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Religious/Philosophical Base: American Baptist Churches, USA
Area Served: United States, Puerto Rico, and 15 countries around the world
Typical Projects: Agricultural, children, disaster relief, group projects, tutoring, refugee relief, youth, teaching English, food distribution, housing, courses in medicine, teaching, and seminary
Primary Needs: Committed Christians willing to volunteer in all areas of need
Number of Volunteers: Average 20 per group; 300 in active database
Prerequisites: Must be 19 or older and a church-based Christian; Mission groups available for teens and adults
Language Requirements: Depends on geographical area
Length of Service: Short term; long term; clearing house for 1-week group projects
Volunteer Benefits: For individuals: National: small stipend when appropriate, housing, some food; International: housing
Comments: Volunteer Services provides the opportunity for people to respond to God's love and to share Christ's commission through international service in building the body of Christ through witness, renewal, and justice concerns.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Designed to strengthen and supplement efforts to eliminate poverty-related problems in the US
Area Served: All over US, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Guam
Typical Projects: Economic development assistance, neighborhood revitalization, working with food banks, literacy, job training, child abuse, health care, and youth education about drug abuse
Primary Needs: Specialized needs based on requests from the sponsor organization
Number of Volunteers: 40,000
Prerequisites: Age 18 and older; US citizen or permanent resident
Language Requirements: None, though some projects request bilingual volunteers
Length of Service: 1 year full-time
Volunteer Benefits: Subsistence allowance for housing, food, incidentals; $100/month readjustment allowance at end of service or $4725/year for student loans or higher education; health and child care benefits
Comments: Volunteers live and work among the poor in urban and rural areas, including Indian reservations; focus is on the mobilization of community resources.
Religious/Philisophical Base: Interfaith, grass-roots citizens' movement
Area Served: US policy issues relating to hunger in the US and other countries
Typical projects: Congregations, campuses, and communities involved in advocacy through letters, phone calls, personal visits, and letters-to-the-editor in various publications
Primary Needs: Community organizers, social workers, policy analysts, researchers, educators, fundraisers, and communication specialists
Number of Volunteers: 44,000 BFW members
Prerequisites: College age and older
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: 6 months to 1 year
Volunteer Benefits: Stipends for some positions; for others, travel allowance
Comments: A nationwide Christian movement that seeks justice for the world's hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision makers.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Church of the Brethren Organization; interdenominational
Area Served: Over 20 US states and over 20 countries
Typical Projects: Children/Youth/Young adults, Senior citizens, Community Services, Farm Workers, Disabled Persons, Agriculture, Hunger/Homelessness, Prisoners and the Prison System, Refugees, Peace/Justice, Domestic Violence, Housing, Health Care, Outdoor Ministries, Community Organizing/Development/Advocacy, Education/Teaching, Environment, Congregations
Primary Needs: Persons willing to act on their commitment, values, and faith working towards the goals of BVS: working for peace; advocating justice; serving basic human needs; maintaining the integrity of creation.
Number of Volunteers: Over 100, mostly in the US
Prerequisites: Must be 18 for domestic projects; must be 21 and have a college degree for overseas projects
Language Requirements: Vary
Length of Service: 1 year in the U.S.; 2 years Overseas
Volunteer Benefits: Housing, food, full medical insurance, monthly stipend between $60 and $80 and the opportunity to serve others.
Comments: BVS challenges individuals to offer themselves, their time, and their talents to work that can be difficult and demanding yet rewarding and joyful. Since 1948, Brethren Volunteer Service has been about people sharing God's love through acts of service. As a Christian-based volunteer program sponsored by the Church of the Brethren, BVS builds on the Church's strong commitment to service.
Religious/Philisophical Base: Interfaith community addressing homelessness
Area Served: Atlanta, GA
Typical Projects: Build relationships with people who are homeless; coordinate volunteers; cook; administrative tasks, facility maint., household chores, share life in community
Primary Needs: Counselors, cooks, facility managers, volunteer coordinators
Number of Volunteers: 7
Prerequisites: 21 years and older, team player, desire to live in community
Language Requirements: English
Length of Service: 1 year or more
Volunteer Benefits: Room and board, community living, $70/month stipend, health insurance, transportation, retreats
Comments: The Cafe 458, a program of Samaritan House of Atlanta, is a restaurant for people who are homeless and where guests are served with dignity and respect and are supported as they pursue their personal goals.
Religious/Philisophical Base: Christian
Area Served: Throughout US and international
Typical Projects: Pastoral service, teaching, health education, medical assistance, social work, community organizers, aides, youth workers; aiding the aged and homeless; social justice-related service
Primary Needs: Lay Volunteer Missionaries in any and all areas of service
Number of Volunteers: More than 9,000
Prerequisites: Depending on program, 18 years and older; openness to challenge and deep sense of commitment to Christian service
Language Requirements: Vary
Length of Service: US: 1 or more years; Foreign: 2-3 years; Summer programs: length may vary by location
Volunteer Benefits: Vary by program. Most long term volunteers receive room and board, medical insurance and a small living stipend. Most can assist with loan deferment
Comments: *formerly International Liason of Lay Volunteers in Mission. Coordinating center for over 200 volunteer/lay missionary organizations operating across the United States and 100 countries
Religious/Philisophical Base: Interdenominational
Area Served: Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala
Typical Projects: Training of communities in health, public health, nutrition, health education, adult literacy, sanitation, agroforestry, appropriate technology, and community organizing
Primary Needs: Doctors, nurse midwives, agriculturalists, public health specialists, educators, appropriate technology engineers, and community organizers
Number of Volunteers: 20
Prerequisites: Degree in public health, nutrition, agriculture, engineering, or medicine
Language Requirements: Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese for placement in Latin America
Length of Service: 2-year minimum
Volunteer Benefits: $250/month stipend, housing, food, transportation, insurance, $50/month readjustment allowance after completion of service
Comments: Founded in Ireland in 1968; US program begun in 1972; Conducts relief, recovery, and development programs in lesser-developed countries and refugee encampments.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Christian; ecumenical
Area Served: Appalachian region of 12 states and all of West Virginia
Typical Projects: New home building, home repair, farming, camp maintenance, trail clearing, environmental clean-up, clerical and office work, childhood development, direct services such as soup kitchens, food and clothing distribution and transportation services
Primary Needs: Workcamp groups and individual volunteers willing to serve Appalachian communities by providing labor or building and housing rehabilitation, direct services, farm and garden work, early childhood development, clerical and office maintenence, camp maintenance and environmental clean-up
Number of Volunteers: 30-40 long term; 15-20 summer; over 3,000 in groups for workcamps
Prerequisites: Professional skills or experience for long-term; general carpentry skills for workcamp leaders; minimum high school age in workcamps
Language Requirements: English
Length of Service: Individual: a few weeks to 1 year or longer; Groups: 1 week
Volunteer Benefits: Individuals supplied with housing and stipend which varies with project; workcamp groups provided with housing and pay for materials and meals
Comments: The Commission on Religion in Appalachia (CORA), formed in 1965 by 17 church denominations, is an ecumenical partnership of community groups, and congregations whose mission is to express God's love by working for social and economic justice in Appalachia.
CROSSTIES NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRIES
825 S. 10th Waco, TX 76706 254/753-5916 Emails: for Gospel Cafe, Sherry@Castello.com; for Talitha Khoum and Neighborhood Ministries, Susan@Cowleygroup.comThe Crossties listing is incomplete; please check back in a few days, and we'll have it posted for you.
1640 Columbia Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 202/328-1102 Fax: 202/328-7483 Contact: Ms. Jennifer Audretch, Program Director www.slschool.org jubileemin@school.org
Religious/Philosophical Base: Church of the Saviour and Festival Center, ecumenical
Area Served: Washington, DC
Typical Projects: Placements typically put interns in servant roles (i.e. personal care aides with persons with AIDS, social service counselors, medical assistants, volunteer coordinators). Organizations serve the homeless, addicted, immigrants, unemployed, and uninsured across the age spectrum--children to senior citizens. Services include housing, health care, education, employment, and much more.
Primary Needs: More applicable than primary needs is the goal of our program. this program aims to procide opportunities for people interested in deepening their spiritual journey through service, intentional Christian community and spiritual reflection. By relating closely with the poor and marginalized, participants come to know Jesus in a different way, gaining a personal understanding of Jesus' preferential option for the poor. Classes at the Servant Leadership School provide participants with exposure to the Church of the Saviour's 50+ year experience with the inward and outward journey.
Number of Volunteers: Between 5 and 7 each year.
Prerequisites: Willingness to commit to one year of service in the inner city; commitment to live in Christian community; 18 years of age or older (college education preferred but not required); married couples welcome. We cannot accommodate dependent children. US or Canadian citizenships.
Language Requirements: English
Length of Service: 1 year. Program begins/ends in August with applications due in March.
Volunteer Benefits: Food and personal stipend ($225/month); housing with utilities included; reimbursement for work-related travel when needed; health insurance. Interns pay telephone for long-distance service. Interns live in a group house with individual or shared bedrooms, common rooms, and eating areas. Interns receive orientation to program and specific orientation within their respective placements. Interns are also provided the opportunity to take three sessions of classes at the Servant Leadership School with opportunity for one or more classes per session.
Comments: A wonderful and experienced group of spiritual companions make themselves available to the participants in the Discipleship Year. The frequency and duration of the relationship is determined by each disciple, but volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Non-sectarian
Area Served: Central & South America, Caribbean, Vietnam, Mongolia, Fiji, India and China
Typical Projects: Providing medical care to the poor
Primary Needs: Volunteers, including medical and nonmedical personnel, translators, pharmacists, photographers and others. Donations: medical supplies and equipment
Number of Volunteers: Unlimited; needed in all skilled areas: medical, professional, and clerical
Prerequisites: Don't need to be a pilot; physicians, dentists, pharmacists, etc. (see above)
Language Requirements: English; Spanish helpful
Length of Service: 3 levels: 6-day, 10-day, and 14-day trips
Benefits: Emotional, spiritual rewards; geographic, cultural experience
Comments: FDA is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization on medical mercy missions to Third World nations. Missions are affordable and professionally managed. Sites are remote and beautiful; teaching/learning from indigenous medical community.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Christian, Interdenominational; Committed to ministering to the two hungers- physical and spiritual
Area Served: More than 20 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe
Typical Projects: Community development and relief work; projects focus on agricultural work, water resource development, engineering, preventive health care, and microenterprise; English conversation program in Japan
Primary Needs: Agriculturalists, public and community health specialists, engineers, community development workers, accounting and administration, teachers, communications coordinator
Number of Volunteers: 80
Prerequisites: Strong Christian commitment; willingness to learn and to raise financial support
Language Requirements: Vary; instruction provided
Length of Service: 2 week trips, 3-18 months overseas assignments and career opportunities available
Benefits: Individuals raise money to cover stipend, housing, food, transportation, full insurance coverage, second phase in-country training, return stipend, pension program
Comments: FFTH is committed to a Symbiotic Ministry of meeting both physical and spiritual needs. Volunteers work alongside host country staff, assisting in ongoing projects and coordinating with local churches and development agencies.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Catholic Orientation
Area Served: Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area
Typical Projects: Chicago outreach active in shelter and soup kitchen
Primary Needs: Willing, committed Christians
Number of Volunteers: 8-12 needed
Prerequisites: Prefer high school graduate at least 19 years old; accepts singles and couples without dependents
Language Requirements: English; Spanish helpful
Length of Service: 4 weeks orientation, 6 months to 1 year renewable commitment; accepts students for short-term (such as spring break) 3 months - summer
Benefits: Room, board, and for 6-12 months commitment, medical insurance; small salary
Comments: FOA has 3 work locations; volunteer quarters are attached for supportive community life
Religious/Philosophical Base: Christian; ecumenical
Area Served: More than 1,700 locations in North America; over 80 countries abroad
Typical Projects: Builds and renovates homes for, and in partnership with, the inadequately sheltered; raises consciousness for the need for decent shelter; office opportunities in Georgia
Primary Needs: Accounting, clerical and office, construction, word processing, graphic art, photography, communications, information systems, and administration
Number of Volunteers: 150 at headquarters, 1,000 per year overseas, 3,000 nationwide
Prerequisites: None, but construction, administrative, and PC skills encouraged for US; project management and community development
Language Requirements: Spanish and/or French helpful; instruction provided for overseas
Length of Service: Short- and long-term projects in US; 3 yr. min. overseas
Benefits: US: housing and food stipend at most affiliates; overseas: monthly stipend; health insurance included on US and international travel
Comments: Formed in 1976 as an outgrowth of Koinonia Partners. Offers no-interest mortgages payable over a 15-20 year period. Motto: "A decent house in a decent community for God's people in need." Internships available: Housing, stipend, health insurance; If interested, send cover letter with resume stating objectives.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Non-sectarian; non-political
Area Served: Various countries in Africa, Asia, Caribbean, South America
Typical Projects: Medical, dental education and training
Primary Needs: Physicians (especially anesthesiologists, pediatricians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons and nurses), dentists, nurse anesthetists, physical therapists, internists
Number of Volunteers: 400
Prerequisites: Must be a fully-trained, licensed, experienced medical professional (Some residents accepted)
Language Requirements: English
Length of Service: Short-term: 2-4 weeks, prefer 4 weeks; longer terms are available
Benefits: Volunteers are responsible for their own travel and living expenses (Some sites can provide housing); expenses are tax deductible
Comments: HVO seeks to improve the quality of health care in developing countries through teaching; emphasis is placed on appropriate technology.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Interdenominational
Area Served: Learning Centers: Heifer Ranch, Arkansas; Ceres Center, California; Overlook Farm, Massachusetts; regional offices throughout country.
Typical Projects: Education; livestock; maintenance; construction; gardening; office work; speaking
Primary Needs: At learning centers: education; general farm/livestock workers; organic gardening; agroforestry; maintenance; construction; office work. At regional offices: speakers; media volunteers
Number of Volunteers: 40 at peak in Arkansas; 4 in California; 10 at peak in Massachusetts
Prerequisites: Must be at least 18 years old and willing to work
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: Short-term, long-term
Benefits: Small stipend, communal housing, noon meal (Ark. only)
Comments: Hands-on agriculture, education, volunteer opportunities available at 3 learning centers in AR, MA, and CA. Regional volunteers help with presentations and displays. 10-12 short-term edu. study tours cost varies by place. Admin. & maintenance vol. opps.available.
Religious/Philisophical Base: Combines evangelism with meeting needs
Areas Served: Whole world
Typical Projects: General health care, well digging, construction, disaster relief, education, ESL placement overseas, evangelism
Primary Needs: Specialized needs based on requests from the field
Number of Volunteers: over 33,000
Prerequisites: Active member of Southern Baptist Church with pastor's recommendation, vital Christian testimony, good health and skills
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: 1 week to 4 months
Volunteer Benefits: Volunteers furnish own living and transportation expenses
Comments: Volunteers must be willing to go at a time specified by field missionary. Currently, volunteers are working in more than 100 countries.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Catholic
Area Served: Over 60 US locations; 6 overseas
Typical Projects: Aiding the aged, the homeless, and the handicapped; working in shelters and soup kitchens; HIV/AIDS projects; education; other social justice-related work
Primary Needs: Teachers, youth workers, social service workers, drop-in workers, health care specialists, nurses, battered women's advocates, community organizers, general workers
Number of Volunteers: 600 nationally and internationally
Prerequisites: Must be over 21; college degree or work experience; Christian motivation
Language Requirements: Spanish required for some positions
Length of Service: 1 year domestic with annual option for renewal up to 3 years, 2 years international with option for renewal
Benefits: Stipend, housing, food, health insurance, retreats and workshops, transportation home at end of service; Americorps grant toward loan payment or future tuition
Comments: Emphasis on spirituality, simple lifestyle, social justice, and Christian community. Volunteers work in both rural and urban communities throughout the US and abroad.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Christian service community emphasizing radical discipleship to Jesus Christ
Area Served: Newly arrived refugees being resettled in Georgia
Typical Projects: Hosting refugees, peace and justice work in international and local projects, and the death penalty in Georgia; local community projects
Primary Needs: Volunteers willing to do whatever needs to be done, including teaching ESL (English as a Second Language), child care, cleaning, gardening, construction, maintenance, office work
Number of Volunteers: 10-12 for each volunteer term
Prerequisites: Minimum age of 19; openness to being challenged and nurtured by following Jesus
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: Volunteer terms are: Jan.-May, June-Aug., Sept.-Dec. Volunteers may extend up to 1 year
Benefits: Room and board provided plus $15 per week stipend; no insurance provided; no transportation to and from Jubilee provided, but ministries are on site so none is needed while at Jubilee
Comments: Service is done from the base of Christian community. The community attempts to live a compassionate lifestyle, offering an alternative to the consumer mentality.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Interfaith; Lutheran Volunteers live in intentional communities
Area Served: Baltimore, Chicago, Milwaukee, Wilmington, DE, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Washington, DC, Tacoma, WA., Seattle, WA., Oakland/Berkely CA.
Typical Projects: Food banks; youth programs; shelters for homeless and abused people; community and tenant organizing; health care clinics; policy and advocacy work on peace, hunger, refugee issues
Primary Needs: Social workers, health care specialists, community organizers, teachers and youth workers, political organizers and analysts, paralegals; all are welcome, but no experience necessary
Number of Volunteers: 86 in 2002-03
Prerequisites: 21 & over, US Citizen; openness to challenge, flexibility, commitment, humor, specific skills varies as needed.
Language Requirements: Some agencies require Spanish
Length of Service: 1 or 2 years
Benefits: $100/month stipend, housing, food, health insurance, transportation, vacation
Comments: LVC is a Reconciling in Christ org. committed to three principles: work for social justice, explore simpler lifestyles, and live in intentional community. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and faith traditions are encouraged to apply. Married couples are also encouraged to participate.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Area Served: International (this program does not serve the USA)
Typical Projects: Education, ESL, computers, library services, health care, community development, evangelism, theological education, agriculture, business administration
Primary Needs: English, math or science teachers, medical personnel, librarians, computer technicians, theologians, evangelists, development workers, construction skills, accountants
Number of Volunteers: 120 active
Prerequisites: Must be Christian and a church member, although not necessarily Lutheran
Language Requirements: Depends on geographic area
Length of Service: 3 months to 2 years
Benefits: Volunteer is responsible for transportation and local living costs; housing and medical insurance provided; exact provisions vary with placement
Comments: Volunteers assist partner churches, institutions, and agencies in providing additional human resources in overseas settings.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Christian, espousing non-violence
Area Served: 50 countries, including the US and Canada
Typical Projects: Education, agriculture and nutrition, economic and technical development, justice and advocacy research, conflict mediation, relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction
Primary Needs: Agriculturalists, water development specialists, science and math teachers, public and community health specialists, social workers, secretaries, ESL teachers, conflict mediation practitioners and teachers
Number of Volunteers: 550
Prerequisites: Christian faith, church member, dedicated to non-violence
Language Requirements: Instruction provided
Length of Service: Canada: 2 years; U.S. and Overseas: 3 years
Benefits: Adults: $62/month ($52/child), housing, food, transportation, medical care, vacation allowance, children's education
Comments: MCC is the relief service and peace organization of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in the US and Canada.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Catholic; "Whatever the task, we always respond through faith"
Area Served: Africa, Asia, Central and South America
Typical Projects: Not limited to, but including: pastoral work, medical assistance, health education, teaching, agricultural extension, community development, communication, social justice, youth ministry
Primary Needs: Agronomists, medical personnel, pastoral workers, teachers, social workers, community organizers, social justice work
Number of Volunteers: 130
Prerequisites: Must be US Catholic with college degree or skill followed by a minimum of 1-year's experience; generally, must be over 21
Language Requirements: Instruction provided
Length of Service: 3 1/2 years, following a 4 month orientation
Benefits: Room and board, transportation to and from mission sites, medical insurance
Comments: Part of the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America. "We respond to the needs of the poor and oppressed." MMAF collaborates with Maryknoll movement and is made up of Catholic men/women, singles, couples, families, priests, brothers, and sisters associated with the Maryknoll movement.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Non-denominational, urge involvement of all groups
Area Served: Caribbean
Typical Projects: Arts and crafts, music, English training, recreation, general tutoring, painting and minor maintenance, construction, gardening
Primary Needs: All skills and ages are needed
Number of Volunteers: Up to 20 per work mission
Prerequisites: 18 and older unless accompanied by adult
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: 1 week, longer assignments available
Benefits: Volunteers pay their own way
Comments: "We enable individuals and organizations to provide opportunities for orphaned and abandoned children around the world." An excellent hands-on volunteer experience benefitting needy children learning the local culture.
Religious/Philosophical Base: To help promote progress through self-help & mutual understanding between the US and people of developing nations
Area Served: 76 countries around the world, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Pacific
Typical Projects: English teaching or teacher training, small business development, maternal and child health care, nutrition, freshwater fisheries, agriculture extension, teacher training, forestry, and community development
Primary Needs: Specialists in: Education, Business, Agriculture, Environment, Health, and Community Development; see Peace Corps web site for breakdown of categories
Number of Volunteers: 162,000 since 1961; 7300 currently with 61% female, 39% male, 7% over 59
Prerequisites: Age 18 and older; US citizen; Bachelor's degree or 3-5 years experience in needed vocation and appropriate skills
Language Requirements: Some positions require prior knowledge in Spanish or French; for others, instruction in the native language is provided
Length of Service: 27 months; the first three months deal with language, custom and culture training in chosen country
Benefits: Monthly stipend to cover basic housing, food and living expense(the amount varies by country); round-trip transportation to the country of service; full medical and dental benefits during service; $225/month readjustment allowance for every mo. of service after completion of program ($6075 in total)
Comments: Since 1961, over 150,000 have served. Apply 6-9 months, but no more than a year, in advance. Positions are available for legally married couples, but we cannot accommodate families with children. Disabled persons are welcome to apply. Actively recruiting older Americans and minorities.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Presbyterian Church (USA)
Area Served: USA and International
Typical Projects: Health care, education, community development, social justice, peacemaking, evangelism, agriculture, business administration, refugee projects, and disaster response
Primary Needs: Educators, evangelists, community developers, pastoral trainers, medical and community health care personnel
Number of Volunteers: US: 200; Overseas: 300
Prerequisites: Must be Christian and a church member, though not necessarily Presbyterian
Language Requirements: Vary; instruction provided for longer assignments
Length of Service: US: 3-24 months; Overseas: 1-4 years
Benefits: Benefits vary, most appointments require some fundraising
Comments: Volunteers help church-related and other organizations full-time, part-time, and for summer service. Young Adult Program, 1-year service/learning for persons 19 to 30 years of age in the US and internationally.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Christian orientation, contributors are interfaith
Area Served: International, mostly North America
Typical Projects: Publications to promote education and awareness about hunger and poverty (worship resources, newsletters, web site)
Primary Needs: Photographs, art, poetry, prayers, worship resources
Number of Volunteers: Varies
Prerequisites: Appropriate Skills
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: one-time contributions are common
Benefits: Free copies of publications to which you contribute and our undying gratitude
Comments: Seeds of Hope Publishers is a private, independent group of believers responding to a common burden for the poor and hungry of God's world, and acting on the strong belief that biblical mandates to feed the poor were not intended to be optional.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Southern Baptist Convention
Area Served: US, territories, protectorates, and Canada
Typical Projects: Church construction, disaster relief, home rehabilitation, Vacation Bible School, Backyard Bible Clubs, Block parties, sports clinics
Primary Needs: Adult and student mission groups that can commit about one week to a short-term mission project
Number of Volunteers: More than 376,000
Prerequisites: Adults willing to serve minimum of 20 hours/week for 4 months or longer. Active member of Southern Baptist church.
Language Requirements: Vary
Length of Service: up to 4 months
Benefits: The volunteer Mobilization team of NAMB, SBC, exists to facilitate short-term mission trips among SBC in Canada, the U.S., and its territories
Comments:Volunteers must be self supportive. Online services are provided to facilitate short-term missions planning. http://the bridge.namb.net and www.namb.net/logistics
Religious/Philosophical Base: Grounded in Unitarian principles, UUSC is a voluntary, nonsectarian organization working to advance justice throughout the world.
Area Served: United States, Central America/Mexico/Caribbean, South Asia, Africa
Typical Projects: Office/program support at UUSC headquarters in Cambridge, Mass; JustWorks workcamps-week-long service learning projects with a theme such asmigrant farm workers, anti-racism, etc.
Primary Needs: Office/program support at UUSC headquarters; Just Works participants; participants for other domestic projects
Number of Volunteers: Just Works workcamps are usually limited to twelve people each week. Varies by project.
Prerequisites: Depends on project, generally an interest in human rights
Language Requirements: Spanish, French helpful for some projects
Length of Service: 1 week on-going
Benefits: Learn about international human rights issues, participate in social justice activities, become an activist for change
Comments: Our Just Works program accommodates people ages 16 and up. We have intergenerational opportunities workcamps for adults, and workcamps for youth. Please visit our Web site for more information or contact our office.
Religious/Philosophical Base: United Church of Christ
Area Served: US and Puerto Rico
Typical Projects: Social work, community service, peace and justice issues, support staff (office, maintenance, etc.)
Primary Needs: Social workers, teachers, office workers, gardeners, community organizers, maintenance and construction workers, youth and child-care workers
Number of Volunteers: 150
Prerequisites: Mature adults - education or life and work experience beyond high school
Language Requirements: Spanish helpful for some positions
Length of Service: US: 1 week to 1 year; International: 1 month to 1 year
Benefits: Room and board, small monthly stipend, and accident insurance for 1 year of service
Comments: Of the volunteers currently serving, 40% are retired and 50% are in the 20-30 age range. International applicants apply through denominations or agencies in their country who partner with the UCC. Contact office for more information.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Christian ministry open to all persons
Area Served: US and 100 countries worldwide
Typical Projects: Construction of church-related projects, ecumenical programs, medical and community services
Primary Needs: Builders, medical personnel, child care assistants, disaster relief workers, counselors and ESL teachers
Number of Volunteers: 5,400, most in US
Prerequisites: Church recommendation; attend general orientation; adequate financial support
Language Requirements: Varies according to location
Length of Service: US: 1 week to 1 year; International: 1 month to 1 year
Benefits: Determined by location
Comments: Individuals and groups may be placed in response to an official invitation. Emphasis is on sharing one's Christian faith, learning from others, and contributing one's skills.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Non-religious, 5-part statement, focus on social and economic justice
Area Served: Burkina Faso, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Mexico
Typical Needs: Agriculture, children, education, environment, food/nutrition, family planning, health, housing, human rights, refugees/relief, small business, youth
Primary Needs: Project manager, program assistant, community development, health professional, public researcher, journalist, youth group coordinator
Number of Volunteers: 80
Prerequisites: College degree or equivalent work experience
Language Requirements: English, French, or Spanish according to area
Length of Service: Varies-most assignments are 6-12 months. Short term assignments 3-7 weeks also available.
Benefits: Volunteers raise money for program fee which includes $50/month stipend, visa processing, direct support, orientation, housing, insurance; airfare and pocket money are additional
Comments: Visions in Action is an organization convinced that we can learn from and contribute to the developing world by working as part of a community of volunteers committed to social justice in the urban setting and in some rural areas as well.
Religious/Philosophical Base: An internationalized short-term "peace corps," workcamps focus on cooperation, building cross-cultural bonds
Area Served: Work camps serve 80 different countries
Typical Projects: Construction, restoration, environmental, social, agricultural, and maintenance work- camps are common
Primary Needs: Motivated volunteers
Number of Volunteers: Most workcamps ask for 6-15 international volunteers; no more than 2-3 Americans per workcamp
Prerequisites: Most volunteers must be 18 years old or over. (Special opportunities for 16- or 17-year-olds in some countries.) First-come, first-served
Language Requirements: English in most workcamps; some require foreign language proficiency.
Length of Service: Most workcamps are 2-3 weeks; 25% of people register for multiple workcamps
Volunteer Benefits: Workcamp hosts provide room and board during camp; volunteers pay registration fee and arrange their own transportation to camp
Comments: International Workcamp Directory published yearly in early April (included in $20 membership). Contains 2200+ program announcements for summer and fall of year publication. Write or call for free copy of our newsletter. Also, $20 annual membership. Most programs cost $200, and this includes food and accommodations
Religious/Philosophical Base: None
Area Served: Third World
Typical Projects: Technical assistance projects; generally an information service for people in the Third World; questions are answered with in-house expertise first, then use of a database of volunteers sought to answer inquiries
Primary Needs: People with technical experience
Number of Volunteers: 5,000 volunteers on database
Prerequisites: Availability and technical experience
Language Requirements: French for some projects
Length of Service: On demand
Benefits: Volunteers on database and those contacted for work abroad get varied compensation
Comments: Services offered in most technical areas, emphasizing renewable energy applications, agriculture and food processing, water supply and sanitation, housing and construction, small business development, information management and communications.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Interdenominational
Area Served: Asia, Haiti, Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe
Typical Projects: Integrated rural development; primary health care, food production, agricultural extension training, water development, veterinary training, microenterprise
Primary Needs: Dentists, agriculturalists, veterinarians, extension workers to transfer knowledge to local people, Experienced Project managers, ESL, Non formal Education, Leprosy Nurse, experienced Relief workers
Number of Volunteers: 150
Prerequisites: Degree and/or experience; motivation to work cross-culturally out of a Christian faith
Language Requirements: Those not speaking native language will attend language school
Length of Service: 1-3 years
Benefits: Modest salary, housing, transportation for volunteers and their families; schooling costs for families with children; health insurance; fieldworkers must raise salary and other benefits through a deputation process
Comments: World Concern, specializing in development and relief, works in partnership with churches, other agencies and host country nationals.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Interdenominational Christian evangelical -- helping the poor help themselves
Area Served: United States and international
Typical Projects: Training to improve nutrition through appropriate methods of agriculture; training in building composting toilets for sanitation, restoring the environment with reforestation, and creating small businesses
Primary Needs: Marketing entrepreneur, secretary, gardeners, animal husbandmen, Spanish and French teachers, fund raisers, cooks, facility managers, volunteer coordinator, recruiters, willing, committed Christians interested in international development
Number of Volunteers: Varies
Prerequisites: Commitment and willingness to learn and work
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: Training- 2 weeks to 2 years; Service- varies from a couple hours/week to long term 1-10 year commitments
Benefits: Room and board
Comments: WHRI is committed to coming along side the poor to help them meet their basic needs in the humble spirit of Christ, protecting dignity and helping the poor help themselves. Training centers are located near Waco, TX and Ferrier, Haiti.
Religious/Philosophical Base: Christian, evangelical, interdenominational
Area Served: 25 offices throughout the United States and 22 countries around the world
Typical Projects: Refugee resettlement, urban ministries, advocacy, immigration services, and some international opportunities also available
Primary Needs: Willing, committed Christians
Number of Volunteers: 50
Prerequisites: Committed Christian, over 19 years old, good health
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: Short-term and long-term positions available
Volunteer Benefits: Knowledge that you are following the Biblical mandate to care for the poorest of the poor
Comments: Founded in 1944, World Relief is the relief, development, and refugee settlement arm of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Religious, Philosophical Base: Non-sectarian; non-political
Area Served: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, China, Namibia, South Africa
Typical Projects: Teaching English and other subjects such as basic computer skills in community and public schools, training colleges and universities
Primary Needs: Individuals with a strong interest in teaching and international development; no prior teaching experience necessary
Number of Volunteers: 150-200 per year
Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree required for all positions except summer positions in China
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: 8 weeks, 6 months, or 1 year (volunteers may extend for a second year)
Benefits: Housing and a living allowance are provided by host institutions; World Teach provides international airfare health insurance, orientation, and field support
Comments: Volunteers pay a fee of approximately $3800 to $5950 (depending on the program) to cover the cost of airfare, orientation and training, health insurance, placement and field support.
Religious, Philosophical Base: Christian interdenominational
Area Served: Volunteer opportunities in World Vision US offices only. We do not send volunteers overseas.
Typical Projects: Support various departments within World Vision US offices.
Primary Needs: Committed Christians to help as needed. Basic office and computer skills a plus, but not mandatory.
Number of Volunteers: 55
Pre-requisites: Strong Christian commitment; must be at least 16 years of age; and have US issued Social Security number
Language Requirements: None
Length of Service: 3 month commitment; 8 hours weekly.
Volunteer Benefits: Experience working in a non-profit organization. Opportunities for spiritual growth through daily devotions and weekly chapel.
Comments: Volunteers in US offices help World Vision in our mission to call people to a life-changing commitment to serve the poor in the name of Christ.
Want to give your time, but can't move to a different town or quit your job? Look here for local volunteer opportunities.
Looking for local people to help a few hours a week? List your agency with Volunteer Solutions.
Volunteer Solutions, a service of United Way, will list nonprofit agencies that depend on volunteers on their web site. Folks who want to find local, everyday volunteer opportunities, will find the site helpful as well. Go to www.volunteersolutions.org.
Would you like to see your organization listed here? Let us know. We want to include you! Write us at 602 James Avenue, Waco, TX 76706, call us at 254/755-7745, fax us at 254/753-1909, or E-mail us at SeedsHope@aol.com.
"Volunteer Opportunities" is a special service of SEEDS of Hope Publishers, Inc. for the anti-hunger community.
Volunteer Opportunities 2003 was updated by Crystal Carter