Volunteering in Mexico?

Question

Has anyone ever gone over to Mex to volunteer? If so...please provide details. Where did you volunteer? Would you do it again? Is it a worthwhile experience?

Thanks

Answer 1

There are many opportunities for volunteering in Mexico.  Although you can use the internet to obtain basic information, it is best to do some face-to-face research before committing yourself to any organization or outreach.

As an expat in Mexico, and friend to many missionaries who regularly bring volunteers to Mexico, I've had the opportunity to speak with quite a few people volunteering here... or thinking about volunteering here!

Any experience in a country not that of your origin is valuable ... even if it is for only a week or so.  A good volunteer experience will allow you to experience culture and beliefs that may be different from your own and allow you to consider more deeply why you believe what you do.  Of course, the volunteer experience should allow you to make a real, needed contribution as well... but most volunteers say that they gain more than they ever give.

The stability and experience of the sponsoring organization is critical.  Look for an organization that has made a long term commitment to an area, preferably one with in-country staff who speak Spanish or some of the other languages used in various parts of Mexico.

Think about your own skills and interests.  If you are handy with tools, then you may enjoy -- and be useful with -- construction projects.  If caring for and playing with children is your thing -- volunteer with an orphanage.  Are you computer savvy, or a former teacher.... your skills can be put to good use with an organization running a school.

Find out about group size and supervision.  If you are one of 200 volunteers, you may not have much one-on-one interaction with local staff or residents.  On the other hand, if you are a sole volunteer and all of the other on-site volunteers are overwhelmed by workloads, you may not have anyone to provide guidance for you... or even translate if you lack language skills!

Ask about costs.  The actual costs of a volunteer assignment can be totalled up in a number of ways.... what may be written in the program booklet or website may NOT be what the experience will end up costing you.  Some thing to consider -- cost of passport and other documents; cost of needed immunications and medical insurance; transportation costs; food and lodging (what is included and what is not... sometimes only one meal a day is provided); costs specifically related to your volunteer assignment (tools, books, etc.)

Actual duties.  Know what you will be doing on a daily basis.  "Building houses," or "helping in school" is too vague when you will most likely be investing a significant sum of money.  Find out if there is time available for you to visit local sites or even just walk through the town or city in which you'll be volunteering.  Match your work style to the organization!  Some people aren't happy unless they are busy from 6 am until midnight -- if that is so, make sure the organization with which you are volunteering keeps a schedule like that!  Volunteer for something that is your passion -- you will undoubtedly experience some discomfort or challenges in any volunteer situation and if you are not doing volunteer work for which you have a true passion, the situation will be that much more difficult to endure.

Know the emergency plans.  It's too late to ask about this when you are in the midst of a flood, a civil demonstration, or enduring a broken leg.  Know what your own medical/insurance coverage from home will cover and also what special coverage is provided (or can be purchased) from the sponsoring organization.  Ask how they handle political demonstrations, natural disasters, or serious injuries.  You will most likely NOT need to utilize this information, but if an organization does not know these answers, that is a good indication that they may not be as well organized as you might like.

This degree of preparation may sound a bit extreme to some, but for the benefit of everyone (volunteer, organiation, and beneficiaries), it is best to have an experience that is positive for all.  There are so many opportunities in Mexico -- and so many potential volunteers and recipients -- that making these win-win situations will encourage the development of solid organizations that truly benefit people in need.

I've posted some links below to volunteer organizations of which I'm aware -- there are thousands more!

Answer 2

This sounds suspiciously like a homework assignment.

Is there a reason why you can't do it? I have volunteered many times in Mexico and I just checked the web for last few places I worked so I know there is a wealth of information available to you on the internet. Good luck with your assignment.

Answer 3

yeah I volunteered to drink more and came back to the states with nothing. even the cops will rob you there. It is the most crooked place. Go help the flood victims in Tabasco if you want but you will probably have everything of value stolen from you.