Looking for volunteer opportunity

[Neeper]

Hey CP. I am looking for a volunteer opportunity this winter to do some good with my talents. I was wondering if anyone knew how I can hook up with a charity, organization or just a group of individuals whose goal is to help people in 3rd world countries. I want to tag along with an organization doing such work and document the work being done and also give photos to children and families. If you are part of a group doing such work, or know someone, I would love to hear about it. Thanks!

[Ozy_Flame]

http://www.gviusa.com/

[Northendzone]

have you contacted volunteer calgary? otherwise contact organiziations like world vision and ask if they have such a need.

as an aside, i have always wondered about people who go to document the issues in the 3rd world, do they provide tangible help - i.e. a donation?

[KTrain]

So you want a free trip to Africa?

[Neeper]

Originally Posted by KTrain

So you want a free trip to Africa?

I am actually willing to pay for my trip Of course I won't say no to one that will pay for my expenses. It would hardly be free, my friend. What I do is work and a lot of hard work. As long as I know what I am doing is going to help others and that's it's a good organization.

I am just at that point in my life where I want to do something good with what I got. Instead of going on another all inclusive, drink my face off, party trip somewhere, I'd rather take a trip to make a difference in someone's life.

Thanks for your guys help. GVI was the perfect link.

[Neeper]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

have you contacted volunteer calgary? otherwise contact organiziations like world vision and ask if they have such a need.

as an aside, i have always wondered about people who go to document the issues in the 3rd world, do they provide tangible help - i.e. a donation?

Do you not think when someone documents "issues" that its not help making others aware? I think so. Plus, it's just not the documenting. Last year I did a thing here in Calgary called Help Portrait. I don't know if you guys have heard of it. What we did was, we had a large space and about 40 volunteers, 20 of whom where photographers. We setup shooting stations and had people come in and they were photographed. Either by themselves or with their loved ones. We provided them prints right on site. Most of these people did not have the financial means to go to a studio and have family photos done. So most didn't have photos of their kids, babies or even themselves. The look on these people's face made me really realized how powerful photos were for ALL people. Some were brought to tears. We had a huge turn out last year and hope to make it bigger this year.

I just think it would be a great life experience to do something like this again but in another context.

[GP_Matt]

I don't know much about the volunteer vacations, but have always thought that if you have a skill that is in demand they are a great way to give back. If you can only provide physical labour then it seems counter intuitive to spend thousands to travel somewhere to spend two weeks doing a job that a local would love to be paid a buck an hour to do.

[Northendzone]

sorry Neeper - I did not mean to come off as questioning you.

I agree that documenting the situation helps make people aware of it.

[Dion]

You're a good man Neeper! I hope you find the right organisation to volunteer for. You have an awesome talent I know someone would benefit from.

[To Be Quite Honest]

Great idea Neeper! I've often though about this as well, and I applaud you for taking action.