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.
Volunteer Vacations
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Book Description
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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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
119 of 119 people found the following review helpful
By Noah
Format: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.
85 of 87 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format: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.
32 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I have a post retirement career because of this book
In 2006 I checked out an earlier edition of Volunteer Vacations from my local library a few months after my early retirement. Read more
Published 11 months ago by lonesomebob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Help making the dreams a reality...
My partner and I were recently married and laughed at the idea of taking a traditional lounge-around-by-the-pool honeymoon - in large part because of how we're geared. Read more
Published 11 months ago by mcnultya
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hundreds of Options for Giving Back During Your Time Off
This is a must-have resource for those who wish to use their vacation time to help others, see the world, and apply their skills and interests to a good cause. Read more
Published 15 months ago by seaswell1634
5.0 out of 5 stars
Places to go...
This book is a great way to start dreaming, scheming, and planning for my next travel adventure! I'm a grad student at the moment, and am excited to see so many opportunities that... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Whatsinaname
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Cross Reference for Volunteer Vacation Options
I have read versions of this book since 2004 when researching and considering volunteer vacations. It's clear, concise entries make it easy to compare and contrast different... Read more
Published on September 23, 2009 by Jane Stanfield
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Resource
I got this book for my son who is looking for something more rewarding to do with his summer break this year. Read more
Published on April 7, 2009 by Renee Ausmore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a great resource
I have bought this book twice... I lost my first copy and needed another one. This book is absolutely indespensible for me. Read more
Published on March 2, 2009 by H. Hunter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Volunteer book
Bought this for my husband who is deciding which v. v. he should go on!
thanks
thanks
Published on September 11, 2007 by Sheila C. Emanuel
4.0 out of 5 stars
a pleasant and helpful read
I'm sure you can get most of the information in this book online but there's nothing like being able to curl up with this while dogearing pages and marking it up. Read more
Published on August 23, 2007 by hgptraveler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well organized wealth of info
This book was extremely well organized. I was able to quickly sort through for an organization that allowed teens and was for the duration of time we had available. Read more
Published on July 29, 2007 by Pura Vida
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