In the Spotlight

Volunteer Across the U.S. & Canada more

Camphill Communities offer a life of celebration, service, and community building in which all members may flourish. Camphill staff, called coworkers, live and work alongside children, youth and adults with developmental and other disabilities in one of ten rural communities throughout the U.S. (California, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania) and Canada (British Columbia and Ontario). Since everyone in Camphill contributes to the community according to his or her ability, the work is varied. Work life may mean providing human support and caregiving, teaching a craft, working on the farm or garden, cooking wholesome food, engaging in the healing arts, or celebrating seasonal festivals together. Some coworkers come for a short-term experience, while others make it a long-term way of life. Coworkers with families are also welcome (a Waldorf education for long-term coworker children is provided). Benefits include room, board, medical insurance, a modest stipend, vacation time, and training and education in social therapy, organic and biodynamic agriculture, the healing arts and crafts; an AmeriCorps educational award of $4,725 is possible after a year of service. Prospective coworkers with a genuine interest in others, a willingness to do what is needed, flexibility, tolerance, and cheerfulness are eagerly sought by each community. Current volunteer opportunities for each Camphill community can be found online. www.camphill.org

Learn more about a Camphill Communities California coworker who found his place to help, change, and influence the lives of others while being submerged in a culture of genuine acceptance, love, caring, thought, idea and action. Read more »

Volunteer Kentucky more

Are you flexible, cooperative, dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented? Based in Eastern Kentucky's Appalachian counties, the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) helps foster self-sufficiency in economically, socially and/or physically challenged people. Volunteers are needed year-round to serve in a variety of programs, including child and family development centers, family advocacy, elderly services, housing and home repair, disaster relief, spouse abuse shelters, substance abuse recovery, disability services and more. In addition, volunteer camp counselors, lifeguards and medical personnel are especially needed every summer to staff two overnight summer camps. Volunteers live in intentional Christian community sharing meals, chores and prayers. Short-term service commitments are available from 3 weeks to 8 months, while long-term volunteers serve from 9 months to a year (or longer). Benefits include room, board, training, support and spiritual retreats. Long-term volunteers also receive a stipend, health insurance and a potential AmeriCorps education award. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Apply online or call 800.755.5322 for more information. The required application is thorough, and includes a background check and feedback from 3 references.

• Volunteering time and talent is a great way to make a difference in people's lives, make friends, visit new places, understand different cultures and learn more about yourself. CAP offers a variety of different service-oriented experiences that fit most any need and interest.

Volunteer Massachusetts more

Located both in Boston and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, Gould Farm is a compassionate, respectful family environment where people with mental illness learn to build more meaningful lives for themselves through work, recreation and community life. The services at the farm remain rooted in the belief that every person has something to contribute despite mental or emotional limitations. Serving as informal counselors, work team leaders and role models, most volunteers engage small groups of guests through work tasks that are required to run this 600-acre farm. Volunteers generally work in one specific area of the farm, such as gardening, farming, forestry, dairy management, crafts, cooking, childcare, administration or clinical work. Boston area program interns live in a smaller community and provide support, guidance, and advocacy for clients who are well on their way to leading more independent lives. A minimum commitment of 12 months is necessary, with opportunities available throughout the year. Benefits include a monthly stipend, housing in privates rooms, wholesome meals and full medical coverage. Mature, well-rounded and people-oriented individuals who are interested in learning and living in a therapeutic community are encouraged to apply. www.gouldfarm.org

• The unique spirit that resides in the rural community lifestyle at Gould Farm offers both meaningful work coupled with recreation, singing, music, crafts and a celebration of nature and life.

Internships New Mexico more

Are you looking for a unique experience with an innovative program that will shape your life forever? Serving thousands of homeless men, women and families, St. Elizabeth Shelter creates an atmosphere of loving concern that respects the dignity of each individual and provides the homeless with hope for the future. Case management, transitional and educational programs are provided—helping many to achieve independent living. Residential interns are responsible for most of the hands-on operation of the shelter, ranging from assisting homeless guests, organizing meals, processing donations, providing case management and maintaining the facilities. St. E's also strives to facilitate an internship experience that will bring a mutually satisfying experience for both the intern and the residents. Positions are available full-time from 6-12 months with flexible start dates. Benefits include a $6/hour wage, housing (in a fully-furnished private suite above the shelter with shared living/kitchen space), food allowance and training in crisis resolution, mediation and nonprofit management. Those who commit for one year will also receive health and dental insurance. Applicants must have a high school degree and 2 years of college or work experience and be willing to work hard at helping the homeless. Spanish language ability and prior work in the social services field is a plus. Apply at www.steshelter.org.

A prospective intern was hoping to find an entrée into the social work field, to learn about operating a nonprofit, and to obtain some experience in case management. Sarah Dolan's internship journey at St. Elizabeth Shelter explores how the expectations were fulfilled beyond her wildest dreams. Read more »

Make a Difference in Vermont more

Do you have a willingness to share life with a community of diverse people while helping those with mental illness cope with and lead more fulfilling lives? Located on 600 acres in Vermont's Green Mountains, Spring Lake Ranch is a residential therapeutic community with a common purpose to engage in the lives of others and the life of the land, and in so doing, to engage more fully in our own lives. Your role as a house advisor and work crew leader will not only be an intensely rewarding experience, but one that will challenge you mentally, spiritually, and physically. Whether you're growing vegetables, building Adirondack chairs, collecting sap for maple syrup or helping a resident with sewing or cooking, the ranch program demands flexibility and emotional spontaneity from its staff. Benefits include a weekly stipend of $244, room, meals, dental/medical insurance, educational opportunities, and the many less tangible benefits that come from living and working in a close-knit community. A minimum six month commitment is necessary, with a rolling application and interview schedule throughout the year.

The house advising job brings men and women, often recently out of college, to Spring Lake Ranch for six months to two years. Learn how the team contributes a steady stream of energy, creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to give of themselves to the residents. Read more »

Find Your Calling in Virginia more

Set in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Innisfree Village is a life-sharing community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Coworkers and residential volunteers work together on this 600-acre farm in a model therapeutic environment emphasizing empowerment, interdependence and mutual respect of all community members. Serving as houseparents, volunteers live together with coworkers in family-style homes throughout the village. After a one-month orientation period, responsibilities include cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping, and finances of the house as well as caring for the personal needs of each coworker. Volunteers are also engaged in therapeutic and meaningful work in the bakery, gardens, weavery, woodshop, and kitchens. Benefits include a private room, meals, a monthly stipend of $250, 15 paid vacation days, medical insurance and two consecutive days off per week. Fifteen to twenty people, all with various backgrounds and nationalities, are needed each year. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and able to make a one-year commitment. Applications are accepted throughout the year; a visit to Innisfree prior to applying as a volunteer is strongly recommended.

Learn how the Innisfree Village community empowered Lisa Gerlits to find a new way to move through the world while volunteering again and again and again. Read more »

Make a Difference in Washington more

The Cispus Learning Center is looking for individuals who want to make a positive difference in a child's life while developing leadership skills in a team environment. As one of twelve Cispus AmeriCorps members, you will experience working with youth (K-12) in traditional classroom settings, alternative school environments and after-school programs as well as create and strengthen partnerships with service agencies in rural communities in southwestern Washington. Opportunities range from teen center and youth program coordinators to tutors, mentors and Challenge Course interns. You'll be expected to put in 1,700 hours annually, which amounts to approximately 40 hours per week for 10 1/2 months from September 16th, 2009 through July 31st, 2010. In addition to the camaraderie and support of a diverse 12-member team, benefits include a $950/month living allowance, extensive training opportunities (including teambuilding and leadership skills workshops at the Cispus Challenge Course), health insurance, deferment of student loans, a $4,725 AmeriCorps education award and an abundance of recreational activities to enjoy in nearby Mt. Rainier National Park, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and the White Pass Ski Area. Learn how you can make a difference with Cispus AmeriCorps!

• As a Cispus AmeriCorps team member, you'll have the opportunity to work with youth in a variety of settings, develop leadership skills, make a positive difference and enjoy unique outdoor recreational activities.

Volunteer Placements Worldwide more

InterExchange Working Abroad offers volunteer placements in Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Namibia, Peru and South Africa. As an international volunteer you can work in challenging, yet rewarding environments: • Help raise and nurse wildlife including lions, cheetahs and monkeys in Africa. • Work on after-school projects or volunteer at a museum or zoo in Peru. • Educate local people about human rights, teach the underprivileged children of migrant farm workers, or teach computer and English skills in India. • Teach and care for orphaned or neglected children or assist HIV/AIDS education programs in South Africa. Many more options are available and all programs include volunteer placement, housing, meals, social and cultural activities as well as a local contact and supervision.

Unique Resources

Expand your meaningful work job search by exploring these keywords:

Adventure to Peru through the eyes of a volunteer's experience with Cross-Cultural Solutions. You will be a part of something bigger than yourself—serving mankind and fanning a flame of hope and joy that for so many has grown faint. Read more »

Through an extensive leadership and service training program, AMIGOS volunteers jump in with head, heart and hands to contribute to sustainable health, education and environmental service projects in one of seven Latin American countries. Read more more about a volunteer's experience in Paraguay or Uruguay.

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