Saturday | February 04, 2012
Green Volunteer Work
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By
Cara Newman, YOUNG MONEY Editor
22 April 2010
This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. We’ve made big changes in the past 40 years. People are more aware of their environment and the problems we are facing. In fact, the green industry is a big growth industry. But what do you do, if you can’t find a green job yet you want to help? You can start by doing volunteer work as a way to get your foot in the door, get some good green experience to put on your resume, and just as a way to help the environment and feel good about what you’re doing.
Nonprofits. Nonprofits always need volunteers. Find on that works on issues you care about and call them up. Idealist.org can help you find one in your area.
Build houses. Habitat for Humanity does great work building simple, affordable house all over the world. It’s a great cause and a fantastic way to meet new friends and contacts and get some exercise.
Plant trees. See if there are any groups cleaning up parks or planting trees in your area. Try you local Sierra Club or Student Conservation Association. From their website: “SCA provides college and high school-aged members with hands-on conservation service opportunities in virtually every field imaginable, from tracking grizzlies through the Tetons to restoring desert ecosystems and teaching environmental education at Washington, D.C.’s Urban Tree House. We are truly building the next generation of conservation leaders.”
Political work help canvass for green legislation, enroll votes or pass out fliers. U.S. PIRG, “the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), stands up to powerful special interests on behalf of the American public, working to win concrete results for our health and our well-being,” says their website. A part of PIRG is Green Corp, whose mission is to train organizers, provide field support for today’s critical environmental campaigns, and graduate activists who possess the skills, temperament, and commitment to fight and win tomorrow’s environmental battles.
Not sure what you want to do? Try Americorps. Each year, AmeriCorps.gov offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups.
Green the World. The Foundation for Sustainable Development places students and recent grads in internships in developing countries around the world. Ecoteer.com is a directory of cheap volunteer work opportunities, volunteer jobs abroad and working holidays.
Farming. Visit Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) and work for your room and board in countries all over the world.
Green conferences always need volunteers. There are many green websites which list conferences, if you see one is coming to your area, offer your services!
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