You Can Make A Difference By Becoming An Overseas Volunteer
Posted by Lord Neil Gibson in Uncategorized, tags: helping others, Lord Neil Gibson, non-profit, society, Uncategorized, volunteeringThat our world is a large place is not up for debate. These days, though, thanks to technological advances, the world is getting smaller. Crossing oceans is nothing anymore. Skype and the internet bring everyone together no matter how far apart they may be. When you can have a conference call with someone in Sierra Leone, Brazil and Ireland with an Icelander jumping in to put in a few words, you have got yourself an interesting set up.
This new togetherness, this sense of unity and the realization that it is, in fact, a small world after all, brings with it a new obligation. “With great power comes great responsibility”, etc., etc.
When the world is interconnected it is simply not possible to ignore problems that exist everywhere, way beyond our own little scope. Men and women in distant lands are no longer strangers. These are people you can talk to everyday, form lasting relationships with and learn to care very much about.
If you’re driven to reach out to the men and women living in countries overseas, good for you. You’re needed. If you’re uncertain where to start, here are a few ideas to help you out!
Contact an organization that has eyes and hands overseas. If you’re really looking for a hands-on way to make a difference, this is where you want to start. There are dozens of organizations all over the world that specialize in charity work overseas. They have medical offices, schools, churches, and other organizations that always need an extra set of hands. It could offer you a chance to see the world (literally) while having the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering with an overseas organization is that not only do you get to travel there, you can also see the results of your work. Of course you could do the same thing in your own country as well.
You might consider organizing a charity drive to collect needed supplies such as clothes, shoes and canned goods, then shipping boxes filled with these things overseas where they are most needed. You might also organize a fundraiser to raise money for the charity of your choice.
College students can contact someone on campus for information relating to volunteer opportunities. Lots of organizations partner with colleges to attract students who can make a difference culturally overseas. This is a great way to really dig in and make a difference with your peers in other cultural settings than your own.
You might also think seriously about pursuing a career in international relations. The State Department and many other diplomatic arms of the government regularly send qualified persons on overseas assignments.
Military service offers you the unique chance to interact abroad, often with the reconstruction of infrastructure, while still enjoying all of the benefits of working for Uncle Sam. A solid career mixed with service overseas might be just what you’re looking for.
Wherever it is that you do your volunteering, feel proud that you are doing something extremely worthwhile and with a little time will be able to realize that you had a part in doing something amazing for the world in which you and your fellows live.
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