Why volunteer for NGO Support?
You may or may not be familiar with non-governmental organizations. Just to give you a heads up, let’s take a look at some facts and figures that may surprise you:
- There are an estimated 10 million NGOs (non-governmental organizations) worldwide.
- The number of people worldwide donating money to NGOs increased from 1.2 billion in 2011 to 1.4 billion in 2014. By 2030, the number is expected to grow to 2.5 billion.
- The term “non-governmental organization” was created in Article 71 of the Charter of the newly formed United Nations in 1945. An NGO can be any kind of organization provided that it is independent of government influence and is not-for-profit.
Governments in developing countries don’t have the means or infrastructure to provide communities with the support they need. This leads to communities being sidelined because of a lack of options. This is where NGOs step in and where you as a volunteer can help. NGOs notice the needs of the local community and take action to improve the prospects by throwing members a lifeline. Apply for an NGO program and embark on an exciting experience which will make a long lasting difference.
Volunteers eager to put their managerial skills to the test in an international environment will find various opportunities to apply their strengths. If managing people isn’t your thing, perhaps you’re an expert in marketing and understand all the ins and outs of social media. Marketing skills are impertinent to the success of volunteer organizations by creating social awareness and attracting supporters.
Ok, maybe not marketing, then perhaps you’re an IT guru. All programs need someone to teach the local staff and enable smooth sailing of the IT infrastructure. You get the point, there are many options for volunteers. NGO’s offer excellent international internship opportunities for student volunteers or those seeking meaningful work experience abroad.
If you’ve always wanted to engage in an international experience, apply for one of these programs. You’ll be involved in the daily management of the organization while forging a strong connection with the local community. Combine this with a breathtaking location and you’re set for a life-altering adventure.
What will I do as a volunteer for NGO Support?
So many possibilities arise when you decide to volunteer for an NGO. Help is always needed and it’s likely that you will organically grow into the program abroad and end up doing the tasks that you excel at. Your activities will depend on the duration of your stay abroad. Volunteers opting for a short stay can help out with teaching, writing proposals for fundraising, sharing IT skills or doing research on future opportunities.
The longer you stay, the more responsibilities you will get and the more fun the program becomes. Volunteers interested in joining a human rights program can also pursue this as a volunteer on one of the programs when they commit themselves for a longer period of time.
Let’s look at some of the different activities you will be doing as a volunteer for NGOs:
Business Development
NGOs differ from profit organizations in the sense that their primary goal is to provide help. Their focus is on the activity itself while profit organizations generate profits as their main goal and their activities are a means to create it. These programs rely on money to be able to provide help and fulfill their activities.
An important aspect of these programs is creating awareness about their cause and attracting funds to ensure continuity. Volunteers will make great assets to the business development team when they are comfortable in sales, great at developing relationships and standing up for what they believe in. If this sounds like you, volunteering for business development within an NGO will bring great satisfaction and support the local community.
Marketing & IT
Volunteers with a creative flair can showcase their talent in the marketing department. Whether you’re a photographer driven by finding the best angle or an excellent writer that can create engaging content, you’ll find an NGO requiring your specific skills. Videographers can help create a captivating video which will explain the importance of the project in just a few minutes. Strong communicators will be the face of the organization and deal with volunteers and the media.
IT savvy volunteers will be essential for setting up a database or website development. Always wanted to gain experience abroad? This is the chance for marketing people to work their magic, spread the news and raise awareness about the local community.
NGO Management
All organizations require management of activities and resources and NGOs are no different. If you’re a volunteer eager to practice your leadership skills abroad and learn the ins and outs of a charity organization, this is right up your alley. Expect to engage in meetings, manage administration and the marketing activities.
Volunteers who enjoy engaging in administrative tasks can be a valuable addition to the team and help lessen the administrative load. Embark on your adventure abroad and give back to the local community while you gain management experience in completely new setting abroad.
It’s not always necessary to have relevant experience when applying for some of the programs. Most importantly, volunteers should be eager to help out and enthusiastic about the program. If that sounds like you, don’t hesitate and check out the different NGO programs available. There are international opportunities all over the world. This is your chance to embark on an international adventure. Africa, Asia, South America? It’s all possible.
A day as a volunteer for an NGO Support
A day as a volunteer will vary on a daily basis. It’s important that volunteers help out where necessary and are happy to pitch in. Teamwork is the keyword and allowing the program to perform at its best will require excellent communication between all members of the team. These are a few activities that you may expect from most programs:
- General administration tasks (phone, paperwork, bills etc.)
- Communication with volunteers and volunteer organizations
- Creating proposals for fundraising
- Teaching English to the staff
- Attending meetings
- Updating websites
- Writing articles and publishing pictures about the organization
- Organizing events
Who can volunteer?
You might wonder if you are cut out for the project. We’re convinced you’ll do great as long as you’re excited about the program. In case you’re still in doubt, we have listed a few personality traits which are great to have as a volunteer for an NGO project:
- a social mindset
- empathy
- a good work ethic
- the ability to work as part of a team
- great communication skills
- adaptability to different types of tasks
- administrative skills
- management skills
- hands-on approach
- problem-solving ability
- enthusiasm
- resilience
- a non-judgmental approach and respect for diversity
- great cultural awareness
- a professional attitude to work
- willingness to establish a connection with the local community
- a strong regard for health and safety
- eagerness to travel abroad
- dedication
It’s not necessary to tick all the boxes of course, but you get it by now. As a volunteer, your greatest asset is your enthusiasm. Check out the different NGO projects and prepare yourself for a thrilling experience abroad. Africa, Asia or America? Ghana? Cambodia? Peru? Your opportunities are endless!
What language skills are required?
English is the main language on all projects so it’s important that volunteers have a good understanding of English. This is important to communicate with the staff at the project center and other volunteers. For projects in South America, it would be great to have a basic knowledge of Spanish prior to going. Knowing some Spanish words will definitely help kickstart your volunteer adventure abroad and help you connect with the local community.
Best places to volunteer for NGO Support
There are plenty projects spread across the world. It’s just a matter of finding the right match for you and setting off for your adventure abroad. Africa, South America and Asia are possibilities to start your adventure abroad.
Do you want to develop websites in Africa, take pictures of elephants in Thailand or lead a fundraising team in South America? Let’s take a closer look at the different places some of these projects can take you to. One thing is for certain, the world is at your feet!
Latin America
Volunteers who want to explore Latin America may want to brush up on their Spanish before starting on one of the programs abroad. It will make the experience more enjoyable. Volunteers lured by the call of the Caribbean can head to the Dominican Republic and end a rough day with a stroll on the beach. South America remains a touristic hotspot which gives volunteers endless opportunities to explore. Cultural gems like Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru are on the list so check out the different programs and decide on your best match.
Africa
If there’s a region in the world that requires help, it definitely is Africa. Volunteer for a program and set out on a volunteer safari in pristine locations such as Kenya, South Africa, Gambia, Uganda or Tanzania. Grasp this opportunity to help a region which is underdeveloped and give them the support they need while you take in the pristine landscape of the African savanna. Volunteers attracted to Africa, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference.
Asia
Volunteers who are drawn to Southeast Asia are in luck. There are projects in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam that are waiting for volunteers to strengthen their teams. Enjoy the tropical weather and acknowledge the breathtaking scenery while you volunteer for a program located in one of these tropical hotspots.
Top 5 benefits of volunteering
It’s hard to name drawbacks when talking about volunteering. It’s always associated with doing good and positive feelings. You’re aware by now that by contributing your time and effort to supporting an NGO will help the program and in turn positively affect the local community. But let’s take a look at what’s in it for you:
Learning Opportunities
Volunteering for an NGO program will give you practical hands-on experience which can earn you credits if it’s acknowledged as an internship by your university. Your work can also prove to be relevant for your CV and may land you future career opportunities. Above all, your experience abroad will teach you important life lessons that you are yet to discover.
People
Volunteering abroad is a great chance to meet people from different cultures and walks of life. You’ll connect with the local community and other volunteers who have similar values and interests as you. Get ready to forge some long-lasting bonds as you start out on this adventure abroad.
New Experiences
Volunteering is a brilliant way to expand your perspective of the world. Issues that seemed huge problems before, may seem trivial after your volunteer experience. Life experiences such as this give us more baggage that can prove helpful in the future. Volunteer for an NGO and watch how you become a stronger individual.
Health Improvements
Research has shown that volunteering leads to better health and a better state of mind. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, function better and suffer less from depression. Get ready to volunteer and reap some of the health benefits along the way.
Travel
This is your chance to explore the world and discover some of the most interesting places the world has to offer. You’ll be doing this while contributing to a meaningful cause. What are you waiting for? Get out your luggage and start packing!
How do I get started as a volunteer for NGO support?
You’ve decided you want to volunteer for NGOs and support those less fortunate. Select a few projects that spark your interest, to begin with. Once you’ve done that, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to volunteering for an NGO:
- Check whether there’s a match between the project abroad and your skills.
- Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be a location you are willing to travel to.
- Get in touch with the organization abroad and see whether your expectations and your schedule match up.
Once you know your destination, take the following steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!
- Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in.
- Make sure you have a valid passport.
- Be sure to get travel and health insurance for your time abroad.
- Check which vaccinations are required in the country you will be visiting.
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