Feature photo by aka Kath. Photo above by aka Kath.

Organization Overview

Let’s be blunt: There are many families living in the garbage dump in Guatemala City, eating and selling people’s trash. It’s not surprising, then, that these children do not go to school.

Enter Safe Passage, whose motto is: “to create opportunities and foster dignity through the power of education.” Since 1999 Safe Passage has been working with poor, at-risk children of families working in the Guatemala City garbage dump.

The organization believes the key to overcoming poverty is education and health, and currently has 550 children enrolled in school. With help from a staff of teachers, directors and volunteers, Safe Passage is changing the lives of children born into very harsh circumstances.

Photo by AIDG.

Opportunity Overview

Volunteers are needed to work directly with children in Guatemala City at the Safe Passage school and in Antigua in the organization’s offices. Starting in January 2009, Safe Passage will be recruiting a Volunteer Coordinator Assistant and a Classroom Teaching Assistant. They are also looking to fill a number of other volunteer positions immediately, such as English teachers, infant care givers, and curriculum developers.

Most volunteer positions are from a month to a year long. People who want to volunteer but don’t have much time should not hesitate to contact Safe Passage.

If a trip to Guatemala is not in the cards, then sponsoring a student may be the way to go. For $50.00 a month sponsors can help a student buy shoes, a uniform for school and other basics.

Sponsoring a child is an effective way to contribute at Safe Passage. Most people who sponsor a student do so for many years, thought the minimum commitment is one year.

Photo by mayaguatemalteca.

Ideal Volunteer Profile

Age and gender is not important for Safe Passage Volunteers. Some Spanish is a must because the kids don’t speak English and neither do many of the teachers. Depending on the volunteer position, different skills may be required.

People who want to volunteer but have basic Spanish and limited experience should not hesitate to contact Safe Passage; everyone can help!

Bonus Points for Safe Passage

Working at Safe Passage is a chance to volunteer with an inspirational team of people while helping Guatemalan children. Some perks to volunteering in Guatemala include the fantastic weather, the fascinating Maya culture and the opportunity to travel on the weekends to exotic places like Chichi, Rio Dulce, and Tikal.

Some long-term volunteers receive a housing stipend, but this is unusual and most volunteers should be prepared to finance their own experience.

Photo by mayaguatemalteca.

Details

All the how-to’s are on the web at: http://safepassage.org/. It’s also possible to sign up for the Safe Passage newsletter on line to receive monthly updates.

An inspirational story

I met Hanley Denning a few times when I lived in Antigua, Guatemala. She was a positive, friendly woman who never stopped working for her cause. I’d often see her out jogging near my house and we’d wave at one another.

Hanley was the founder of Safe Passage and a real inspiration for many volunteers and children, and it was because of her vision that Safe Passage thrived. She was killed in 2007 in a car accident in Guatemala City while traveling from one project site to another.

The Hanley Denning Fund was set up in her memory and has raised more than $3,000,000 in memorial gifts for Safe Passage. She is missed but her dream lives on.

community connection

Interested in learning more about Guatemala? Check out matador’s Guatemala page for a comprehensive listing of organizations, travelers, local experts, blogs, and more.

Photo by Thinkpanama.

So how do you narrow down your options and choose the best volunteer diving program for you?

First and foremost, do your research. It is important to know what you want out of the volunteer experience (i.e. location, accommodations, number of weeks/months, etc.) so you can decide if an organization offers what you looking for.

Here are some of the top volunteering organizations around the world that host opportunities designed for divers and those who are looking to become divers.

As one of the world’s top ranked volunteering organizations, GVI offers experienced and non-experienced divers the opportunity to participate in crucial coral reef, fish, turtle and shark monitoring projects located in some of the most pristine diving locations.

You can spend 5 weeks to several months living in tropical locations, experiencing local culture, making new friends, and diving 8-10 times a week in places most of us only dream of seeing.

Who they are

Global Vision International (GVI) was formed in 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non-profits and governmental agencies, through volunteering opportunities and direct funding. GVI is a non-political, non-religious organization, which through its alliance with over 150 project partners in over 30 countries, provides opportunities for volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development.

To date, GVI has established 11 biological field stations in Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Patagonia, Seychelles, Kenya and South Africa to work with local and international partners on conservation research and education.

What they offer divers

GVI has several Marine Conservation Expeditions that are located in some of the most amazing diving destinations in the world. http://www.gvi.co.uk/volunteer-options/expeditions/marine. Volunteers with have guidance, support, and training from a highly professional and energetic staff who not only strive to make GVI an amazing organization, but who also strive to make your experience as a volunteer unforgettable.

With two locations in Mexico along the Caribbean coast, GVI offers both the opportunity to learn how to dive (if you are not already certified) earning an internationally recognized diving qualification and the chance to contribute towards crucial coral reef research. For new divers, you can gain certification through Rescue Diver on a 5 week expedition or up to Divemaster during a 10 week expedition in Pez Maya.

Diving in Mexico. Photo Courtesy of GVI

All divers are given the opportunity to gain a PADI Specialty Certification in Underwater photography, which takes place in the incredibly breathtaking cenotes of Tulum. At the end of the expedition divers will also have their PADI Specialty Certification in Coral Reef Research.

The Pez Maya base is located on a remote beach on the southern shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, and speaking from personal experience it offers the opportunity of a lifetime for both diving and volunteering.

If you are currently a certified diver you can test your skills and join either a 5 or 10 week expedition further south on the peninsula at Punta Gruesa and participate in coral and fish monitoring programs. Both of these expeditions focus on researching the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world.

GVI also offers a Marine Conservation program in the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. GVI has been invited by the Seychelles government and local NGOs to assist their priority biological study and conservation programmers, including coral reef research, invertebrate surveys, whale shark migration observations, plankton sampling, turtle nesting research and water turtle surveys.

It may sound complicated, but on all GVI expeditions, volunteers are given complete training in scientific methods and continued lessons in species identification and conservation concepts.

GVI’s Marine Conservation programs allow you the chance to gain experience teaching English as a foreign language (by gaining a TEFL certification) to the local community, and to assist with the continued development of an environmental education and awareness program. With plenty of free time, you can explore ancient Mayan ruins, take a long-weekend in a neighboring country, and participate in local festivals.

To get a first-hand account of what past volunteers (myself included) have to say about GVI’s programs, check out some of their stories and video blogs such as this one:

Over the last 20 years, Frontier has established itself as a top-notch, highly professional non-profit volunteer organization. This is one of very few organizations that will provide volunteers the opportunity to gain professional level certifications in Tropical Habitat Conservation and Management, PADI dive training, and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) all in one trip. Dive the seas of the Mediterranean to the waters of Fiji and be part of a vital conservation effort.

Who they are

Frontier was established in 1989 as a non-profit conservation and development non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem integrity and building sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities in the world’s poorest countries.

As one of the top-ranked and most accomplished volunteer organizations in the world Frontier’s commitment to conservation research, education and global awareness has helped to establish numerous marine parks, protected areas, and community-based organizations in more than 50 countries.

What they offer divers

Frontier has several projects located in Greece, Madagascar, Fiji, and Tanzania that are great for divers looking to contribute to conservation research. The Underwater Research Project in Greece runs weekly from May to September, and like all Frontier projects, the type of volunteer work you will be doing depends on the time of year you participate. This project involves diving and snorkeling in the local marine area – locating, marking and measuring the marine life under investigation.

Specific species being investigated vary from year to year but previous studies have included the Pinna (the largest mollusk in the world), local non-dangerous shark populations and sea horses. New projects are constantly being developed and new ideas are always welcome. The Underwater Research Project is ideal for those who may have specific ideas for research that they wish to pursue.

The Madagascar project is a great option for those who are looking to experience a variety of activities aside from diving. This trip is broken down into 3 phases: Day 1-15 involves teaching at a local village school which is extremely under-resourced. You will help to design and implement curriculum, correct work, and initiate extracurricular activities for the kids. Day 16-26 is a 10-day trek through the remote environment, sampling and surveying vegetation, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

Lastly, the Day 27-41 brings you Frontier’s marine camp, where non-divers will complete their PADI Open Water course. Already certified divers will participate in underwater surveys, collecting data about local species.

The Marine Research and Conservation Program in Fiji allows volunteers to gain a UCAS transferable, internationally recognized BTEC Advanced Diploma (10 weeks or longer) or Advanced Certificate (4 weeks or longer) in Tropical Habitat Conservation.

Tanzanian coast. Photo: Giorgio

Frontier-Fiji will train non-divers up to PADI Advanced Open Water at no additional cost, and current divers will have the opportunity to advance up to PADI Divemaster at discounted rates. You will learn the research skills needed to aid in underwater surveys, where you will see an extraordinary array of marine life including turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and hundreds of fish species.

Tanzania’s coast is home to some of the most spectacular diving in the world. The crystal clear waters host a wealth of marine habitats and wildlife, making this a perfect location to learn to scuba dive and explore this pristine and magical underwater world.

Volunteers chart extensive areas of undamaged coral, record healthy populations of fish, note turtle behavior, sight marine mammals, and learn to recognize a huge diversity of intertidal animals.

Please note that not every Frontier diving project offers the same things, such as dive training and food. So it is essential to research each project carefully to know what is and is not included, and during what time of the year each project is available. Also, Frontier has a more selective application process than some other organizations, so read up on the qualifications they are looking for and decide if Frontier is right for you.

Coral Cay Conservation allows divers to volunteer on marine conservation projects in the Philippines and Tobago. Both projects get the volunteer involved in crucial coral and fish monitoring, with opportunities to monitor turtles and other marine life.

Divers and non-divers can advance in their diving certifications up to Divemaster. CCC welcomes volunteers of at least 16 years of age, and allows opportunities to join as a staff researcher or specialist.

Who they are

Coral Cay are award winning specialists in coral reef and tropical forest conservation and have been organizing conservation projects since 1986. This organization has aided in the establishment of several marine protected areas, and was instrumental in having the Belize Barrier Reef declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What they offer divers

Divers can join CCC projects as a volunteer, researcher or specialist for 4 to 20 weeks and work hands-on out in the field in the Philippines or Tobago on Marine Conservation projects.

CCC has worked in partnership with the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc (PRRCFI) and local communities to survey and safeguard reef and rainforest areas since 1995.

Project locations have included Palawan, Danjugan Island, Luzon and Negros. Currently, volunteers on the Philippines project are based at the Napantao Dive Resort, overlooking Sogod Bay. Here, divers will find some of the best diving in the Philippines, with plenty of coral, fish and macro-fauna (whale sharks) species.

Whale Shark. Photo by Noodlefish.

As a volunteer you will be participating in 8-10 survey dives each week, Monday-Friday. Weekends are reserved for “fun” dives and time to explore the area and take in the local culture.

CCC Tobago offers divers a great chance to survey a fragile reef ecosystem in the Caribbean Sea. After the 2005 mass bleaching event in the Caribbean, these fragile ecosystems are now under attack from a variety of coral diseases and anthropogenic impacts, all of which are threatening the very existence of coral reefs in Tobago.

It is essential to collect scientifically sound data on coastal habitats in order to develop effective management plans for the island’s marine resources. As a volunteer you’ll be diving on the Caribbean side of the island of Tobago, collecting data used in these monitoring studies. If you are there between March and August you can join in on Leatherback and Hawksbill turtle surveys, monitoring the number of nests laid on the beach right outside your door.

Both project locations allow for non-divers to gain their PADI Advanced Open Water certification one week prior to the official start of the project session. CCC also allows you to further your certifications depending on how long you decide to stay on as a volunteer.

For those divers who also have backgrounds in marine or conservation science, you can join CCC as a researcher or a specialist and help lead the expedition. This is a great opportunity to further your career experience in the conservation field.

Blue Ventures offers a unique opportunity to assist scientists in data collection in one of the most biodiverse areas of the world, Madagascar. Volunteers will dive sites that no one else has ever dived during “reconnaissance” dives, and will encounter an unbelievable variety of marine species, all while receiving a high level of professional dive and scientific training.

Who they are

Blue Ventures is a marine conservation organization dedicated to conservation, education and sustainable development in tropical coastal communities. In 2006 they were “Highly Commended” in the Best Volunteering Organization category by the Responsible Travel Tourism Awards. Blue Ventures has one main marine conservation project located in Madagascar and is open to qualified and non-qualified divers, with expeditions lasting 6 weeks.

What they offer divers

Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. Off the coast divers will find the 4th largest coral reef in the world, the Grand Récif de Tuléar. Blue Ventures, in partnership with local and international scientists, conducts research throughout this amazing habitat to aid in national conservation and management efforts. One of the most unique aspects of a Blue Ventures expedition is that volunteers live and work directly alongside these scientists.

Seeing humpback whales, spinner dolphins, endangered marine turtles and over 500 species of tropical fish and corals is part of the daily dive routine during the project. Varying from shallow forereef channels to deeper sea-fan forests, the sites that are visited are nothing short of stunning. As an added bonus, when conducting “reconnaissance” dives, there is a very good chance that you will be the first person ever to dive at that site in this exceptionally remote part of the Indian Ocean.

Let’s Compare:

Remember, this is just a simple overview of the top volunteer organizations available to divers and there’s much more information for you to know. All of the organizations highlighted here have great websites and resources to answer all your questions, including testimonies from past volunteers, resource links, and contact information. Global Vision International also has a fantastic guide to choosing a volunteer organization.

Volunteering can have a positive impact on the environment, the people you meet, and most of all on your own life. Why not take an opportunity to dive the world and help the world at the same time?

What better way to get a feel for the local scene than to hop on the public transit system? For most budget travelers, public transport is the only way to get around.

Even though we may not speak the language of a foreign country, or even recognize the local alphabet, travelers quickly learn how to move about efficiently on public transport. Buses, trains, ferries and share taxis are not something travelers see as low-class or inconvenient or disgusting. They are necessities, cheap and simple ways to get from A to B.

Why then, when we return home, do most of us never entertain the idea of giving up our cars and using public transit?

With congested roads, global warming and ever-increasing gas prices, there’s no better time than now to reconsider your transportation options.

The Big Decision

Photo by smokingpermitted

A few years ago, my wife and I traveled around Europe for three months. When we returned home to Vancouver we were itching to travel again, so we decided to save up for a year and hit the road.

Selling our vehicle was a no-brainer, considering the high costs of gas, monthly payments and car insurance.

I’ve been driving for fifteen years and had always owned a car. How would I cope with the switch to public transit? Well, the short answer is: It was easy, and I’m glad I did.

Just Getting Around

Photo by Citizen L

After a tearful goodbye to my sweet ride, I got on the bus.

“This isn’t so bad, ” I thought. “It’s actually kind of nice.”

I felt no agitation from the heavy traffic, no anger towards the driver who just cut me off. I eyed the other passengers. They were normal people, my fellow residents on the way to work.

For many car owners, there’s a stigma about people who take public transportation, as if they’re a class below. I saved a lot of money by taking the bus, but I actually enjoyed it too. I shook the stigma of not owning a car.

Unexpected Benefits Of Public Transport

Photo by Matt Honan

After a few days of riding the bus I had a strange feeling. I felt like I belonged, that I was a part of my beautiful city. I felt more connected to Vancouver than I’d ever felt before.

I realized that while driving I was in my own little bubble and completely oblivious to the real world. It was a very pleasant surprise.

Photo by ngader

I was amazed by how little I missed driving; my daily forty minute commute to work turned into my free time to catch up on reading. It was amazing how fast the money piled up; in less than a year, my wife and I were able to save up to travel very comfortably for eight months in Europe and Asia.

We are now living in Melbourne, Australia and have opted not to buy a car. Some think we’re nuts to live in such a big city without wheels, but it’s a breeze with the comprehensive network of trains, trams and buses.

On those rare occasions when we do need a vehicle, we rent one. A compact car from Budget costs under $40 per day; even if you do rent a car a few times a month it‘s still much cheaper than owning or leasing one, not to mention hassle free. Car sharing is also an option.

Does Making the Switch Make Sense For You?

Photo by Burning Image

I’m not so naïve to think that going without a car is suitable for everyone. Of course, there are circumstances where owning a car is a necessity.

Maybe you live in the sticks, beyond the reaches of the public transit system. Maybe you have kids you need to ferry around to their different activities.

Even if you need a car, though, there are ways to cut down on your amount of driving. How about a combination of driving and public transit?

If you’re working in the city, take public transport and avoid idling in peak traffic and paying through the nose for parking.

Pros and Cons Of Public Transport

Is public transportation all that and a bag of chips? Of course not. Sometimes the train is late or, more annoyingly, it leaves early. Sometimes the bus can get quite crowded; sometimes a gang of foul-mouthed teenagers tests your tolerance for profanities.

Convenience is a factor for owning a car. But how much are you willing to pay for a little convenience? Or, a better question, what are the benefits to you and to the earth for a little inconvenience?

Sure, you have to plan more without a car. You have to check schedules and work around them. You have to walk more…but wait, is a little exercise and fresh air a pro or a con?

Photo by André Gustavo

Give It Some Thought!

There is no better time than now to pour some serious thought into this. You’re resourceful enough to travel around the world and make good use of foreign transit systems.

Why not use public transport at home?

Community Connection!

Are you fired up on sustainability? Check out Matador’s archive of inspiring stories about green innovation and people passionate about being part of the solution.

Feature Photo: Foraggio Fotographic

Matador members believe they can change the world, and they’re out there doing it every day.

Sure, we publish the same sorts of articles you find in print publications, but these articles are just window-dressing. The editor in me cringes, but it’s true.

But no matter what we write, the most important part of Matador is the community. Whenever I need a little stoke, I browse Matador member profiles. I’m always awed by the sheer human optimism in this remarkable community.

Thank you so much for inspiring us.

Here are 10 incredible members of the Matador community. To meet the other 40 featured travelers, please follow the links at the bottom of this page.

Alsawo

Growing up in a two-stoplight Midwestern town, I had no idea how vast and interesting the world was.

In college, I did my best to make up for lost time, trekking to Norway to track down my great-grandparents’ village, studying abroad in Niger (where I apprenticed with a Tuareg silversmith and bought myself a pet donkey), trading my Spanish class for Zulu when I learned it would lead to a free summer in South Africa, building houses in Nicaragua, and so forth.

Alsawo’s full profile

DeepSeaGangster

I believe that the meaning of life is to acquire virtues. I think Travel makes that process a whole lot more interesting.

I travel solo, but not without help. I have a definite plan, but it keeps changing. I’m trying to follow my spirit by whatever means necessary.

deepseagangster’s full profile

Roots-Koa

My birth name is Kalish, but my parents always called me Kalie. Koa is also a nickname I acquired after living in the wilderness for two months.

In June I moved out of my house in Santa Cruz for some free-spirited vagabonding. I did a lot of camping and even got to go horse camping in the High Sierras. On September first I moved into a house in Berkeley, and currently am making and selling delicious sorbets out of local, seasonal and organic produce from the farmer’s markets!

Something I have gained from the Matador community is the realization that there are many other people out there with the same interests and passions I have (i.e., TRAVELING, not just to be a tourist but to see.feel.hear the world, to experience other cultures, to learn experientially, to live creatively through photography, art, and to seek the joy, excitement and openness that traveling brings from stepping outside ones own mental and physical box…

Roots-Koa’s full profile

Good Farmer

I am traveling between the US and Asia – in the US I work with university researchers to develop simple, inexpensive, robust, and sustainable drinking water purification systems. In Asia (and also in Latin America through colleagues there) I implement and field-test systems serving rural communities with compromised drinking water sources.

I also co-facilitate programs in appropriate technology design with an agrarian community in Thailand that leads workshops and trainings in natural building and organic farming and seed saving for rural people from Thailand as well as Westerners interested in sustainable and self-reliant living.

Matador is an excellent networking tool, and a lot of the writing is top-notch.

GoodFarmer’s full profile

Keri

I have no idea where I will be next week. And the week after that. In the last year and a half I have lived and partied hard in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I traveled the infamous Ruta 40 down to Patagonia to see the remains of the glaciers that once were. I then headed through the salt flats and killing mines of Bolivia. Saw a sunset at Lake Titicaca.

A few days later I was on a five day hiking trip through the snow-peaked mountains and jungles of Peru. Saw the sun rise at Machu Picchu. I flew home to Georgia for a while in order to graduate from college and the next day took a flight down to Costa Rica for two months. Watched a volcano erupt. Realized this world is incredibly beautiful.

Now I’m back in the U.S. without a clue as to my next move. I don’t have goals that involve money or promotion. I really just hope for a future of love, happiness, and eventually babies. Call me a dreamer. I’ll take that.

Keri’s full profile

Hal Amen

My name is Hal. I’m a freelance writer, so ideally that means I’m traveling AND working all the time. English-language-learning texts pay the bills, but I’m currently slaving away on some personal projects as well.

My favorite thing about Matador is its supportive environment. As a newcomer to travel writing, I can’t emphasize how beneficial it’s been to receive the encouragement and constructive criticism that I have from the folks in charge–folks who obviously know what they’re talking about.

Whereas other online groups often dissolve from excessive cynicism, selfishness, and internal conflict, Matador has stayed positive. Quite the inspiration.

Halamen’s full profile

DanOnTheSnow

sometimes I roll in hotels and sit on beaches with funny colored drinks, sometimes I go three days in a tent with nuts, dried fruit, protein powder, ramen, energy bars and bear spray.

DanOnTheSnow’s full profile

AnthonyGatti

I like to go deep; to speak in vibration and blend without losing the stark silhouette of a stranger.

I want to make a difference by channeling the inspiration I get from others.

Before I die I’d like to see a spectrum of light cast by the moon.

Anthony Gatti’s full profile

vardoyger

I want to make a difference by recording and sharing the good times & things, sad times & things, horrible times & things, and the wonderous times and tings via pictures so that we may remember to repeat the good; cherish, honour and learn from the sad and prevent the horrible..all in all to enjoy life to its fullest…

vardoyger

Switzin

My real name is Judy Swiss. Swiss is my maiden name translated into English. Since I am a Swiss citizen, I’ll stick with it.

Interestingly enough, when I was new to the United States, people – especially guys – would call me Swiss Miss since I LOVE chocolate and am from Switzerland. They never realized that this was actually my name!

When I discovered Matador, I felt home – virtually home that is. I love reading about the travels other people do and one of my favorite things is to browse pictures. I think it lends a picture so much more when I know who the person is who snapped it.

It’s a special bonus when I learn about that person, his or her interests, the reasons he/she was in that country, and why that picture is special to him/her. It all is part of Matador. Matador brings the world to me when I am sitting alone in my home office at the computer and need a little shot of adventure!

Switzin’s full profile

To meet more Matador members, please follow the links below:

Travelers 1-10 at MatadorTrips.com
Travelers 11 – 20 at BraveNewTraveler.com
Travelers 21 – 30 at TheTravelersNotebook.com
Travelers 31 – 40 at MatadorStudy.com

Community Connection

These are only 50 out of thousands of travelers in our community. Who else should get a mention? Big them up in the comments, and if you haven’t yet, link up with us.

Photo by Ryan Libre .

I’ve worked with NGOs for most of my life, and even helped start a few. Now, I’m venturing out to start my own NGO, Documentary Arts, Asia.

The following steps will help get your own NGO up and running:

Step 1: Test the waters.

Many new activists are ready to commit their lives to “the cause.” Some are even willing to die for it. Most of these enthusiastic newbies are nowhere to be found a few months later.

There’s no need to turn down the volume of your enthusiasm, but before starting your own NGO, consider joining one that does similar work for a while.

If starting your own NGO really is right for you, the experience of working for an established NGO will only strengthen your resolve and direct your passion.

Maybe you’ll find that NGOs are not your life calling after all. Better to learn that early on, before making a big commitment.

Photo by Ryan Libre .

Step 2: Start on the right foot.

“The leader’s main job is to make themselves obsolete.” –Lao Tsu

Becoming obsolete should be the fundamental goal of all NGOs. You must constantly strive to work yourself out of a job.

Becoming obsolete works on two levels. In terms of your personal involvement, you should build the NGO to the point where it can function independently of your leadership. The long term goal of your NGO should be to solve a problem and thereby become unnecessary.

Put Lao Tsu’s advice into practice and you’ll be able to help more people in more profound ways, and enjoy every minute of the experience. If you try to maintain control, dependencies will develop, and once dependencies start they are hard to stop.

Dependency can leave NGO volunteers feeling trapped and sometimes even leave negative impacts on the people you are trying so hard to help.

Step 3: Clarify your goals.

Set clear and achievable goals for yourself and the NGO.

“Ending world hunger” is a great goal and looks good on your NGO’s t-shirt, but it’s not a problem you can seriously hope to solve.

Finding a niche is good place to start. Positive change usually comes from picking something small, doing it well and following through. A good example of this attitude in action is the Starfish NGO of Cambodia.

Step 4: Make an action plan.

A plan of action is your chance to make an NGO effective, address any potential negative impacts and make sure your NGO will attract donors and volunteers.

Make sure you are able to follow through with what you start. Think hard about your action plan. Hard work is important, but hard work without a good plan is a waste of time and money.

Step 5: Make a website.

Photo by Ryan Libre .

It’s never too early to make a website for your NGO. A good website helps you to spread the word, attract volunteers, secure funding and establish a professional appearance. An interactive website can also minimize your need for meetings and micro managing.

Attention spans on the web are very short. Be clear and concise.

Be sure to make an online profile for your NGO at Matador, where you can tap into a network of thousands of potential donors and volunteers.

Some hosting companies give free hosting to NGO sites. Ask around.

Step 6: Get in the know.

Local knowledge is indispensable to every NGO. Even if you grew up in the city where you want to start an NGO, you still need to research and make contacts. Making solid local contacts and understanding the locals’ worldview is especially important if you want to work in a foreign culture.

Good use of local knowledge can really make an NGO effective. Without local knowledge, you may do more harm than good.

Step 7: Assess your NGO’s financial needs.

Money, when it does come, usually requires great amounts of paperwork and sometimes has strings attached. The quality of the work an NGO does and the amount of its funding are often inversely related. That is to say, the NGOs with less money do better work per hour and dollar spent. The crucial point is to to minimize your NGO’s need for money.

That said, money can be really helpful sometimes. Here’s how to get it. Filing for 501c (official non profit) status is a pain and involves costly lawyer fees. No need to waste your efforts there.

Get an established NGO to accept you under its umbrella. Tax deductible donations and grants will go to them, care of your NGO. Setting up this arrangement could be as easy as a 30 minute talk with your local peace center.

Now you are ready to ask for money from businesses, grant foundations, and governments. A Paypal donate button is a quick and easy way to accept donations from visitors to your website.

Step 8: Network, network, network.

Make friends with people and organizations doing similar work so that you can learn from their successes and mistakes. Networking also helps you to know when to team up and when to divide your efforts for maximum effectiveness. The links below are good places to start networking:

UNDP’s guide to NGO networking

Idealist.org

Matador’s Grassroots NGO network

Step 9: Find balance.

Photo by Ryan Libre .

Be realistic about how much time you want to give to your NGO. Taking on projects beyond your comfortable limits won’t yield much benefit in the long run.

You are worth more to your NGO as a part time activist for 5-20 years than letting your passionate burn out in two years. Finding balance between work and personal life is key to success.

Step 10: Re-evaluate everything.

Take a step back and look at what you have done and where it is all headed. Take joy in what you have accomplished, but also make sure your NGO is not becoming self aggrandizing.

How much time, effort and money are being spent on the NGO itself? This is the biggest problem facing all organizations, non-governmental or otherwise.

Your own awareness is the best tool to avoid over-emphasizing the NGO to the detriment of the cause, but don’t hesitate to ask someone from outside of your NGO for an evaluation.

With constant awareness, you can keep your focus and resources flowing to your original goals.

Conclusions

Any volunteer experience can be rewarding. Starting your own NGO can make you feel totally fulfilled.

You will learn and grow as an individual and receive a profound sense of satisfaction not easily found in modern life.

I hope my insights, experiences and mistakes were of benefit. If you have any questions or comments please post them in the comments and I’ll be happy to reply.

Don’t forget to check out my blossoming NGO: Documentary Arts, Asia

Community Connection

For a list of great NGOs and organizations, check out Matador’s searchable database of orgs.