Volunteering brings myriad opportunities to explore
new places, meet diverse people, and get your hands dirty working on
a worthy project. So why do many volunteers--in particular, Americans-overlook
the United States as a destination? The third largest nation, and one
of the youngest, the U.S. is a 3.79 million square mile patchwork of
unique places with 310 million people.
Let's take a look at just a few of the volunteer
programs operating throughout the U.S., and how you can get involved!
Why Volunteer in the United States?
Volunteerism (also known as community service) is highly valued in
the United States. Anyone can be a volunteer, and many international
visitors with disabilities have volunteered in their U.S. host communities.
Although volunteer positions are unpaid, there are many possible benefits:
Gain career experience and skills to add to your
resume or CV.
Help promote a good cause.
Use or develop your leadership skills.
Meet new people and make new friends.
Raise awareness that people with disabilities can
make a positive contribution.
Strengthen your English skills (if English is not
your primary language).
Satisfy requirements for your international exchange
program, if any.
Tips for Choosing a Volunteer Program
Not all disabled people want to volunteer with a
disability organization. Remember your skills and experience can be
just as valuable to a non-disability organization.
Think about the kind of volunteer work that interests
you, whether it involves social work, environmental conservation, community
development, business, the arts, or humanitarian aid.
As you contact organizations about their volunteer
opportunities, ask about their policies towards non-U.S. citizens as
well as people with disabilities. Ask if the organization is welcoming of volunteers
of all backgrounds and abilities.
Some volunteer sites or projects will be more accessible
than others. If you a site is less accessible or more challenging than
you are used to, you will need to decide if you want to accept the challenge.
Examples of Volunteer Activities
The following are real examples of how high school
and college students with disabilities served their U.S. host communities
as volunteers:
Working at a community food pantry
Gardening at a community garden
Tutoring or supervising children
Collecting food, clothing, and other supplies for
people in need
Presenting about one's culture or country at a school
Playing music or singing at a retirement home
Selling concessions for school fundraisers
Presenting safety tips for visually impaired people
at a blind event
Search for Volunteer Opportunities Online
Global Volunteers has three sites in the United States where participants work closely
with local communities and cultural exchange.
Habitat for Humanity International offers
one- to three-week programs for individuals or groups of all faiths
interested in building homes for families in need in the United States
and other countries.
HealthCare Volunteer is a great site to search if you are interested in the health field.
Search volunteer positions in the United States by state.
Volunteers for Peace has 2-4 week work camps in the United States for people from around
the world.
Costs and Expenses
Most organizations that seek volunteers are non-profit
agencies and do not have the funds to pay volunteers or sponsor visas.
Because of this, volunteers are usually responsible for making their
own arrangements for travel, lodging and meals.
If an organization does arrange housing, meals, or
travel for volunteers, they may charge the volunteers a fee. Make sure
the organization is reputable before sending any money.
Sometimes an organization may offer a small stipend
to volunteers who make a longer time commitment of service or to take
on extra responsibilities.
Volunteering in the USA for foreigners
Everything seems to be bigger and better in America,
so lots of student all over the world try to be a volunteer in the US.
Whether you are interested in conservation, wildlife,
working in communities or teaching there is a range of opportunities
available. Taking a gap volunteer year in the US makes sense for many
travelers as they get to experience America life in an English speaking
country where ties and communication to home are not too distant.
Volunteering Opportunities in the USA
1)Volunteer Conservation Projects in the USA
Conservation projects in America include working
at some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. As part of
the volunteer team students’ duties will include looking after these
parks be that by re-planting vegetation, maintaining tracks and paths
throughout the parks, constructing and repairing fences as well as ensuring
that any animals who live in the area are protected.
2)Volunteer Wildlife Projects in the USA
There are many wildlife volunteer projects throughout
America with projects including rescuing and rehabilitating animals
back into their natural habitat.
3)Volunteer Community Projects in the USA
Community projects in the USA are always looking
for gap year travelers who are keen to lend a hand and volunteer towards
their cause. There are many community-based projects in operation in
America with the vast majority looking for individuals to help with
such work as landscaping, painting, serving meals and assisting with
recreational and outdoor activities.