Links

European & International Volunteering

Volunteer.ie focuses on providing volunteer opportunities and information surrounding volunteering in the Republic of Ireland. The following is a list European and International volunteer sites which provide information on a whole host of volunteer related issues. Some sites provide information regarding overseas volunteer opportunities. Volunteer Ireland is not responsible for any information contained in external links on its website If you would like your organisation added to this list please email us at info@volunteer.ie.

www.aevoluntariado.tripod.com - The Agencia Ecuatoriana de Voluntariado (Ecuadorian Volunteer Agency) is a non profit organisation which promotes cultural exchange experiencies through a volunteer activity in Ecuador

www.avso.org - The Association of Voluntary Service Organisations (AVSO), an international non-governmental organisation, is a European platform of non profit organisations offering opportunities for long-term full-time international and/or national voluntary service.

www.btcv.org - British Trust for Conservation provides British and international environmental conservation volunteer opportunities

www.cev.be - The European Volunteer Centre.

www.comhlamh.org - Comhlámh is a member and supporter organisation open to anyone interested in social justice, human rights and global development issues. They publish a booklet called ’A Guide to Volunteering in Global Development.’ www.countmeincalendar.info - Provides a single convenient online resource for information on non profit events primarily based in the UK

www.cybervpm.com - Cyber VPM is the international discussion group for volunteer managers

www.divog.org - Disaster Volunteers of Ghana (DIVOG) is a volunteer based, not profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organisation (NGO) registered in Ghana and working to assist in the improvement of the lot of the vulnerable and deprived in society through volunteer programs and projects in education, health and community initiated programs and other integrated rural development projects that worked in developing countries.

www.energizeinc.com - Energize, Inc is an international training, consulting and publishing firm specializing in volunteerism

www.gapactivityprojects.ie - GAP is a charity specialising in international volunteering for 17 – 25 year olds. We’re an organisation with attitude. We’re passionate about the world; we’re concerned about the issues facing us all.

www.hivcharityfoundation.or.ke - is a foundation that works with HIV/AIDS orphans in Kenya.

www.icvolunteers.org - International Conference Volunteers is an international organisation that recruits, trains and coordinates volunteers with specific skills for non profit projects in the fields of languages, conference support and cyber volunteerism.

www.idealist.org - Action Without Borders website which finds practical solutions to social and environmental problems.

www.i-volunteer.org.uk - is a social network for people who love everything and anything to do with volunteering. The website propose a list of volunteer opportunities in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and also overseas.

www.involve-europe.eu - Involvement of third country nationals in volunteering as a means of better integration lcd.ie - The mission of Link Community Development is to improve the potential of disadvantaged people in Africa to gain meaningful employment by sharing and developing appropriate skills through education and training. We believe that education is a basic human right and fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty.

www.mafanikio.com - Mafanikio is a Kenyan community based organisation set up to fight poverty in the marginalised regions of Kenya.

www.ngoabroad.com - NGOabroad is a unique service that helps people enter humanitarian work and provides frugal, customized international volunteer options

www.ozvpm.com - The Australasian Volunteer Program Management web site

www.partnershipvolunteers.org - Volunteers for International Partnership is an EIL programme that combines international community service projects with language training and homestay opportunities in 14 countries.

www.pointsoflight.org - U.S. organisation which works with the National Volunteer Centre Network to engage people more effectively in volunteer community service www.redcross.ie - Irish Red Cross works in Ireland and in countries overseas which have been damaged by wars or natural disasters

www.robborg.org - he RobBooker Voluntary Orgnaisation (R.V.O.) is a registered youth organisation in Ghana which offer variety of volunteer projects / placement to international students and volunteers in Ghana

www.salesforcefoundation.com - Provide selected community/voluntary organisations with free database software currently used by VI and our member Volunteer Centres

www.suas.ie - Youth and education focused organisation which facilitates young people to address educational disadvantage at home and overseas

www.tnbg.org - .N.B.G Youth & Children Group is a group based in Uganda with a great desire and passion to improve the living standards of the community in the locality by empowering the youths and children through development activities.

www.un.int/ireland/.ie - The Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations website is intended to provide an overview of Ireland’s relations with the United Nations

www.unitedplanet.org - United Planet is an international educational charity fostering cross-cultural understanding, supporting communities in need, & promoting social & economic prosperity among cultures in order to unite the world in a community without borders.

www.unv.org - UN organisation that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilisation of volunteers

www.unvolunteers.org - website providing links to organisations with volunteer and job opportunities abroad

www.vds.org.uk/default.aspx - Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) advances the boundaries and value of volunteering by informing and connecting people

www.volnepal.np.org - Volunteer Nepal National Groups provides a great opportunity to visit Nepal, help Nepalese communities to support different activities, to gain a cultural experience, gain knowledge about Nepalese society history and much more.

www.volunteerabroad.ie - As a non profit intercultural organisation, EIL is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding between cultures

www.volunteering.org - A legal resource on volunteering www.volunteeringengland.org - Volunteering England is the national development organisation for England

www.volunteering.org - A legal resource on volunteering.

www.volunteeringengland.org - Volunteering England is the national development organisation for England.

www.volunteermanagers.org.uk - The Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM) is an independent body that aims to support, represent and champion people who manage volunteers in England regardless of field, discipline or sector. It has been set up by and for people who manage volunteers.

www.volunteeringoptions.org - Irish website designed to support Irish people volunteering overseas in a developing country

www.volunteeringsolutions.com - Volunteer In India. Volunteering Solutions has a variety of volunteer programs in India. They have programs which include; working with orphans in an orphanage, women empowerment programs, and helping and supporting street children.

www.volunteering-wales.net - Lists volunteer opportunities available throughout Wales. www.volunteering merseyside.org - Volunteering Merseyside is a UK organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting volunteering and volunteer management throughout Greater Merseyside.

www.volunteering-ni.org - Northern Ireland’s Volunteer Development Agency.

www.vsi.ie - Voluntary Service International aims to promote peace, social justice, sustainable development and intercultural understanding through volunteering, education and awareness raising programmes in Ireland and internationally

www.volunteernow.co.uk - Network of Volunteer Centres in Northern Ireland

www.vsfpindia.org - is an international voluntary organisation working for the global peace through voluntary service and youth mobility in India and in Sri Lanka.

www.vso.ie - International charity that sends volunteers to tackle the causes of disadvantage in the world’s poorest country.

www.wcva.org.uk - Wales Council for Voluntary Action

www.worldvolunteerweb.org - UN Programme developed to support the volunteer community by serving as a global clearinghouse for information and resources linked to volunteerism.

Other Irish Volunteering Sites

Volunteer Centres Ireland - Volunteer Centres Ireland is not responsible for any information contained in external links on its website. If you would like your organisation added to this list please email us at info@volunteer.ie.

Active Citizenship Taskforce - Homepage of the active citizenship taskforce established to advise the Government on the steps that can be taken to ensure that the wealth of civic spirit and active participation already present in Ireland continues to grow and develop.

Active Link - Activelink works with non profit organisations to develop online communications in the public interest, to promote action and participation and to foster the sharing of ideas, experience and information for a better world. Great place to post and find events, jobs and volunteer opportunities relating to the voluntary sector

AIB Better Ireland - has donated over €13 million to over 1300 community projects around Ireland to address three specific causes: Children in crisis due to drug and alcohol abuse; Lack of Children’s Education through poverty; and Children who are homeless.

Boardmatch Ireland - provides a free service that matches non profit boards with skilled and experienced volunteers

Irelandboinc.com - Irelandboinc.com is a website that is registered on over 50 World Science projects. Irish computer users have the ability to volunteer some of their home or work computing power to any number of “Real Time” World science research projects.

Business in the Community (BITC) - focus on developing innovative community involvement and corporate responsibility services.

Centre for Non profit Management - The Centre for Non profit Management is based within the School of Business, Trinity College, Dublin. The Centre supports and develops research, education and dialogue about the Third Sector and non profit organisations by creating and facilitating relationships across disciplines and across sectors.

Citizens Information Board - (formerly Comhairle) - the Citizen’s Information board is the national agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services to the public.

Community Knowledge Initiative / ALIVE, NUI Galway - This initiative hopes to place communities at the centre of debate and educate students for civic engagement.

D.I.T Community Links Programme - The Community Links Programme is made up of seven very different projects that work hard to meet the needs of people and communities who have not yet had a chance to realise their full potential.

Data Protection Commissioner - Voluntary organisations gathering volunteer information should consider registering with the Data Protection Act.

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltact Affairs - Department with responsibility for Volunteering in Ireland and core funders of VI.

EIL Ireland - EIL Intercultural Learning is the Irish National Office of the worldwide organisation EIL (The Experiment in International Living). Their volunteer programme combines community service projects with language training and home stay opportunities in 14 countries.

JCI Ireland - is part of the largest personal and leadership development organisation for young people in the world

Junior Chamber International - They organise local community projects.

National Spring Clean - Ireland’s most popular and most recognised anti-litter initiative. April is National Spring Clean month. As a volunteer you can organise a cleanup or join an existing cleanup in your area.

National Youth Council of Ireland - Representative body for voluntary youth organisations in Ireland.

Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards - Pramerica Spirit of Community Award recognises post primary, secondary-level students from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for community service activities.

President’s Award/ Gaisce - The President’s Award is Ireland’s very own National Challenge Award, a challenge from the President of Ireland, to Ireland’s youth (15-25 year olds)… the nation’s future.

The Wheel - a national network connecting Community and Voluntary organisations across Ireland.

Vodafone Foundation’s ’World of Difference’ initiative - The programme offers up to four Irish residents the opportunity to work with a charity of their choice in Ireland with a year’s salary.

Volunteering Ireland - a national volunteer development agency whose main work includes advocacy and awareness, research, capacity building as well as organisational and infrastructure development.

Volunteering Options - This site has been developed as part of Comhlamh’s Volunteering Options programme and funded by Development Cooperation Ireland. Young Social Innovators

Leargas - Is the national agency for the European Voluntary Service.

Residential Volunteering

This section provides a listing of voluntary and community organisations that have a residential volunteering programme in place. For more information regarding residential volunteering we recommend contacting these organisations directly or getting in touch with your local Volunteer Centre. Volunteer Centres Ireland is not responsible for any information contained in external links on its website. If you would like your organisation added to this list please email us at info@volunteer.ie

www.barretstown.org - The Barretstown Camp is a specially designed camp, providing a programme of adventure, activities and fun - backed by the medical world - which helps children with serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem.

www.camphill.ie - There are a total of nine camphill communities throughout Ireland, located in Kilkenny, Kildare, Tipperary, Wexford and Monaghan. These communities offer those in need of special care a sheltered environment in which their educational, therapeutic and social needs can be met. Volunteers commitments range from 6 months -1 year.

www.casa.ie - CASA is a voluntary organisation of people with disabilities and voluntary members. They aim to develop friendships between members through regular social events, holidays, respite breaks and pilgrimages to Lourdes. Residential volunteer opportunities are available at two breakhouses located in Malahide in Dublin.

www.conservationservices.ie - Conservation Services aims to help protect and preserve our natural and builtheritage through dune conservation, dry stone walling, hedgelaying, forest management and beach cleanups. Residential conservation projects or ’working holidays’ take place in the spring and summer with free group style accommodation provided.

www.cvi.ie - Conservation Volunteers Ireland aims to provide practical opportunities for groups and individuals to protect and enhance our natural and cultural heritage. Residential volunteering projects or ’working holidays’ run for a week or weekend. A basic fee is requested to cover cost of hostels, food and transportation.

www.friendsoftheelderly.ie - Friends of the elderly aims to alleviate loneliness and isolation among Elderly people by providing friendship, social contact and opportunities for participating in community activities. Residential volunteers (mostly international volunteers) participate in 6 month- 1 year long internships.

www.glencree.ie - Glencree Centre for Reconciliation, based in Wicklow, is devoted to peace building and reconciliation in Ireland and beyond. The Centre is supported by long-term international volunteers and interns.

www.globalvolunteers.ie - Global Volunteers is a private, non profit, non-sectarian, non-governmental organisation engaging short-term volunteers on micro-economic and human development programs in close partnership with local people worldwide. Working at the invitation and under the direction of local leaders, volunteers help create a foundation for world peace through mutual international understanding.

www.groundwork.ie - Groundwork is a voluntary environmental organisation dedicated to the preservation of some of Ireland’s most precious habitats. Their primary focus has been the removal of invasive Rhododendron from Killarney National Park in Kerry and Glenveagh National Park in Donegal. Residential one week work camps run from June through September.

www.hao.ie - Health Action Overseas runs training, therapy and special education programmes for people with disabilities. To date their work has primarily been focused in Romania and China.

www.jesuit.ie - Jesuit Volunteer Communities (JVC) offer young people aged 20-35 an opportunity to work with marginalised members of society including youth at risk, homeless and disabled people, and those with addictions. Volunteers make a 10 month commitment and must be open to the 4 values of JVC: simple lifestyle, community, exploring fatih and working for justice.

Kingsriver Community - is a small community caring for 6 disabled residents. Volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months. They can be contacted at kingtim@eircom.net or 056 28287.

Knockadoon Camp - s a children’s summer camp in Cork which is run solely by volunteers. Each week caters for around 100 children. They can be contacted at bulmanj@iol.ie or 042 933 4179.

www.larche.ie - L’Arche is a faith community and voluntary agency that provides a service of support for people with intellectual disabilities. L’Arche communities are based in Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny and Belfast. Lucan Community Centre is a residential centre which emphasises reconciliation between young people of different religious and cultural traditions. Volunteers placements are available for up to 1 year. They can be contacted at nexusirl@iol.ie or 01 628 0393.

www.mafanikio.com - Mafanikio is a Kenyan community based organisation set up to fight poverty in the marginalised regions of Kenya. The organisation offers residential Volunteer work camps from 3 weeks and up.

www.rspb.org.uk - The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. If you have more than a day or two to spare, then come and spend a week or more living and working as a volunteer on one of our reserves. You can choose from over 30 reserves around the UK, with accommodation provided on or near the reserve. Tasks vary from season to season, and from reserve to reserve, but can include practical management, working with visitors, surveying & monitoring, farm/stock work, and habitat management.

www.simoncommunity.com - Simon has been working with homeless people around Ireland since 1969 providing emergency shelters and long-term residential houses for homeless people. Volunteers aged 18 and older commit to a minimum of 6 months and undertake work which is demanding, both emotionally and physically.

www.svp.ie - Society of St Vincent de Paul organises holidays for underprivileged children at sunshine House in Balbriggan in North County Dublin and the Teenhols at an outdoor educational centre in Birr, Co. Offaly. Volunteers generally commit to volunteering for one week.

www.vsi.ie - Voluntary Service International is the Irish section of the Service Civil International who aim is to promote peace, social justice, sustainable development and intercultural understanding through volunteering, education and awareness raising programmes in Ireland and internationally. International volunteer projects run for 10-20 days while long term volunteers commit to 3-12 month projects.

www.volunteering-ni.org - the Volunteer Development Agency produces a very good guide to Residential volunteering Opportunities in Northern ireland, covering all types of voluntary work.

www.wwoof.org - World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is dedicated to helping those who would like to volunteer on organic farms. WWOOF promotes and shares knowledge of organic methods and related skills, to encourage sustainable living and healthier lifestyles. Volunteer stays range from a weekend toover a month.