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Advantages of Volunteering
Opting to volunteer for any cause is a great way to give back to the society. It is also a great alternative to donating money, as it gives you an opportunity to be involved with a cause on a personal level and make a difference first hand. Opting to volunteer is also a great way to acquire a different outlook and appreciation for life.
How to Volunteer
If you wish to volunteer in India, there are two primary routes worth considering
Independently
Signing up with a company that provides volunteer placements
Volunteering on an independent capacity with an anti animal cruelty organization or any other scheme is a much more cost effective option. However, that will not give you as much support that is typically provided by placement companies. The latter also provides training, accommodation, food and other resources to settle into the new environment.
If you are visiting India for the first time, joining a placement company is recommended.
Consider this before you Volunteer
Before you commit yourself to a cause, here are a few things you must consider-
What type of volunteer work do you intend to pursue?
Where would you like to work?
What type of people would you like to work with?
The options you have at hand-
Joining an anti animal cruelty welfare program.
Working at an orphanage
Working for an empowerment program for underprivileged women
Working in a rehabilitation program for the sick, dying or the disabled
Joining an environmental conservation program
Contributing to a rural development program
Working on a healthcare scheme
Teaching tribal communities and underprivileged children
How long should you Stay
In most cases the duration of your stay is a decision you need to take on your own. You can find welfare programs that are as short as two weeks or teaching programs that you can take on for over six months or longer.
If you truly wish to have a fulfilling volunteering experience, spending at least a month is recommended. This gives you enough time to settle in, get to know the objective of the program and make a valuable difference.
If you spend a short time volunteering for an anti animal cruelty scheme for example, you will end up dedicating most of your time to just learning as against making any contributions.
It is highly uncommon for an international volunteer to regret his or decision to contribute to a project or a scheme. With the help of some basic research you can find your true calling and identify a functional way to make a difference.
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