Now that you have considered your motivations for volunteering and looked at the possible alternatives, it’s a good idea to start thinking about the type of organisation that is most suited to you. There are a large number of organisations that arrange volunteer placements, and the variety can be slightly overwhelming for someone who is just beginning to consider the options.
We have divided volunteer placement organisations into five categories: short-term/intercultural; long-term development; conservation/environment; recruitment/placement; and relief/emergency. All the organisations in the directory have been classified according to these headings.
The Volunteer Charter sets out seven principles that aim to encourage responsible, responsive international volunteering. It contains lists of questions to help you to make sure that you have thought about the issues raised, and that you know they are important. By signing it you can show that you support the principles it sets out.
The focus of this work is on empowering local people. It often involves some kind of skills transfer, and will require specific educational or professional qualifications. Read more...
Primarily concerned with conservation/environmental work. Read more...
This category is used to cover organisations that match volunteers with placements or programmes, but that are not themselves involved in organising or running volunteer programmes. Read more...
The focus of this work is on emergency situations, which could arise as a result of conflicts or natural disasters. Read more...