Thanks for this reality check. 35 years ago with a major in Anthropology, as I went to West Africa through the Peace Corps, I was already skeptical that I was going to give more than a fraction of what I received (i.e. received in x-cultural education). I came back with a strong belief that true prolonged helping only happens when combined with one's actual physical loving presence, i.e. the opposite of throwing money at a problem from a distance. It all came down to "with" versus "for" or "to," etc. At the same time, it's worth fully acknowledging the good intentions and human drives (e.g. to belong, to be of value, etc.) that drive people (at least initially) to pursue volunteer or stipend-pay positions (incl, e.g. entry level non-profit workers). How to better channel and guide people with those energies and motives though...??
Thank you for responding to my question. I was mainly thinking about getting together with other expats to do various types of beach or forest clean up, animal shelter care, children or senior care. I guess we will just look at where we are needed in the area we settle down in.
I'm sure in places like SJDS you'll find that. You could always organize something. As long as money isn't involved, you can do basically anything you want. Animal shelters are always in need of help for sure. Beach cleanup, contact the beach hostals for info. El Simple in Las Peñitas organizes those regularly.
Charities in the USA are tough. I donate to some animal rescues. I'm sure some of that money is mismanaged, but the people working in the kennels need to be paid and the animals need food, shelter and medical care 😥.
Viviendas Leon last I checked had a volunteer project related to food security project in Nicaragua 🇳🇮. My coworker had a daughter who participated in their project.
Thanks for this reality check.
35 years ago with a major in Anthropology, as I went to West Africa through the Peace Corps, I was already skeptical that I was going to give more than a fraction of what I received (i.e. received in x-cultural education). I came back with a strong belief that true prolonged helping only happens when combined with one's actual physical loving presence, i.e. the opposite of throwing money at a problem from a distance. It all came down to "with" versus "for" or "to," etc.
At the same time, it's worth fully acknowledging the good intentions and human drives (e.g. to belong, to be of value, etc.) that drive people (at least initially) to pursue volunteer or stipend-pay positions (incl, e.g. entry level non-profit workers). How to better channel and guide people with those energies and motives though...??
Just watched this video today that carries a similar vibe...
ruclips.net/video/CGRtyxEpoGg/видео.html
Thank you for responding to my question. I was mainly thinking about getting together with other expats to do various types of beach or forest clean up, animal shelter care, children or senior care. I guess we will just look at where we are needed in the area we settle down in.
I'm sure in places like SJDS you'll find that. You could always organize something. As long as money isn't involved, you can do basically anything you want. Animal shelters are always in need of help for sure. Beach cleanup, contact the beach hostals for info. El Simple in Las Peñitas organizes those regularly.
Charities in the USA are tough. I donate to some animal rescues. I'm sure some of that money is mismanaged, but the people working in the kennels need to be paid and the animals need food, shelter and medical care 😥.
I believe local animal shelters are some of the best places to donate.
Viviendas Leon last I checked had a volunteer project related to food security project in Nicaragua 🇳🇮. My coworker had a daughter who participated in their project.
If you can find any details, let me know!