Do you know that volunteering comes in various sizes and types? There are volunteer works with the popular names, and there are those with the local community. There are short-term or one single project types, and there are long-term or several continuous project types. If you are new to volunteering, things can be quite overwhelming because there are so many programs to choose from! It would help to understand each of the volunteering types as well as the strength and also the possible downsides.
Short-Term Programs
As the name suggests, the programs are mostly short-term, lasting from a week to around three or four months. It mainly focuses on the cultural learning exposure and experience. This one is pretty common among other volunteering programs at http://45.77.247.36 because it doesn’t take any special skill or ability to join in. The best thing about it is that you can focus on the experience and the exposure, especially if you are doing a new activity or situated in a new place. The downside, however, is that it isn’t continuous so you don’t really know the impact and what happens to it. It doesn’t support long-term plan either, which may not be good news for those who like to volunteer.
Long-Term Programs
On the contrary to the short-term volunteer work, this long-term programs focus on empowering the local community and its people. Volunteers are often required to have professional qualifications or specific educations because there would be transfer of skills. Such long-term types are usually for non-profit activities. The best perk about it is that you can interact with the locals and see the results. However, it is a long-term program so you can’t expect an instant result.
Conservation Programs
If you are into environment and Mother Earth, this would be the ideal program to choose. Such programs are often related to environmental and conservation works. The focus is generally on environmental problems (whether in global or local scale). It may involve dealing with threatened environments (can be on ocean or land), sustainable or organic farming projects, or endangered animals. The greatest advantage of this program is the result-orientated manner, so you can measure and identify your own impact.
However, such a program is often not welcomed. Not everyone is happy with your efforts to save the planet, especially if it gets in their way of gaining profits or advantage. A lot of companies gain billions of profits from destroying the land, and they hate the idea that you will get in their way, so they won’t be able to make such a huge profit anymore.
Emergency or Relief Programs
The focus is generally on emergency cases and situations which usually arise from natural disasters or conflicts. Hurricane relief efforts or refugees are some of the most common examples of such a program. The program generally focuses on basic needs and runs on short notice. You will often deal with providing sanitation, shelter, food, medicine, and water. The advantage is that you can see the impact directly. However, such a situation is usually stressful – and mostly emotional too. If you can’t work under pressure, this is a program to avoid.
By knowing the different characteristics of the programs, you know which one suits your objectives and preference. This can help you narrow down your options and not be overwhelmed with everything.