United Way Organizational Guide

Bottle-Feed Orphaned Lion Cubs in Zambia

admin — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:04:08 +0000

In 1972, when Living Free—the sequel to the influential, Oscar-winning 1966 movie Born Free—was released, more than 200,000 lions roamed the African continent. Between feline tuberculosis, poaching, and diminishing habitat, that number today has dwindled to fewer than 15,000. If something isn’t done soon, this icon of Africa could well be extinct. That’s why Amanzi Travel, a British-based travel company, offers volunteers the chance to work with, and hopefully save the “king of beasts.”

Donate to a Local School

admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:24:44 +0000

The first sectors to take a hit when it comes to state and federal cutbacks is often education, which is already have a tough time of it. The schools in your local community always need help, so if you have a little extra to give, whether it’s in the form of office or school supplies, or a monetary donation to help teacher’s buy what they need for the classroom, consider contacting a local school and giving them support. They’re success determines our children’s, and therefore our future after all.

Turn a Military Base into a School

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:50:00 +0000

Every December for the past several years, the International Palestinian Youth League (IPYL) and the Alternative Information Center (AIC), a joint Palestinian-Israeli policy advocacy and grassroots activist organization have sponsored an international work camp in Bethlehem. Volunteers from all over the planet come to this holy place to celebrate Christmas with Palestinians and to spruce up the former Israeli army base that has been turned into a residential village. IYPL and AIC are building a school, hospital, a youth house, and a series of gardens there.

Volunteering Can Boost Your Career Options

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 22:50:24 +0000

73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without and 94% of believe that volunteering can add to skills. 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted. Also, if you are thinking of a career change then volunteering is a perfect way to explore new fields. If you have a passion for the arts but have career in computing then why not volunteer at your local theatre- the ideal way to expand your work portfolio in your field and to gain a real insight into your chosen path.

Helping the Women of Peru

admin — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:05:08 +0000

14% of girls in Peru become pregnant before the age of 18, and a staggering 90% of these pregnancies are the result of rape. Only one out of every eight reported cases of rape in Peru are counted. A woman is raped in Peru every 20 minutes, and that does not take unreported cases into account. La Casa de Acogida Mantay is a home specifically for single mothers aged 12 to 18 just outside Cusco, Peru where you can volunteer for a variety of jobs to help the women and children of Peru.

Feeding America

admin — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:06:19 +0000

Hunger affects every demographic daily. Feeding America is a domestic organization that serves every state with a network of over 200 food banks and feeds over 37 million people annually. They achieve these high numbers due to dedi9cation and extreme resourcefulness. With every $1 donated, Feeding America can provide 7 meals to the children, men and women who face hunger daily.

Volunteer with Your Kids

admin — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:17:09 +0000

Whether planting flowers at a local park or spending time with people with disabilities, for busy parents who want to spend time with their kids while still contributing to their community, volunteering as a family is an ideal activity. The benefits are enormous. Volunteering teaches even toddlers and preschoolers about compassion, empathy, tolerance, gratitude, and community responsibility. And children who volunteer are more likely to continue doing so as adults.

Volunteer to Give Cuddles to Kids

admin — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:46:45 +0000

Did you know that you can volunteer at an orphanage abroad? Countries like Nicaragua, Africa, the Dominican Republic and many other countries have many orphanages that would be happy to have your help caring for the kids or just offering cuddles. There are thousands of volunteer opportunities at orphanages all around the world and are perfect for people who want to make a difference in a child’s life.

Build a Home with Habitat for Humanity

admin — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 07:58:16 +0000

Founded in 1979, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 350,000 houses, sheltering more than 1.75 million people around the world. The organization’s mission is to eliminate homelessness around the world and with the help of sponsors and volunteers; Habitat manages to build affordable homes. If you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity you can expect physical labor but previous construction experience isn’t necessary. Volunteers are trained and supervised and everyone leaves with a sense of satisfaction and a little dirt beneath their fingernails.

Gain Appreciation from Volunteering:

admin — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:55:31 +0000

Life may seem tough when you don’t have your iPhone or can’t afford to grab your morning Starbucks, but when you see firsthand how real families live without heat, electricity, or indoor plumbing, you’ll feel better about your current situation.