Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others [Paperback]

Bill McMillon (Author), Doug Cutchins (Author), Anne Geissinger (Author), Ed Asner (Foreword)

Book Description

Series: Volunteer Vacations | Publication Date: February 28, 2002

For those looking for a way to make a difference while on vacation--simultaneously getting away and using their talents to improve the world--this guide shows you how a short-term volunteer stint can transform your life as much as the people, animals, and ecology you choose to help. This fully updated edition is filled with in-depth information and profiles of more than 150 select organizations running thousands of quality programs in the United States and around the world.

 

Inside, you’ll discover ways to

 

Map rock art in South Africa Tutor children in the Navajo Nation in Arizona Build houses in Honduras Teach art lessons in Ghana's only children's gallery Restore wetlands in Colorado Rehabilitate wounded elephants in India

Each listing includes complete contact information with locations, costs, dates, and project details you won’t find anywhere else. In addition, it features some of the better established long-term projects as well as organizations specifically tailored for families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Stories from recent volunteers and a host of photographs help you further imagine your volunteer adventure.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A] comprehensive gathering."  —Booklist

"Anyone who can’t find a dozen projects here to get excited about just doesn’t have a traveler’s soul."  —San Francisco Chronicle

"Would-be volunteers will have plenty of adventures to research."  —Boston Globe

"Takes the legwork out of finding an opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture."  —The Iowan

"Details thousands of opportunities for anyone wanting to see the world with a purpose."  —Westworld Magazine

"Explicitly tuned to matching the needs and desires of prospective travelers with the organizations and projects which will suit them best."  —GoNomad.com

"Handy resource . . .  it's a must-have."  —Emerging Horizons

“For those who like to get their hands dirty, this is an excellent resource.” —Chicago Tribune

About the Author

Bill McMillon is a high school teacher. Doug Cutchins is the director of social commitment at Grinnell College. Anne Geissinger is a part-time photographer. Ed Asner is a professional actor. He appeared on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, for which he won an Emmy, and the series Lou Grant. He also appeared on the television series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; 8th edition (February 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556524617
• ISBN-13: 978-1556524615
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,227,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

117 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars OPEN SOME NEW DOORS IN YOUR LIFE, November 1, 2002

By 

"earthvolunteer" (Atlanta, Ga. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You & Others (Paperback)

Having spent the past seven years volunteer travelling around the world for my vacations, I can honestly attest to the fact that this extremely helpful reference book was my starting point for research into the culturally-enriching, service-oriented travel experiences which have changed my life. Provided inside this handy book are the names of the volunteer organizations which arrange and organize the travel, listings of the type of volunteer work and skills required and all of the necessary logistics. (Actually the only skill often required is a desire to serve and to learn.)

The second half of the book contains numerous brief volunteer journals where the reader can obtain a clearer picture of how this type of travel impacts the recipients of the service work and more importantly perhaps how these deeply moving and life-altering experiences greatly enhance the life of the volunteer.

I have met people of all ages and from all walks of life on these incredible journeys. If you have a bit of adventure in your blood and a desire to serve and especially to learn from another culture's experience...investigate this book...it may open some brand new doors in your life.

82 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great resource for anyone who wants to be a volunteer., February 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others (6th ed) (Paperback)

This book covers all kinds of volunteerism, from ecologic to medical. From the USA to the far corners of the world. Not only does it contain volumes of information on agencies seeking volunteers, it also has a great cross-referenced index, so that you can easily choose a "volunteer vacation" to fit your interests, schedule, and your wallet.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource for Those Who Want A Different Type of Vacation, September 7, 2007

By 

O. Brown "Ms. O. Khannah-Brown" (Twopeas, WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others (Paperback)

*****
I bought this book out of curiosity and was amazed at the variety of opportunities available to travel and contribute throughout the world. The book is a compendium of opportunities of every imaginable type, an incredible resource if you're even thinking about a taking a vacation in which you volunteer.

Each opportunity contains all contact information, include web site, the types of projects available, organization mission statements, the year founded, the number of volunteers last year (so that you can see the scope of the program), funding sources, what kind of work the organization does, project locations, time line (when and for how long commitments are made), cost (including arrangements that must be made like medical examinations), how to get started, needed skills, and the specific populations that could qualify.

The book is very friendly to those with limitations (for example, sight limitations, physical agility, etc.). There are also stories throughout the book from volunteers about their actual experiences while volunteering.

There is a section on long-term volunteering opportunities. There are four indexes: by project cost, project length, location, season, and type.

It is a wonderful book to use to explore what types of things you might like to do, as well as to use as a research base to search out specific opportunities. It is a great value, and an organized way to begin your volunteer journey!

Highly recommended.
*****