If you’re interested in giving something back to the community and gaining valuable work experience by volunteering, a great place to start is the Volunteering Victoria Information Service. Otherwise, see below for more tips and resources.
RMIT University gives you the opportunity to get involved in volunteering through the various programs listed below.
In addition, there are a number of short-term volunteer opportunities available during RMIT events such as Orientation (Jan-March) or Open Day (July-Aug). Check out the RMIT website prior to the event date, for further details on how you can get involved.
The choice of volunteer work in Australia is extensive. You can work indoors, outdoors, one on one or with groups, day, evenings or weekends, weekly, monthly or just occasionally. The time and commitment required to be a volunteer varies from agency to agency and will depend on the volunteer position you choose. The commitment may be as little as an hour a week or as much as two days a week depending on the needs of the agency and on the availability of the volunteer. There are also plenty of short-term opportunities available where volunteers can assist with celebrating a special event, environmental projects, exhibitions, radiothons and festivals.
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AIESEC
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- ‘AIESEC develops youth by providing leadership opportunities to students and graduates such as involvement in our international exchange program, and through connecting people with similar interests’
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Ampersand Network
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- ‘The Ampersand Network is a student-run, not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving the appeal and accessibility of volunteering for students.’
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Australian Business Volunteers (ABV)
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- ‘ABV aligns itself with the aims of the Australian Government’s overseas aid program. These aims are to help reduce poverty and create sustainable development.’
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Australian Charities
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- ‘The leading portal and source of information on the Australian charitable sector... produced by The Charities Book.’
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Australian Red Cross
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- ‘Through war, drought, flood and fire our volunteers have responded willingly and risen to the task with a passion and commitment that has become renowned. It’s a reputation that is richly deserved, embodying the universal spirit of the Red Cross.’
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Australian Volunteers International
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- ‘Australian Volunteers International is Australia's largest and most experienced international volunteer sending agency. Every year, we recruit, prepare and support hundreds of Australians who volunteer to live alongside people of other cultures and work towards the sustainable development of communities.’
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Australian Volunteer Search
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- ‘Australian Volunteer Search provides a new way for Volunteers to search for a Volunteer Opportunity. Our aim is to give all Volunteers the best possible access to the biggest choice of Opportunities.’
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Friends in Deed Organisation
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- ‘Our aim is to make a dramatic difference to the capacity of Non-Profit Organisations and to provide meaningful and interesting volunteering opportunities for those with professional or other skills to offer.’
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GoVolunteer
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- ‘GoVolunteer provides you with all the information you might need to find out about volunteering and volunteer opportunities in your area.’
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Gradlink
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- ‘Volunteer work is an increasingly popular and valuable exercise, whether locally or internationally. There are some important details to consider when choosing to take advantage of these opportunities.’
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Guides Victoria
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- ‘Guides provides girls and young women with fantastic opportunities to meet personal challenges, to learn team building and leadership skills and to make new friends along the way.’
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Infoxchange Australia
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- ‘Infoxchange Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a quality up-to-date information service to the Australian community sector’
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International Volunteers for Peace
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- ‘IVP activities are meant to encourage understanding amongst different peoples and promote discussion and an appreciation of problems different communities face in their struggles for social justice and environmental harmony.’
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Oxfam
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- ‘Oxfam Australia is an Australian, independent, not-for-profit, secular, community-based aid and development organisation.’
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Palms Australia
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- ‘Palms Australia started in Sydney in 1956 as the Paulian Association. Groups formed in around 100 communities to identify local issues, reflect on values and take appropriate action to address social inequality and assist people in need.’
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ProBono Volunteer Match
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- ‘Pro Bono Australia’s Volunteer Match is aimed at providing a personalised service for matching skilled professional volunteers and Not for Profit organisations. The Volunteer Match service is a bridge linking Australia’s business and professional sectors with the community sector.’
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Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
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- ‘The Royal Botanic Gardens has a large number of generous volunteers, donating their time and energy to help our Gardens grow.’
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Seek Volunteers
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- ‘SEEK Volunteer is a non-profit initiative designed to bring volunteers and the organisations seeking them together.’
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VICNET Volunteers
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- ‘VICNET has a history of volunteer involvement since 1995, and continues to provide diverse volunteer opportunities.’
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Victorian Government Health Information Volunteer Organisation
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- ‘Volunteer Resource Centres work with agencies in their local areas and assist people who are interested in undertaking volunteer work.’
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Volunteering Australia
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- ‘The gateway to volunteering in Australia.’
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Volunteering Victoria
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- ‘Volunteering Victoria Inc. is the peak body representing the volunteer movement in Victoria. We provide a range of services to individuals in the community who are interested in volunteering and to organisations who involve volunteers.’
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Alzheimers Association of Victoria
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- ‘Alzheimer's Australia values the great contribution of the volunteer, recognises the importance of their unique role, and will support them in their commitment to contribute their experience and skills to positively enhance the wellbeing of people living with dementia.’
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Anglicare Victoria
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- ‘We rely on the assistance of thousands of committed and caring individuals to volunteer their time to help support our work with some of the most vulnerable people in the community.’
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Asthma Foundation of Victoria
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- ‘Becoming a volunteer with The Asthma Foundation of Victoria provides an opportunity to maintain skills between jobs, learn new skills and feel that you're contributing to an important cause.’
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Berry Street Victoria (BSV)
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- ‘Berry Street Victoria (BSV) has been protecting and caring for children and strengthening families since 1877. We never give up and are here for the 'long haul'. We are an independent, not for profit community organisation that has played a unique role in the Victorian community.’
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Brotherhood of St Laurence
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- ‘Volunteer support plays an integral role within the services provided by the Brotherhood. Our volunteers contribute significantly to our vision of an Australia free of poverty.’
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Camp Quality
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- ‘Our Companions & Volunteers make Camp Quality unique … Camp Quality volunteers commit their hearts and energy to our children on camp.’
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Cancer Council of Victoria
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- ‘We conduct and support research, as well as delivering statewide support and prevention programs and advocacy to reduce the physical and emotional burden of cancer. Our leaders are of international standing and we are significantly and positively influencing the cancer agenda in Victoria and beyond.’
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Community Information Victoria
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- ‘Volunteering is an enriching experience, and has given many people a powerful sense of personal fulfillment and growth. At our Community Information Centres (CICs), volunteers make a vital contribution to the community.’
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Ecumenical Migration Centre (EMC)
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- ‘EMC works statewide and across ethnic, faith and language boundaries for the full participation of migrants and refugees and the development of Australia as a multicultural society.’
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Family Access Network
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- ‘Our commitment is reponding to the diverse needs of homeless and at-risk young people and their families’
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Infoxchange Australia
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- ‘Infoxchange Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a quality up-to-date information service to the Australian community sector’
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Kids Help Line
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- ‘Kids Help Line is Australia's only free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between five and 18.’
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Melbourne Citymission
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- ‘Volunteers play a vital role in Melbourne Citymission’s programs, providing immeasurable benefits to the organisation, clients and the wider community.’
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MS Society
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- ‘The MS Society is always looking for volunteers, donors and a helping hand to get the work done. As a not-for-profit organisation we rely heavily on community support to fulfil our commitment to people with MS, their friends, families and carers.’
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Paraquad
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- ‘ParaQuad Victoria (Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association), is a not-for-profit organisation providing community based services to enable people with a disability to achieve their desired quality of life.’
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Retina Australia
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- ‘Retina Australia is a voluntary organisation that provides scientific research and support to people and families affected by retinal degenerative diseases’
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Royal Children’s Hospital
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- ‘Today there are more than 300 men and women, from diverse backgrounds who come to volunteering at the RCH for different reasons. Many aspects of the volunteer service have changed, however the tradition of giving and caring for sick and injured children and their families continues’
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St John's Ambulance Association
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- ‘St John Ambulance has been providing valuable services to Victorians for over 120 years. We have a proud history and a wonderful reputation for helping communities across the state.’
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Starlight Children’s Foundation
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- ‘Since 1988 Starlight has delivered innovative 'Distractive Therapy Programs' within hospital environments, with the endorsement and support of the healthcare profession. Our programs are designed to be an integral part of the total health care of children’
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Stepfamily Association of Victoria
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- ‘The Stepfamily Association of Victoria is a self-help, non-profit organisation offering support, education, and resources to stepfamilies. It provides assistance to families that may be either contemplating or living in a married or informal stepfamily situation’
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Australian Bush Heritage Fund
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- ‘Volunteer rangers are involved in all aspects of the management of the reserves including weed and feral animal control, infrastructure maintenance, and wildlife surveys and monitoring.’
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Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)
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- “ACF is committed to inspiring people to achieve a healthy environment for all Australians.”
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Clean Up Australia
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- ‘If you would like to volunteer in a friendly, fun and rewarding environment Clean Up Australiaisthe place for you. Volunteers are required to assist with various tasks throughout the year. From data entry to organising clean up sites you are welcome to enquire about current volunteering opportunities.’
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Conservation Volunteers
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- ‘Conservation Volunteers Australia offers a number of different volunteer opportunities from one day local environmental projects through to two week expeditions to remote outback locations that provide and amazing working holiday experience.’
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Ecoteer
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- ‘Volunteer abroad with Ecoteer, the cheapest volunteer company on the web! Our projects range from conservation, ecotourism, teaching, farm and humanitarian aid.’
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Environment Victoria
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- ‘Environment Victoria prides itself on the work we do with volunteers. Over the last three years we have seen a steady increase in the number of volunteers hours completed each year. Volunteers contribute to EV capacity to work on a broader range of issues and are invaluable in our continued success in the areas of environmental education and campaigning.’
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Greenpeace
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- ‘Keen, committed voluntary staff have always played a vital role in Greenpeace. As a volunteer you'll have the opportunity to join a local or fundraising community group, be involved in campaign actions or perhaps help out in one of the Greenpeace offices.’
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Infoxchange Australia
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- ‘Infoxchange Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a quality up-to-date information service to the Australian community sector’
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Parks Victoria
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- ‘Parks Victoria cannot realise its vision alone. The ability to continue to protect and enhance one of the world's finest network of parks, bays and waterways depends very much on the assistance and support from Friends Groups, volunteers and the private sector.’
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Victorian Landcare Gateway
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- ‘The aim of the Landcare Gateway is to provide an online tool to assist groups to develop online communities to share information, knowledge and experiences between groups, and to assist to promote Landcare to the wider public.’
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Wilderness Society
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- ‘Volunteers are a fundamental part of The Wilderness Society and much of The Wilderness Society's work is performed by volunteers.’
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World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia
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- ‘We look for new ways to better manage our natural resources, encourage governments to improve policy and legislation as our natural environment requires, and promote public awareness of the steps we all need to take for a healthier environment’
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There are literally thousands of volunteering opportunities available. CD&E have just listed a few examples. You may already know of volunteering opportunities within your local networks and community. It may be the local school, sports club, local council, community centres, hospitals, nursing homes or church groups. Have a look in your local paper and get involved.
If you wish to volunteer overseas as an Australian Volunteer, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold permanent residency status. If you are a permanent resident, check that leaving Australia or New Zealand for two years will not impact on your residency status.
Most Australian agencies that send people overseas for long-term volunteer placements require applicants to have a minimum of 2 years experience in their field of work. However, there may be short-term placements (6-10 weeks) available to young applicants (18-25 years) with little or no work experience.
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AIESEC
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- ‘AIESEC develops youth by providing leadership opportunities to students and graduates such as involvement in our international exchange program, and through connecting people with similar interests’
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Ampersand Network
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- ‘The Ampersand Network is a student-run, not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving the appeal and accessibility of volunteering for students.’
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AusAID
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- ‘Advancing the national interest by helping developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.’
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Australian Business Volunteers (ABV)
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- ‘ABV aligns itself with the aims of the Australian Government’s overseas aid program. These aims are to help reduce poverty and create sustainable development.’
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Australian Development Gateway (ADG)
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- ‘The Australian Development Gateway (ADG) strives to support members of the development community in their efforts to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region.’
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Australian Volunteers International
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- ‘Australian Volunteers International is Australia's largest and most experienced international volunteer sending agency. Every year, we recruit, prepare and support hundreds of Australians who volunteer to live alongside people of other cultures and work towards the sustainable development of communities.’
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Council on International Educational Exchange
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- ‘By participating in our programs, students and young people are able to develop the skills needed in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. They learn new languages, come to understand different cultures and establish lifelong friendships.’
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Cross Cultural Solutions
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- ‘As an international volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions, you're making a meaningful contribution, working side-by-side with local people and sharing in the goals of a community that warmly welcomes you. You're experiencing another culture like never before and really getting to know its people.’
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Earthwatch Institute
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- ‘Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.’
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Ecoteer
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- ‘Volunteer abroad with Ecoteer, the cheapest volunteer company on the web! Our projects range from conservation, ecotourism, teaching, farm and humanitarian aid.’
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Global Vision International
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- ‘Make a difference in some of the world's most critical conservation and community volunteering projects with GVI. Adventurous individuals can join over 150 projects including challenging Marine Conservation and Wildlife Research expeditions in Africa and Latin America and volunteer teaching and wildlife projects in over 30 countries worldwide.’
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Global Volunteer Network
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- ‘Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.’
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Idealist - Action Without Borders
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- ‘Action Without Borders is independent of any government, political ideology or religious creed. Our work is guided by the common desire of our members and supporters to find practical solutions to social and environmental problems, in a spirit of generosity and mutual respect.’
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International Volunteers for Peace
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- ‘IVP activities are meant to encourage understanding amongst different peoples and promote discussion and an appreciation of problems different communities face in their struggles for social justice and environmental harmony.’
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Involvement Volunteers
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- ‘Involvement Volunteering is an unique, cost effective way for people of all ages to gain practical experience; or to learn from practical experience while helping others as a real volunteer, and meeting the local people and their culture when travelling’
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i-to-i
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- ‘By volunteering through i-to-i, you’ll have an amazing travel experience, gain a unique insight into a foreign culture and make a positive contribution to the world we live in’
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Medecins Sans Frontieres
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- ‘Médecins Sans Frontières is the world’s leading independent humanitarian organisation for medical aid. Annually, some 3,000 volunteer doctors, nurses and support staff work in trouble spots around the world helping those living on the edge of human tolerance.’
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Oxfam
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- ‘Oxfam Australia is an Australian, independent, not-for-profit, secular, community-based aid and development organisation.’
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Peacework
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- ‘Peacework is an international non-profit organization dedicated to meeting humanitarian needs, fostering volunteerism, promoting global understanding, and expanding personal awareness of the world's cultures and people.’
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Projects Abroad
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- ‘The leading organizer of volunteer placements across five continents. We offer a diverse range of teaching, care, conservation, medical, journalism and work experience projects, plus the opportunity to become part of one of our local communities overseas.’
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Raleigh International (UK)
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- ‘To inspire people from all backgrounds and nationalities to explore their full potential through working together on sustainable projects which benefit the environment and local communities around the world.’
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Red-R Australian Emergency Register
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- ‘RedR relieves suffering in disasters by selecting, training and providing competent and effective personnel to humanitarian relief agencies world-wide.’
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Thai Dragonfly Volunteers
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- ‘Dragonfly volunteers work all across Thailand on projects which aid communities and environment. We are committed to providing local people and wildlife with help and support, and each volunteer with the best opportunity for working abroad and experiencing the amazing culture of Thailand.’
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Travellers Worldwide Voluntary Work
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- ‘Unique opportunities to live and work with local people, and to experience a different culture and way of life FROM THE INSIDE!You will never forget your time with us.’
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Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)
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- ‘VSO is an international developmentcharity that works through volunteers. Our vision is a world without poverty in which people work together to fulfil their potential.’
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Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA)
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- ‘VIDA shares with other volunteer agencies the aim of creating a prosperous, peaceful and just world through greater cross-cultural understanding and the transfer of skills and knowledge. Our efforts are built on an ethos of partnership, teamwork and consultation.’
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Volunteers for Peace
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- ‘VFP promotes International Voluntary Service as an effective means of intercultural education and community service. We provide programs where people from diverse backgrounds can work together to help overcome the need, violence and environmental decay facing our planet.’
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World Youth International
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- ‘World Youth International Australia (WYI) is an international development organisation founded in 1988 by the Late Robert Hoey that brings joy and support to over 60,000 children each year around the world.’
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Working Adventures Worldwide (BUNAC)
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- ‘BUNAC offers a range of working holidays including a summer camp counselling programme in the USA, flexible work and travel programmes to Canada, Australia and New Zealand and volunteering placements.’
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Working Abroad
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- ‘Working Abroad is the international networking service for volunteers, workers and travellers, which offers you the ability to take action for nature and society.’
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World Volunteer Web
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- ‘The WorldVolunteerWeb.org supports the volunteer community by providing a global one-stop-shop for information, resources, and organizations linked to volunteerism.’
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Youth Ambassadors for Development
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- ‘The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program places skilled young Australian volunteers, aged 18-30, on short-term assignments in developing countries throughout Asia and the Pacific.’
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Youth Challenge Australia
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- ‘Youth Challenge Australia combines community development, health and environmental work in adventurous projects carried out by teams of volunteers aged 18-30 years.’
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