Volunteering - any recommendations?

Ian_Turpie · Jul 11th, 2008, 04:09

As part of our trip to India, my wife & I would like to spend some time volunteering for a charity in India, most likely something to help children. Looking around the web there seems to be quite a few agencies that take in westerners like us to help them out. Also it seems like most of them charge money to do so.

Now I don't have a problem spending money as well as time,(and obviously the agencies have staffing overhead to cover) but I do want to know that both my time and money are well spent. However I guess sometimes when you put money into the equation, there is the risk that it becomes more about me spending money and less about me providing meaningful help.

So I guess my question is - does anyone have any recommendations for reputable charity agencies where the fees charged are fair AND our input will be meaningful?

iwanttogoback · Jul 11th, 2008, 09:37

i don't know about fees, but if find member poiple shadow's account you will be able to find details about the charity he works with in goa. he has been contributing to this forum for quite a while, and all the feedback is that the charity is very well run and quite legitimate.

i can't remember the name, but i'm sure someone else will be along soon to help you find the info.

mirjamd · Jul 12th, 2008, 18:55

I know a great agency in Pondicherry in South India that charges a reasonable fee (between Rs. 6000 and Rs. 11,500). It is run by a Dutch man. I was a volunteer with a Dutch exchange organisation and we work with him. More information on www.amaidi.org.

machadinha · Jul 12th, 2008, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwanttogoback

i can't remember the name

That's Children Walking Tall: http://www.childrenwalkingtall.com/

clivington · Jul 12th, 2008, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian_Turpie

As part of our trip to India, my wife & I would like to spend some time volunteering for a charity in India, most likely something to help children. Looking around the web there seems to be quite a few agencies that take in westerners like us to help them out. Also it seems like most of them charge money to do so.

India's a big place and there's little point in us suggesting somewhere in the south when you only intend to visit the north! So... where will you be and how long is "some time"? Agencies do charge, of course. NGOs may or may not. Personally I believe that it's right that they do, and at a rate inversely proportional to the duration.

piran_e · Jul 14th, 2008, 16:42

There is an organization by the name of sosva (www.sosva.org) in Mumbai who act like a resource agency for various NGOs in Mumbai. You can get in touch with them giving your preference field and the duration you would like to work. Then depending on the availability they will direct you to the actual NGO. Sosva itself is an NGO and does this absolutely free of cost with a wonderful and dedicated team.

aparna · Jul 14th, 2008, 20:21

I've been volunteering for sometime now... various things like teaching children/students, giving old people company, counseling, proposal writing, attending the students helpline, women's rights, environmental causes, encouraging people to vote, translation of local texts etc.

I've mostly been volunteering during weekends and school/college holidays.

My suggestions:

1. Decide what amount of time/duration you'd like to spend volunteering.
2. Figure out a cause you're passionate about... There are various opportunities. Read more about India - economy, culture, challenges etc.

Considering that you will be spending considerable time volunteering - I believe that it should be something you feel strongly about.

3. Be prepared to deal with local differences, bureaucratic nature of things etc - depending on what and where you're volunteering.

Once you have an idea about your area of interest - feel free to post and I'm sure people will be able to help you in locating the right organization better!

All the Best!

Volunteering can be a challenge but extremely rewarding. I hope you enjoy yourself.

Thanks,
Aparna

Jul 11th, 2008, 04:09	#1
Ian_Turpie Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London Posts: 2	Volunteering - any recommendations? As part of our trip to India, my wife & I would like to spend some time volunteering for a charity in India, most likely something to help children. Looking around the web there seems to be quite a few agencies that take in westerners like us to help them out. Also it seems like most of them charge money to do so. Now I don't have a problem spending money as well as time,(and obviously the agencies have staffing overhead to cover) but I do want to know that both my time and money are well spent. However I guess sometimes when you put money into the equation, there is the risk that it becomes more about me spending money and less about me providing meaningful help. So I guess my question is - does anyone have any recommendations for reputable charity agencies where the fees charged are fair AND our input will be meaningful?

Jul 14th, 2008, 16:42	#6
piran_e Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 117	There is an organization by the name of sosva (www.sosva.org) in Mumbai who act like a resource agency for various NGOs in Mumbai. You can get in touch with them giving your preference field and the duration you would like to work. Then depending on the availability they will direct you to the actual NGO. Sosva itself is an NGO and does this absolutely free of cost with a wonderful and dedicated team. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------ Walking a Dream

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Jul 11th, 2008, 09:37	#2
iwanttogoback is sorry Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: perth Posts: 1,535	i don't know about fees, but if find member poiple shadow's account you will be able to find details about the charity he works with in goa. he has been contributing to this forum for quite a while, and all the feedback is that the charity is very well run and quite legitimate. i can't remember the name, but i'm sure someone else will be along soon to help you find the info.

Jul 12th, 2008, 18:55	#3
mirjamd Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 270	I know a great agency in Pondicherry in South India that charges a reasonable fee (between Rs. 6000 and Rs. 11,500). It is run by a Dutch man. I was a volunteer with a Dutch exchange organisation and we work with him. More information on www.amaidi.org.

Jul 14th, 2008, 20:21	#7
aparna Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 10	I've been volunteering for sometime now... various things like teaching children/students, giving old people company, counseling, proposal writing, attending the students helpline, women's rights, environmental causes, encouraging people to vote, translation of local texts etc. I've mostly been volunteering during weekends and school/college holidays. My suggestions: 1. Decide what amount of time/duration you'd like to spend volunteering. 2. Figure out a cause you're passionate about... There are various opportunities. Read more about India - economy, culture, challenges etc. Considering that you will be spending considerable time volunteering - I believe that it should be something you feel strongly about. 3. Be prepared to deal with local differences, bureaucratic nature of things etc - depending on what and where you're volunteering. Once you have an idea about your area of interest - feel free to post and I'm sure people will be able to help you in locating the right organization better! All the Best! Volunteering can be a challenge but extremely rewarding. I hope you enjoy yourself. Thanks, Aparna

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