volunteer

Explore Wild China

Miao Village in Leishan

Image source: Wildchina.com

WildChina is a sustainable travel company that brings travelers and volunteers to a wide variety of locations across the country. They are an ecologically sensitive operation, focused on sharing China’s unique culture and heritage, but they are also a model for-profit organization with a broad spectrum of opportunities for all sorts of travelers. They offer a unique combination: 100% customization, deep-seated networks of opportunities and programs, and commitment to education. WildChina is passionate about China and that passion is infused in all of their trips. Their overarching mission—to teach travelers and volunteers about the beauty, culture, and history of China—is served by their focus on individualized itineraries. Each traveler—vacationer, volunteer, or student—has a unique WildChina experience.

Generations Touring Company: A Focus on Family

Generations Touring Company in Costa Rica

Image source: Grace-lichtenstein.suite101.com

In a poll conducted by Condé Nast Traveler and MSNBC, 14% of Americans have taken a volunteer vacation, but 55% indicated they would like to participate. Of those who have gone on volunteer trips, 95% reported that they are likely to do it again. That’s quite a return! But I wonder about that 55%. Who are they? Are they busy working people or high school kids? Are they grandparents, afraid of the rigors of volunteering? As a voluntour organization, how can you motivate that 55% to take the plunge—to reach that decision-making moment when an ephemeral dream becomes a solid reality?

Using a Forum to Create a Community: Connections, Education, Fun

Globe Aware: A Volunteer Community in Cambodia

As we’ve explored here before, attracting volunteers to your organization can be a challenge. It seems like new organizations emerge every day, and so many of them have solid, responsible infrastructures that support worthy causes. There are a lot of volunteers out there, and chances are, if your organization is sound, some of them will find you. But how do you cultivate a volunteer base? What is the best way to draw volunteers to your organization, like bee pollinators, ready to spread your message and nurture your cause?

The Humanitarian Honeymoon

Teresa and Andrew Allen in Pommern on Volunteer Honeymoon

Image source: Today.msnbc.msn.com

I got married a year and a half ago and it was the most magical, romantic day of my life. Deciding you want to be with one person forever is one of the biggest decisions there is. Once you’ve made it—once you’re sure about your love and your commitment—standing there and promising yourself to your best friend, to the love of your life… well, there aren’t words. I couldn’t stop crying tears of joy. My husband couldn’t either. We were two blubbering messes holding each other in front of our families and friends. It was the most soaring happiness I’ve ever felt.