i want to join a nonprofit volunteer organization, where do i start?

Question

I have decided just recently that my life (forgive the dramatics here please) completely lacks meaning and is without any apparent usefulness. In an effort to change that, to make me feel better about myself and, to serve a purpose to others I have decided to join an international volunteer organization. However upon searching the internet I have found that most of these organizations require a large payment before you join, some require a college degree, and I am over the age limit for some (I am twenty-five)
I have no college degree, so that rules out the peace corps, I am over age for many other organizations. The biggest problem is I am below poverty level myself so i can not afford the cost of joining many others.
I need to know what options are open for me. I want something long term (a year or more) that supplies lodging and food, I assume this would be some sort of government operation but am not sure. I see this as a life changing oppurtunity. But how do I join?

First I'll let you know the military is not an option, tried that, have a bad left eye. I'd like to leave the country, have nothing against my own country but would like to broaden my horizons and see the world.

Answer 1

Peace Corps does not require a college degree -- what it requires is that you have a skill you can use in volunteering. What have you done with your life so far? Do you know anything about health? Anything about agriculture, carpentry, or another skill with your hands?

There are also NGO's (Non-Governmental Organizations) in many countries, which can give you a long-term or even a permanent position.

Another organization is the Volunteer Services Organization, or VSO. This is an international organization much like Peace Corps, which also uses people for their teaching or manual labor skills.

Don't give up hope before looking into things! You have Americorps, Peace Corps, VSO, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Caretakers of the Environment, and NGO's. Most of these will give a (small) food allowance for your help.

Answer 2

you might try Americorps if you are American. Not sure about the education thing but here is a link http://www.americorps.org/for_individuals/faq/index.asp

or, maybe a religious organization

also, ask yourself what skills do you have that could serve others? What type of organization might be able to use your skills? What are you interested in? Do you really want to start off doing this fulltime with a one year or more commitment? Maybe you should try something as a sideline at first.

Anyway, I admire your desire. Good luck in finding what suits
you!

OK: do you speak a foreign language? some mission gorups would provide that for you. try a religious group or Save the Baby or something like that.

Answer 3

There are usually a list of service's in you local paper,or go to your nearest church.There are bulletins up in stores and old age homes are always looking for companions,the list is quite long if you just give it some thought or ask around, none of these cost money.I felt the same as you not long ago and in the poverty rank.I started going to a free school too get me back into society and catch up on my schooling and volunteering,sure makes me feel awhole lot better.I am 44 and am looking into C.D.I.college now for a probation officer in the fall.Try and look around for some of these service's i am positive you can find something.Good Luck.

Answer 4

simple find the local habitat for humanity they train you and if you have office skills you can help there or join the fund raising efforts or try this i have over the years volunteered at a church packing groceries to give out or unloading the trucks exercise and most churches have food programs or the library and several types of schools need learning mentors or tutors and theres a worthy effort good luck also the local counsel on drug abuse may need crisus line workers or thers more out there ive done most of these things and more

Answer 5

Red Cross. Salvation Army.

Answer 6

Americorps is like the Peace Corps. I don't think you need a college degree though, but maybe you do. And they give you money, but it's just enough to cover living expenses.

Answer 7

Try the Salvation Army

Answer 8

The Salvation Army is a very worthwhile organization to volunteer for and they will help you if you have any problems of your own.

Answer 9

Most non-profits have a need for volunteers and would welcome you with open arms. Decide first what you would like to do to help; Administrative, physical labor, etc. There are homeless shelters, soup kitchens, child advocates, women's shelters and such in most major cities. Good luck to you and prepare to be blessed as you bless others with what you have to offer.

Answer 10

Join the military