Volunteer in the United States
Are you the kind of free-spirit who would care for wolves in a wildlife sanctuary in the American Southwest? Are you daring enough to protect trails and streams in the Alaskan wilderness? Can you picture yourself working at a theatre for homeless youth in New York? Read on to learn about the many ways you can make a difference in the U.S.
Why volunteer in the United States?
Your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer
Why Volunteer in the United States?
Volunteering your time and efforts and sharing your skills and talents is an excellent opportunity to foster international friendship, meet others who share similar passions and causes, and make a positive contribution to your world. In the United States, as in countries all over the world, there is an ongoing need for caring individuals and teams to drive the projects that build strong communities. Consider volunteering if you want to:
- Teach
- Work with children, seniors, people with disabilities
- Contribute your efforts to ecological and environmental causes
- Assist with social and community issues
Before you decide to undertake a volunteer position , take some time to ask yourself the following questions from the Catholic Network of Volunteer Service website, which are intended to help you reflect on your personal attributes and motives:
Why do I want to be a volunteer?
Everybody decides to volunteer for different reasons. Are you idealistic? Do you want to deepen your relationship with God? Are you committed to social justice? Do you anticipate personal growth? Do you want to change your life?
What are my expectations?
What do you expect from volunteering? What do you expect from your program and specific placement?
What do I have to offer?
What gifts can you share with others? What are your strengths/weaknesses? What professional skills do you bring?
How do I handle changes?
A volunteer year involves a lot of change. Not only will you be living in a new place with new people, but you won’t be earning a salary. How do you handle change? Have you ever been far from your family and support system? How will you adjust to living simply?
How do I relate with others?
Many volunteers find living in community to be the most difficult part of their volunteer year. How do you interact with others? How do you deal with problems and disagreements? Do you have a sense of humor?
What gives me satisfaction?
At the end of the day, what makes you feel good? What do you find comfort in? What do you like to do with others? How do you spend your time when you’re alone?
Finding a Volunteer Program
Below are links to several websites that provide the names of dozens of organizations looking for volunteers whose work will take place within the United States. In many cases, you can search for the kind of volunteer work that interests you, whether it involves social work, environmental conservation, community development, business, the arts, or humanitarian aid.
When recording those organizations that you would most like to help, be sure to inquire about their policies towards non-US citizens as well as people with disabilities. Some programs may be open to American citizens only while others welcome participants from all over the world. Check to see whether the organization makes a statement of inclusiveness with regard to volunteers with disabilities, and if you can't find such a statement on the website, contact the organization and ask.
Amizade is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism, providing community service, encouraging collaboration, and improving cultural awareness in locations throughout the world, including three in the United States.
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. Volunteers are needed for a range of activities. People with disabilities and international applicants are welcome to apply.
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.
Idealist.org has thousands of opportunities from non-profit and grassroots organizations around the world. This site also has a social networking feature so you can connect with other who are "idealists".
Volunteers for Peace has 2-4 week workcamps in the United States for people from around the world.
Volunteer Abroad lets you search by country, type of volunteer work, and duration of your project.
YMCA International has three programs available to international volunteers.
- INBOUND EXCHANGES FOR INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ADULTS: YMCA International Camp Counselor Program (ICCP): offers young adults from over 122 nations leadership opportunities serving as camp counselors or support staff at day and resident camps throughout the U.S.
- YMCA International Career Advancement Program: helps qualified youth from around the world come to the U.S. to train with host site organizations in social services, business management, health enhancement, and arts and culture.
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YMCA International Work and Travel Program: gives students from around the world, who might otherwise not be able to afford to participate in an exchange program to the United States, the opportunity to experience life in the U.S. during their summer school break.
People with all types of disabilities are eligible to participate in various programs of the YMCA. The organization has had participants who were mobility impaired or with learning disabilities. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply for participation.
Costs and Expenses
Most organizations that seek volunteers are non-profit agencies and do not have the financial resources to pay volunteers. Because of this, volunteers are typically expected to pay their own way. This means that you are responsible for making your own travel, lodging and meal arrangements. Depending on the organization, there may also be a fee you must pay to the organization to cover the costs of hosting volunteers. In this case, you must take precautions to ensure that the organization is legitimate and reputable before sending any money.
Sometimes an organization may offer a small stipend to help offset the costs of lodging, meals, and travel. In exchange for stipends, the volunteer may be asked to make a longer time commitment of service or to take on extra responsibilities.
Other organizations, especially those with a great deal of experience with hosting volunteers, might arrange lodging and meals for its volunteers, though there may be a fee for this service.
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Volunteer
This list from volunteer.gov should give you a general idea of what to expect from American host organizations, as well as what is expected of you as a volunteer.
Rights:- Clear, Appropriate Assignment
- Fulfilling Work
- Orientation and Training
- Informed Involvement with Agency
- Supervision and Support
- Development of Individual Potential
- Recognition of Service
- Respect
- Time put to Best Use
- Safe, Healthy Working Conditions
- Right to terminate a volunteer agreement
- Be Honest about Goals, Skills, Limitations and Motivations
- Fulfill Your Commitment
- Maintain Confidentiality
- Cooperate With Staff
- Be Flexible and keep an Open Mind
- Stay Informed
- Participate in Training
- Ask for Help or Clarification
- Understand Your Role as a Volunteer
When searching for a volunteer assignment, look for projects or organizations that acknowledge these rights. For instance, it is a good sign if the organization asks for letters of recommendation, personal statements, or details of your past experience, because the organization can then assess whether you are qualified for the assignment and whether it is appropriate for you. Another positive sign to look for is whether there is a volunteer coordinator or other staff member whose job is to provide training, feedback and support to the volunteers.
Additionally, fulfilling your responsibilities as a volunteer will not only make your volunteer experience much more gratifying, but you will be an even greater asset to the volunteer organization and those receiving your service!
Read about international volunteers from China in "Volunteering Abroad with a Disability" issue of our A World Awaits You journal.Get Going!
A lot of information and resources exist to help you plan your experience. Start with the basic steps above and on the Coming to the USA page, browse flight rates and booking, research disability organizations, and network with others who have participated in international exchange in the United States and who have disabilities. Note any helpful resources and record any advice you would pass on to others considering exchange programs in the U.S. Once you find the program and location that feels right for you, we wish you the best here in the United States! Remember to share your story with us along the way. Your advice and experience may inspire others to follow in your footsteps! If you would like to talk to us about publishing your story or blog on our website, please contact us at clearinghouse@miusa.org
