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How many volunteers are placed in a year?
The number of international placements we're able to facilitate is small - on average, 8 - 10 volunteers a year. U.S. based programs utilize a larger number of volunteers.
Where do volunteers serve?
Internationally, Plenty has longstanding relationships with a small number of grassroots and indigenous groups in Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua in Central America; Mexico; Dominica in the Caribbean; and Liberia in western Africa. In 2007 most international placements will occur in Belize. At this time Plenty has no volunteer positions available in countries other than those mentioned above. In the U.S, Plenty places skilled construction volunteers in New Orleans for Katrina recovery, skilled construction or agriculture volunteers at Pine Ridge reservation; and as counselors in Tennessee with our Kids To The Country program.
What kind of criteria do volunteers have to meet to work with Plenty?
Volunteering is a two way street – we believe it should benefit our project partners first and foremost and should also expand the volunteer’s experience, understanding and awareness. Volunteers should be highly committed to service, flexible, and willing to cooperate and learn as part of a project team. Volunteers have to be able to pay their own expenses, including transportation to the project site and living expenses while in country. Costs will vary according to where the project is located. Specific skills may be needed depending upon the position – please check the current opportunities listed. Length of time commitment varies according to the position.
How do I apply to volunteer?
Fill out the application form plus the waiver and release form and send them back to us. After reviewing your application, if we have a position for you to consider, we'll contact you. For volunteers considering long term placement (more than three months), we may also arrange a screening meeting between you and Plenty representatives, who will make any final decision about placement. Depending on your location, a screening meeting could take place at Plenty’s headquarter office in Tennessee, the San Francisco Bay area, or in Austin, Texas. The potential volunteer must cover any travel expenses related to a screening meeting.
What will and won't Plenty provide me as a volunteer?
If you are placed on a project, we'll provide you with background information about the group and area where you'll work, as well as travel, housing, and contact information. Plenty or our project partners will provide on-site orientation and in-country support. Please note that Plenty does not provide travel or living expenses, health, life or liability insurance for volunteers. Housing and stipends to help cover living expenses may be available for long term volunteers as funding allows. This will be listed on the opportunity description if applicable.
Thank you for considering volunteering with Plenty. We want your volunteer experience to be a success for our project partners, for you, and for Plenty. Please contact [email protected] if you have any other questions.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Application
Waiver and Release Form
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