance of community services. As everyone knows kids are the future of the next generation so individual must take care of all their wants. Making it as a part of family schedule can assist your child in learning more easily. This article will surely assist in taking the right decision with regards to your kids future as volunteering for kids is immensely beneficial.

Interngroup provides International volunteering services and Internship opportunities in various fields like Architecture, Fashion, HR etc.

Share Your Love With Someone Who Needs It With One Of These Fantastic Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities To Volunteer And Spread Love Among The Poor And Needy

You are pretty lucky even though you might not think so. Because you were born in a developed country you had everything easy. I know it can seem tough sometimes, but it's really not. You have access to education which guarantees you a good future if you want it. There are medical institutions where you will receive good care. You have a roof over your head to keep you sheltered from harsh conditions. And you have a better chance than anyone of surviving into old age.

Some people are not so lucky. They don't have those luxuries that you class as basics. Have you ever thought about giving something back? And I don't mean giving $10 every month to some charity. I mean getting in the thick of it and sharing your love. There are plenty of places around the world where you can volunteer your time to people who really need it. To kids that might not have anyone who truly loves them. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in then have a look below at some options you have available to you.

Haiti

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few years you would have heard about the devastating earthquake that tore the country apart. Whole families were wiped out, and children are now left without parents. The country has not had much luck with anything in recent years apart from the kind men and women who come down to give anything they can. If you look around there are plenty of places looking for hands-on help and they'd be lucky to have you if you're willing to give it a shot.

Africa

Africa has had problems for the longest time. There are still millions of people who don't have access to fresh running water. Children have lost their parents to aids and malaria. They are so thin because there isn't enough food to feed them. All these people need your help. Why don't you go across and teach them about sex education so they will be safe from aids. Or help dig wells so the have access to something as simple as water. The kind of water that doesn't mean they are risking their life every time they have a drink. Again, there are plenty of opportunities available for any length of time you have to offer.

Cambodia

The country remains very poor. People are fighting to survive. Because Thailand is much more known than Cambodia it seems like that's where all the volunteers go to help out. Even though they need just as much help as Thailand they are missing out. Women are kidnapped and sent away to be sex slaves. Children are still abused from the people who should be looking out for them. You can provide the adults with simple education so they may find work in the tourist industry, or teach children so they have a chance at a good future. There is plenty of places that need you.

Nepal

Nepal is the easiest country to volunteer on the list. Although there are plenty of organizations you could probably jump on a plane and have something available the moment you land. You could volunteer at an orphanage where you will be looking after hundreds of children that don't have anyone else. Again you could teach English or anything else with the experience you possess. There are over 10 orphanages around the capital alone, plus there are more than two dozen children's resource centers that deal with their welfare. After you have finished there are plenty of attractions you can see around the country before you go home.

John McKenzie is a Toronto based travel enthusiast. He recommends the service of VS Travels for those who wish to seek excellent  new year vacation  deals.

Changing your lifestyle: 4 Ways to make yourself feel good

Whether it’s a bad day at work, the weathers getting you down or you just feel like you’ve had a pretty bad year, making yourself feel good again is hard work. A nice hot bath and chocolate used to do the trick but nowadays you’re craving something a little bigger.

To help you find something that will improve the way you feel on a bigger scale, check out a few ideas below:

Treat yourself

Whether it’s pampering yourself, new clothes, or indulging in an expensive slap up meal, why not attempt to change your lifestyle all together? From the way that you look to who you hang out with, try and start to experiment to see what makes you feel happier.

There’s always a reason to treat yourself, however this time make sure you use the excuse ‘because I deserve it’.

Warning: treating yourself can result in only a temporary feeling of goodness and you may want to check your bank balance before you start splashing out.

Find some volunteer work abroad

Volunteering isn’t all about living in a jungle and shovelling elephant dung into buckets, there’s some great opportunities to get your teeth into.

From childcare work in Thailand and building projects in Costa Rica, to sports coaching in South Africa and medical volunteer work in India, there are plenty of opportunities all over the world. The best part about it is that you can volunteer abroad in any country you wish and for however long you want, to suit your own interests.

There’s no better feeling than experiencing a demanding, rewarding and inspirational trip to some of the most beautiful but deprived communities, who need your help.

Clear out your house

Everyone has clutter that builds up over time so why not stop, dedicate time to clear out that rubbish and make your house beautiful. Then once you’re done collecting things you don’t need anymore, you could give it to someone who does?

There are plenty of places who would welcome your gifts such as charity shops, websites like www.freecycle.org even the local animal centre if you have appropriate things for them. One person’s junk is another’s treasure and giving away your things is guaranteed to make you feel good.

Start a new hobby/exercise class

Doing something you enjoy always makes you feel good, whether it starting a jewellery making course, or hiring a personal trainer down the gym. It’ll get you out the house, introduce new faces into your life and help to change your lifestyle for the better.

Try any of these options for just a week to start with and see if they begin to have a positive effect on your happy levels.

Janet has a passion for helping to improve peoples lifestyles and encourage them on the road to recovery.

How to Fit Charity Work into Your Life

These are straitened times we live in. Petrol prices are increasing, unemployment is higher than it used to be and it costs more money to do the weekly shop. It is a difficult environment for businesses that sell things to the consumer and charities are finding it even harder. After all, charity begins at home, right?

Well, there are several reasons why fitting charity work into your life one way or another can bring you benefits. Even if you think you don't have enough time or money, there are things that you can do to give back, that will also help your own life out.

Volunteering at a Local Charity Group

Studies have shown that taking time each week to help those less fortunate than yourself can improve your mood, as it helps you to appreciate what you have in life. It is easy to get bogged down with negative thoughts even when we have everything we need. Breaking the routine by helping out at a social club, meeting new friends by working in a charity shop and being genuinely thanked by those you help can make a world of difference. If you should find yourself between jobs, charity work is an ideal way to learn new skills and improve your CV.

Clearing Out Your Wardrobe

If you have clothes you once loved but which no longer suit you, or the kids have outgrown theirs, you should collect this together and donate it to charity. Of course, only clothing in good condition can be used. This means that people less fortunate can wear the clothes you no longer need, or they can be sold with the proceeds going to a good cause.

Pop Up Charity Boxes

These nifty little boxes are ideal for the kitchen or work place and are the ideal way to lighten your purse or wallet of small value coins. Just fill the box, then use the free post return address on it to send the money back to charity. This takes care of making donations to charity and reduces the number of pennies and two pence pieces lying unloved on the kitchen windowsill.

Helping the Kids Hold a Cake Sale

This can usually be arranged quite easily at your children's school and helps them to learn about charity giving, as well as how to run a simple stall. Arrange for your child and a few others to bake some cakes- childhood favourites like fairy cakes, rice crispy cakes, cookies and more – and set up a few tables to sell them at break time. The cakes don't need to cost more than 5p each and in my experience they are a lot of fun. What better way to spend a family afternoon then baking delicious goodies? And children love to play "shop". Then simply donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice.

So there you have it. If there is a way to introduce charity work into your own and your children's lives, grab the opportunity and enjoy the benefits.

Liz Strawford writing about charity work on behalf of World Vision UK.

Volunteering opportunities for the Career Driven & Karma Seeker

Maybe you’re just after an extra notch on your C.V. to get the tactical advantage on the competition in your next job interview. Or maybe you’re just looking for that feel good factor, that courses through your veins when you help someone in need. Although your reasons for being there are not important as the outcome is the same either way.

By using your free time to volunteer abroad you can be sure that you will take in life changing experiences. Nothing opens your eyes to the world more than being ripped out of your comfort zone and going to a polar opposite culture and way of thinking.

Options for the Career Driven

An open mind is open to fresh ideas and creative solutions to difficult problems. Your perspective employers will love that you’ve experienced a wide variety of cultures and new ideas. It’s a competitive world out there and when you’re fresh out of university or even changing career we all know how difficult it can be to get the experience necessary. This is why employers are falling on back on applicants with more life experience.

A great option for you to achieve this life experience is to work abroad in Kerala, India. Here you will work with small staff of Nuns who work incredibly hard to keep over 70 children with learning difficulties educated. During your time in Kerala you’ll meet a multitude of different people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and cultures. By helping others and immersing you in widely different cultures, you just know you’ll come back a much wiser and open minded person.

Options for the Karma Seeker

With a world full of problems there is no shortage of places to volunteer abroad. Helping hands are needed everywhere and why shouldn’t one of them be yours. Options open to you include helping children with disabilities, conversation projects, building projects or even sports coaching.

One particular volunteer opportunity that stands out is the Build for the Future project in Khairahari, Nepal. You will certainly have your work cut out for you during this trip, as you help to build, maintain and renovate schools for children. Of course it won’t be all hard work. With stunning views of the Himalaya’s filling your peripheral vision and the children’s smiling faces as you literally build them a better future.

Hi I'm Max and I enjoy writing about travel and sharing my experiences from around the globe

Helping Families to Save the World, One Idea at a Time

You can't do everything that needs to be done. You can only do so much. This applies to your home life as well as charitable deeds. However, some people take this to mean that they can't do anything in the way of donating to charity because their financial resources are so limited. Fortunately, there are ways we can help that don't require money.

Time can be as valuable, if not more so, as money.

Sometimes all the money in the world won't have the same result that taking a little time to spend with a person who is lonely or hurting will. Many charitable organizations, in fact, are constantly asking for donations of time or services so that the specific needs that only true face-to-face interaction can give. So, next time, instead of reaching for the checkbook, why not reach for the car keys and go spend your time instead of your money.

If you decide to donate your time, you can make this have a dual advantage by finding something that will allow you to use your special skills, also. This can be anything from tutoring a child to helping build or repair a home to providing free counseling services, if you are eligible for this.

Make Your "Net Surfing" More Profitable

Many websites get their donations through "clicks". That is, each click made on an advertiser's website counts as a monetary donation. Charity Click Donation, at Charity Click Donation, will help you find charities that use this method of collecting donations.

If you are concerned that donating through clicks will cause you to get a lot of unwanted e-mail, check to see if there is a way you can specify that you only wish to donate, you don't want to receive e-mail from any advertisers.

Donate Your Wheels

Some websites accept donations in material goods rather than money. In some instances, the website requests a specific donation, such as a car.

The Salvation Army is a great charitable organization that accepts vehicle donations.

This organization accepts monetary donations as well, but is set up to help make it easy for you to donate your vehicle.

So, remember, you can't do everything, but you can do something. These ideas can help you get started on some ways you can be of service. So, give time, give services, or give your car. Just so you give something. And, just like money, it doesn't have to be much, because every little bit helps.

Jessy is a frugal and sustainable writer for Sell My Timeshare blog, the one-stop guide for an responsible traveler.

Volunteering in India: A Beginner's Guide

Each year, thousands of people from across the world take time out to do voluntary work in disadvantaged communities. Working on a volunteer project in India is one of the best ways to get to know this beautiful and unique country. As well as providing you with an insight into parts of Indian life that normal tourists never experience, there’s the satisfaction that comes from making a positive contribution to the communities you visit. By working closely with local people you’ll learn about local culture on a deeper level and gain a new understanding of the lives of ordinary people in India.

While it’s possible to set yourself up with a volunteer placement independently, in most cases, it is usually easier and safer to organise your placement via a company. This is especially true for first-time visitors to India, which can be a daunting and challenging country on arrival. A simple online search of “volunteer + India” will lead you to a wide range of companies and charitable organisations that offer volunteer placements all across India, so take your time to thoroughly research the options available to you  - and their associated costs.  In addition to organising your placement on a project, these companies can also provide training, orientation, accommodation, food and help (example: volunteeringindia.com) with getting settled in your new environment. Visas and flights however, will be your responsibility to arrange and pay for, so make sure you do everything to reduce costs here - from finding the cheapest flights, to raising money to cover your costs. Many placements involve a spell of volunteering followed by a holiday on a guided tour of the local region, so you can work hard and play hard in the one trip!

The range of volunteer work available in India is diverse, so that there should be a placement suitable for everyone. A popular option is working with underprivileged children and orphans, helping to teach English and provide basic schooling. Other ideas include working on empowerment programs for underprivileged women or working with the sick and dying. Alternatively, there are a wide variety of environmental conservation programs and construction projects in India which require volunteers. Likewise, there are placements available for coaching sports and for working on health education projects with rural and tribal communities.

Placements are available from as short as two weeks to as long as six months. On average, most people volunteer for at least a month, giving them a chance to immerse themselves fully in the local culture.  

A travel writer and blogger based in the UK, James writes about voluntourism and sustainable travel, with a strong focus on India.

4 Charities to Help Your Child Feel "Rich"

Feeling rich isn't about the material things you have or the amount of money your family has; rather, it is about seeing how other children are being helped and cared for, and how you can be a part of this. Tell your child that the feeling he gets by helping others or supporting those who do through donations of money or time is the best way to feel rich. 

Many charities and organizations are designed to provide individual attention to children in need. Some of these are listed below. Your child may be interested to learn how they do this and may want to donate money or volunteer time (if he is old enough) at one of them.

Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Center

Every child has the opportunity to attend college; however, some children simply cannot make the grades necessary to get into a college. AVID is an educational program designed to help those students who make Cs and Ds improve their grades and, subsequently, their chances of being accepted into college.

For more information, visit www.avidonline.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBSSA)

This is one of the most recognizable organizations in the United States. It provides youth mentors to children between the ages of six and eighteen. This is one of many organizations that strives to provide one-on-one attention, something those children so often need.

For more information about BBSSA, go to www.bbbsa.org.

Canines for Disabled Kids (CDK)

This is a fairly new charity; it was not founded until 1998. This organization provides service dogs to children under the age of 12 who suffer from autism, who are hearing-impaired, or who ar physically disabled. The dogs not only provide the children with the assistance they need in performing daily tasks, but also with companionship. They also teach the children responsibility and build confidence.

Visit www.caninesforkids.org for more information on this unique charity.

Locks of Love

This is one charity that encourages participants to work as a team. One or more members of the team can volunteer to be the one who will grow the amount of hair needed (usually at least 10 inches) to donate to this charity, while others can offer support and encouragement.

It is not unusual to hear of specific girl’s organizations or groups, such as a youth group, school club, or other entity, encouraging all members to grow their hair and donate it when it has grown enough. The donated hair is used to make wigs and hairpieces that are given to children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions. The hair is provided free of charge or for a fee that is set based on a family’s income.

Go to www.locksoflove.org to learn more about this very special charity.

Encourage your child to get involved with the charity of his choice. Helping others in need will make him feel truly emotionally rich.

 

Jessy Troy is a new mom and frugal blogger for Broadband Plan Finder, the free tool tool to compare Australian bloadband plans.

 

How Volunteers Can Support Nonprofits Online and How Nonprofits Can Help

The Nonprofit 2.0 Unconference was held in Washington DC on June 25, 2010. I had the privilege of leading a session on the topic of how volunteers can support nonprofit organizations online. Below are the viewgraphs used during the session (with a couple of tweaks).

Please leave me a comment with additional methods that you are aware of that are not in the presentation.

Cheering From The Sidelines: How volunteers can support nonprofits online and how nonprofits can help

View more presentations from Roger Carr.