• Volunteering

Beyond Volunteering: How to Continue Supporting Organisations and Causes

Article by Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah

Posted: March 23, 2023

Volunteering is an excellent way to contribute to a cause or organisation that you are passionate about. Whether it’s volunteering abroad or locally, your time and skills can make a significant impact. But what happens when your volunteering period ends, and you return home? How can you continue supporting the organisation or cause that you worked with? 

Understand the Organisation or Cause

One of the best ways to continue supporting an organisation or cause is to understand their goals, mission, and needs. GVI offers a variety of volunteer programs focused on conservation, community development, and education, among others. Before leaving your program, take the time to learn more about the organisation’s long-term goals and the challenges they face. This knowledge can help you identify how you can continue to support them.

For example, if you volunteered with GVI’s marine conservation program in Mexico, you can continue to support their efforts by staying up-to-date with their research and spreading awareness about marine conservation. You can also donate to the program or participate in beach cleanups and other activities in your community.

Donate to the Organization

Donations are an excellent way to support an organisation or cause beyond your volunteering period. GVI’s programs rely on donations to continue their work, and any amount helps. You can donate online, in-person, or through mail, and even set up recurring donations to provide long-term support.

For example, if you volunteered with GVI’s community development program in Thailand, you can continue supporting them by donating to their education programs. The program supports underprivileged children in the community by providing access to education and extracurricular activities. Your donation can help provide school supplies, uniforms, and books, among other things.

Spread the Word

Word-of-mouth promotion is a powerful tool for any organisation or cause. By spreading awareness, you can encourage others to support the organisation or cause you volunteered with. Social media platforms are also an excellent way to promote the organisation and share their accomplishments.

For example, if you volunteered with GVI’s wildlife conservation program in South Africa, you can continue supporting them by sharing their research and conservation efforts on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. You can also organise events or fundraising activities to raise awareness and encourage others to support their cause.

Become an Advocate

Advocating for an organisation or cause can make a significant impact. By contacting local representatives or influential people in your community, you can encourage them to support the organisation or cause you worked with.

For example, if you volunteered with GVI’s women’s empowerment program in India, you can continue supporting them by advocating for women’s rights and gender equality in your community. You can also contact local representatives to encourage them to support women’s education and empowerment programs.

Volunteer Again

Volunteering again is an excellent way to continue supporting an organisation or cause. Returning volunteers are often more experienced and better equipped to contribute to the organisation’s long-term goals.

For example, if you volunteered with GVI’s education program in Costa Rica, you can continue supporting them by volunteering again and taking on a more significant role. You can also suggest new ways to volunteer, such as starting an after-school program or organising a community event.

In conclusion, there are many ways to continue supporting an organisation or cause even after your volunteering period has ended. By understanding the organisation or cause, donating, spreading the word, becoming an advocate, and volunteering again, you can make a significant impact. GVI’s volunteering programs offer a range of opportunities for volunteers to contribute to important causes worldwide. By continuing to support GVI’s programs, you can make a difference in the world and inspire others to do the same.

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.
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