Volunteer abroad when your under 16?

Question

i heard about what happened in Burma and really wanted to help. ive heard of people who have gone over for a couple of weeks in previous disasters to help rebuild homes. the problem is im under 16 and wondered if there was anywhere i could do it?

Answer 1

Because you are still classed as a minor you won't be allowed to go unfortunatly but you could see if you can help out over here with people like the Red Cross and prepare things to be sent over.

Answer 2

The only people I know who travel outside of their home countries to respond to a disaster are adults who belong to specialized teams that are trained and equipped to do specific tasks. For example, Urban Search and Rescue teams. Untrained, and unequipped volunteers who are not familiar with the local area are not all that useful. However, there are several charities that are sending aid to Myanma/Burma, and who are currently fundraising in the US.

If you are serious about volunteering abroad some day; then your best bet is to research the requirements of different groups and then work to obtain those requirements. Check out the Peace Corps for long term volunteering abroad. Check out groups that do Disaster Relief in the US; for example The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, United Methodist Disaster Relief, U.S. Citizen's Corps, Adventist Community Services, Save the Children, Baptist's Relief, Habitat for Humanity, etc.

I know that many local Chapters of the American Red Cross have youth programs. If you are interested in training to work in Disaster Relief this could be a good place for you to start.

Answer 3

It's great that you want to help, although I doubt being a minor they would accept responsibility for your well-being while overseas. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has this on its volunteer site:

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Disaster Response Volunteers

Volunteers are often needed to help in recovery efforts following a disaster in the US. In the initial weeks, and in some places, months, only specially trained volunteers such as those on Early Response Teams can enter an area. This is because immediately following a disaster there are many health concerns due to structural damage and water-borne illnesses. Additionally, disaster areas lack the infrastructure needed to host volunteer teams.

When an area is considered safe and able to host volunteers, teams are welcomed through United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM). Oftentimes volunteers are needed for several years following a major event.To find out about groups from your area, contact your jurisdictional or conference UMVIM coordinator. The Jurisdictional and Annual Conference Coordinators' webpage will give you contact information for your coordinator. You can also call the volunteer hotline at 1-800-918-3100.

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The UMCOR website also has information about assembling "flood buckets" and other supplies that can be sent to the disaster area. This will help them, without burdening them with the responsibility of hosting volunteers.

Good luck