Volunteering

The Important Work of International Animal Rescue

Bear with IAR Logo

Image source: Sky1.sky.com

Here at Journeys for Good, we’re in the business of learning about the connections between volunteers and volunteer organizations. How do organizations find people who are willing to give their time, and their physical and emotional energy for a cause? How do people find the organizations that speak to their hearts? We are also interested in the business side of this equation: how does an aid organization get noticed? This week I was reading about a powerful international organization that manages to facilitate these connections spectacularly well: International Animal Rescue.

The Great Projects: Holding Tourism to a Higher Standard

Two Protected Orangutans in Malaysia

Image source: Thegreatprojects.com

It’s interesting how we compartmentalize our minds. We expect non-profit organizations to be responsible, eco friendly, sustainable, and respectful of local customs and regulations. We expect it because they are designed without a profit-incentive. Their motives are supposed to be 100% pure—based on nothing but altruistic humanitarianism or environmentalism. Of course, this is extremely simplistic, nothing is ever 100% anything, but this is the stereotype. When it comes to for-profit organizations, we lower our expectations considerably. We don’t expect the same level of consideration because we recognize the equation has a business side. Why is this? Shouldn’t we be more concerned when an organization has a profit incentive?

Connecting Volunteer Organizations with Volunteers: VolunteerMatch.org

VolunteerMatch Soup Kitchen

Image source: Flickr.com

What if, somewhere on the Internet, there was a community of people who believed in the power of volunteering to enrich our lives and the world around us?

What if, somewhere on the Internet, millions of good people and good causes could come together to form relationships that serve us all?

What if, somewhere on the Internet, technology was being used to advance the values and partnerships that strengthen our civil society?

– VolunteerMatch.org

Roadmonkey Adventure Philanthropy: Our Inspiration

Roadmonkey Adventure Philanthropy

Image source: Roadmonkey.net

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, Steve and Joanie Wynn traveled to Tanzania. They were there to make a documentary about Roadmonkey Adventure Philanthropy, an organization working to refurbish classrooms at the Bibi Jann School for AIDS orphans. The Wynns were already world travelers, but this trip was special. It showed them the power of sweat equity to make a positive difference, and to connect people to each other in meaningful ways. The Wynns wanted to do more to help so they founded this site, Journeys For Good, to spread the message of volunteer travel, and to help inspire others.

Travelocity: Travel for Good

$5000 Grant for Travel for Good Winner

Image source: Wetv.com

Travelocity is one of the giants of online travel planning. Kids these days don’t go to travel agents. We don’t need third-party facilitators to book our white water rafting trips or our day hikes through the redwood forests. We do it ourselves, on the Internet. By now, most travel businesses have moved online. Those that haven’t are either catering to a very specific demographic of wealthy, typically older travelers, or they’re swiftly shooting down the out-of-business luge run. Travelocity has succeeded as a business because we all want control of our destinies. Perhaps that’s putting it dramatically but the point is made: 2012 travelers are self-possessed, savvy, and resourceful.