Why should I Pay to volunteer?

Prospective volunteers are sometimes surprised to learn that there is often a financial cost involved in international volunteer work. At first this may seem unfair - why would I pay to volunteer my time? The answer is in the main goal of the InsightArgentina volunteer program: to facilitate a mutually beneficial experience, both for the host NGO, and for the volunteer.

There are a variety of benefits tointernational volunteerism. The NGO benefits from the efforts of the volunteer while at the same time the volunteer has the opportunity to do important andinteresting volunteer work, and comes away with a unique insight into the host country, the host NGO, and the Argentine social sector.

However, the establishment of this relationship does require considerable time and effort, and HelpArgentina works hard to analyze the needs of the NGOs they work with, as well as, the profiles of prospective volunteers, to create the right match. HelpArgentina seeks to assure that the volunteers feel accompanied during their stay, with someone to answer their questions and respond to their concerns.

Part of the volunteer contribution (USD100) is also a direct donation to the host-organization and is often designated at the discretion of the host-organization to its projects or to cover institutional costs for instance. The remainder of the contribution goes to fund administrative costs, volunteer recruitment, support, building and maintaining partnerships with our member NGOs, following and assisting in the development and execution of volunteer projects, orientation, and an insurance (not medical).

"I was matched up with a small NGO that promotes environmental consciousness.(...) Like all not-for-profits, they wanted help with fundraising. But rather than change the organization, I've been changed myself. I've become much more flexible in how I work with others and approach challenges. And for that, I have my new relationships to thank." Steve volunteered in this organization from August 2006 until June 2007.

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