I have mentioned somewhere that one of the reasons I wanted to quit my job for freelancing was to be able to devote more time and energy to volunteering.
Experts in economical trends believe that volunteering is the new work market. I would like to think that it is because people are more conscious of their privileged status and want to share some of their assets (money, time, knowledge) with those who have less. The payment is good, indeed: a clean conscience , lots of experience, people you have so much to learn from.
photo: A DOOR IN LONDON by Futurilla
I started doing volunteer work seven years ago, after a specially hard time in my life. I worked at the Red Cross, helping immigrants write their CVs and participating in craft workshops and video-forums for homeless people. In these years, I have worked for a lot of other non-profits, have had some bad experiences, but mostly I am grateful to all the organizations I’ve worked with, because they have helped me to learn so much about myself and life.
Today I would like to highlight one of the most generous communities I cooperate with: the Hospitality Club. This organization has a host of volunteers and affiliates which provide free accommodation worldwide. You only have to sign up at their webpage and you can search for people willing to receive you at their home in whichever place you choose.
They do this only to facilitate the contact between different cultures, and they do not even ask for donations, but they have a huge need for volunteers. Anything will do, from answering emails to compiling a guide of your town. So, if you like meeting people from cultures other than yours, be hospitable! Join the Hospitality Club and spread the goodwill.
