Do volunteers really make an impact in communities? What lessons learned and best practices do volunteer coordinators have to share? What are the benefits and challenges of working with international volunteers? If you’re up to discussing these questions and more, join Idealistas.org on Decemb[...]
Archive for November, 2009
Day in the Life: Sponge Bob Makes Thanksgiving Slightly Unorthodox
While in Brazil, there have been few things I’ve missed from home. Fall is one of them. Nothing compares to the foliage and apple picking in the Northeastern U.S., not to mention the colors, smells, chilling air, and traditions. I didn’t carve a pumpkin this year, and I didn’t attend a Hal[...]
From South America to Samoa
We’re trying to be more mindful of giving back as a way of life, rather than something that is done situationally. Idealist makes that pretty easy. The work of other organizations, such as Mercy Corps, also helps to keep us mindful of ongoing altruism. Recently we had the opportunity to practi[...]
What Are You Thankful For?
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. this week, I thought I’d carry on my family’s tradition of going around the table and asking each person, “What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?” Below, I report the answers from some of Common Hope’s long-term volunteers, who reflect[...]
November 25th, 2009 - 2:32 pm § in Argentina, Around Town
New Doors Open, Finally
I’ve just passed the three month mark in Argentina, and I feel like I’ve turned a new page. I was down for a while there, what with the hard transitions, new jobs, saying goodbye to friends while trying to make new ones, etc. It’s never an easy thing to pick up and move to a [...][...]
November 24th, 2009 - 12:11 pm § in Around Town, Guatemala
Farming Practices — Changes are Coming!
The old man in the field next to my house is hoeing his corn rows in his bare feet, Stetson hat, blue and purple tipica fabric shirt, and a woven plastic bag tied around his waist like an apron to protect his beautiful white embroidered pants. Fortunately, he is hoeing his corn residue into the [...[...]
Accidental Discovery: Weight Loss at High Altitudes
While not directly related to volunteering, I felt this post could inspire someone feeling a bit overweight to make the trip to Bogotá, volunteer, and lose a few pounds in the process. The other day I weighed in at the doctor and I was surprised: I lost 9 kilograms, or 20 pounds? I have a thin [...[...]
Going Into the Wild? *Almost* 10 Things You Should Take
During our time in rural Peru, my girlfriend and I have slowly come to appreciate the little things that come in handy. Our situation has been aided by the fact that our local health post also has solar electricity. This allows us to use things which require battery charging – clearly not a lu[...]
Nonprofit Network Launches Website
A network of nonprofit organizations in Guatemala, known as La Antigua Guatemala Network, launched a website this week that promises to improve communication and collaboration between nongovernmental organizations in the country. Impressively, the new website has been introduced in both English and [...]
November 18th, 2009 - 5:41 pm § in Country, Doing, Looking, Nicaragua, Tips & Resources, Volunteer, Volunteer Spotlight
ATRAVES: Finding your “Perfect Match” in Nicaragua
Want to volunteer in Nicaragua but not sure where to start? Are you looking for a small organization that works directly with the local population but that also fits your own personal interests? Let me guess… you can’t seem to find your perfect match on the internet. A lot of times these small o[...]
