Connect
The purpose of blogging is to connect. Blogging connects me with you, and you with others, and others with me. So in an attempt to connect all the amazing people, projects, and organizations that have inspired me over the years, I give you…….links!
I hope you will take a moment to explore, learn, and find a cause worthy of your support.
A-List Organizations Who Need Your Help:
http://www.sustainablebolivia.org — ground-level volunteer coordinator in Cochabamba, Bolivia
http://www.thetrailblazerfoundation.org — improving lives in Cambodia one water filter at a time
http://www.darwinfoundation.org — providing resources for researchers and biologists in the Galapagos Islands
http://www.ust.is/the-environment-agency-of-iceland/volunteers — for a volunteer holiday or summer building trails in the most spectacular place on Earth
http://www.roomtoread.org — developing schools, libraries and literacy where they’re needed most
http://www.bigbrothermouse.com — educating a new generation in Laos
http://www.mantasecuador.org — protecting large marine life in Ecuador & Africa
People Who Amaze Me:
http://www.goeringo.com — adventure philanthropist and master volunteer-traveler
Inspiring Projects You Should Be A Part Of:
http://www.girlrising.com — 10×10’s campaign to educate women and rid the world of poverty
http://www.nepalgoestoschool.wordpress.com — a grassroots sponsorship program for underprivileged Nepali children
Hey, I’m looking at spending some time volunteering abroad (I’m from the UK) over the next academic year and I stumbled across your blog while researching Sustainable Bolivia… it looks like you had an amazing time! I was particularly interested in your post about voluntourism, though, because one of the things that really worries me is that I’ll go somewhere and it will become clear that I’m making no positive difference whatsoever. SB seems better and more geniune than that, though.. I was just wondering what you thought. A reply would be awesome!! 😀
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Hi Kit, thanks so much for your comment! SB is definitely more “responsible” option compared to a Western-based voluntourism operator. They are also great at matching your skills and interest to a local organization in Cochabamba, so you really do feel like you can apply useful knowledge and support. I highly recommend them! Any where you go to volunteer in the world, I would recommend always inquiring on the location of the headquarters. If it’s not in the destination country, be aware that most of your dollars won’t be going to the country and people in need. Don’t be afraid to look for specific non-profit organizations in the country where you want to travel and contact them directly. I’ve never heard of any place turning down a willing volunteer! This is another way to completely skip the middle man and pay $0 to volunteer. Good luck and enjoy! If you end up at SB, say hi to Ryan and Jonathan for me!
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One more note on making a positive impact during your volunteering…. things move a LOT slower in developing countries. To get anything accomplished, give yourself at least 3 months on a project (or as much time as you have!). Cheers!
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Hi , Thanks for your blog!
My wife and I are planning our EBC trek for next year! we have never been to Nepal , however very well traveled in NON-English speaking countries.
We are tossing up between trekking on our own , hiring a guide or just paying a company to sort ALL the bits and bobs out for us!
I’m more inclined to hire a guide, who can organise flights , visas and accommodation for us all the way whilst guiding and teaching us!
please could you recommend such a way!
thanks
Rob & Laine
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Hi Rob & Laine,
Thanks for connecting! If you feel more comfortable hiring a guide, I would recommend contacting Three Sisters Adventure Treks (http://www.3sistersadventuretrek.com/trek/nepal). They have a good mission and are a reputable company. But I am only passing on the good word from a friend. I have never hired a guide to trekking in Nepal. See this post for some advice on unguided trekking!
Good luck and happy hiking!!
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