Volunteering in South America for Free

Photo Credit: Twid

Anyone planning to volunteer in South America already knows that the word "volunteer" is thrown around quite carelessly on a number of websites.  Instead of "volunteers needed," the writers of these websites mean to say "people with money needed to give us their money." Money-hunting organizations looking for tourists who want to feel good about themselves abound, and unfortunately, altogether too many well-wishing idealists are taken in by their programs. Rest assured, it is not necessary to pay to volunteer in South America. Let me repeat that just to be sure. You do not need to pay to volunteer! It is absolutely possible to volunteer in South America for free.

In all fairness, my description of "money-hunting organizations" is a bit exaggerated. There are many legitimate and worthwhile organizations that ask their volunteers to pay necessary fees. For instance, I considered working with Sustainable Bolivia, an organization that places volunteers in different NGOs and helps them get settled. They ask their volunteers to pay a fee that will cover food, lodging, and a mini-grant of $75 that goes to the organization at which they're working. Sustainable Bolivia is a legitimate program. They are not milking volunteers for their money, and they are transparent when it comes to where your money goes.

However, for every Sustainable Bolivia, there are a number of for-profit organizations that are willing to take money from tourists in the name of humanitarian work. If you are legitimately looking to help, beware of these organizations.

Finding an organization where you can volunteer for free can be difficult when you're searching from abroad. It is not, however, impossible. Patience and diligent research are essential to finding a free volunteer position. Search for individual non-profit organizations rather than volunteer agencies. If you know specifically what kind of volunteer work you want to do, this will be even easier, as you can do a targeted search. "Volunteering in Peru" will bring up a number of pay-to-volunteer organizations, whereas "derechos humanos peru" will bring up specific organizations.

If you haven't already, check out this comprehensive list of free or low-cost volunteer opportunities in South America.

If you're willing to spend the time it takes to get past all of the pay-to-play sites, and if you're willing to contact a number of organizations on your own, then you will be able to volunteer for free in South America.

FYI It is unlikely that you will find an organization where your volunteer work will be compensated with room and board. Generally, you should expect to cover your own rent and food bills. Room and board is usually covered, however, if you are WWOOFing and often if you have found an exchange on Help Exchange.

In my next post, I'll give a run-down of the pros and cons of pay-to-play volunteering versus finding your own free position.