As we enter the summer months, many have thoughts of taking time off by going to a sandy beach, visiting a favorite city or just relaxing at home.  But thousands of people seek a more philanthropic objective by taking a volunteer vacation either in the U.S. or abroad.  Professors, veterans, business people, government employees, health care professionals and many more, some in retirement and some far from it, some solo and some with their families have engaged in summer volunteer activities. Activities can range anywhere from teaching English to assembling storage sheds, building ramps for disabled persons, or playing with children in an orphanage.  In many cases, these activities require participants to pay for their travel and in some instances their room and board as well. Of course prices can vary considerably depending on the destination, length of stay, and other factors.  

Before filling your backpack and duffel bag, be mindful to check out the charity on Give.org to verify if it meets the BBB Charity Standards, and take other precautions such as:

• Verifying who pays for transportation
• Making sure your passport is in order
• Seeing if immunizations are needed
• Checking out if your medical insurance covers costs incurred abroad
• Finding out about the living conditions, physical requirements, and climate

Examples of BBB Accredited Charities that offer volunteer opportunities included, but are not limited to:  Cross Cultural Solutions, American Jewish World Service, Habitat for Humanity International, and the Primate Rescue Center. 

Of course, not all volunteering opportunities involve significant expense commitments, see our past Wise Giving Guide magazine cover story for additional tips and volunteering advice.

On a related note, as part of our Building Trust Video Series we are pleased to provide a video featuring Nancy Kelly, MHS, Executive Director of Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to improve the availability and quality of health care through education, training and professional development of the health workforce in resource-scarce countries. The organization reports that each year, health professionals complete more than 500 HVO volunteer assignments, contributing over 7,000 days of volunteer service at more than 80 HVO project sites around the world. 

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include: 

• Pesticide Action Network North America
• Project Peanut Butter
• World Vision 

Finally, remember to let us know by going to https://give.org/ask-us-about-a-charity1/ if you are  interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.  

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance