When you sponsor Giving Vicariously you are supporting volunteer travel, as well as donating to an organization of your choice. Upon subscribing you can designate an organization from the list below. Groups listed are those that we have featured on the blog, or otherwise keep in touch with and support. I look forward to posting updates of the impact that sponsorships are making on our featured organizations.
People We Like (choose one to support!):
- Put Them First, Arequipa, Peru (article)
- Condor Trekkers, Sucre, Bolivia (article)
- BECA (Bilingual Education for Central America), Cofradia, Honduras (article)
- Traveler Not Tourist, Arequipa, Peru (article)
- Tender Heart, Faridabad, India
Alternatively, you can designate your donation share to a “miscellaneous” fund, a less structured way for volunteers travelers to make a difference as opportunities present themselves on the road (see Lunch for Street Kids). As subscribership increases, it is this fund that could eventually help us to take on projects of our own.
Lunch for Street Kids: When traveling in poor or developing areas, the most direct impact I hope to make is feeding street kids and families with trips to the market. While traveling through Peru and Bolivia, I was astounded by the number of kids on the street working or begging for their next meal. A full meal, for example soup and a plate of chicken and rice generally costs around a dollar at local markets in these areas. Yet these children act like they are being taken to Disney World.
Creating a Movement: I also plan to network with hostels who can connect these kids and families with other backpackers passing through. Simply mentioning the program when travelers check in could make a huge difference. In this way a movement can be created rather than just a series of isolated events. It’s not a revolutionary idea, but it’s definitely a cultural and charitable experience that most travelers miss out on. To get the ball rolling I will be creating some simple .pdf fliers and postcards to e-mail to hostels. The idea is that they can easily print a stack and distribute them to travelers who will feed street kids of their own, and follow up with stories and support here.
Kiva.org: Finally, at any time that excess funds build up without an immediate cause to support (we’ve got a long way to go!), a portion will be put toward kiva.org microfinance loans which provide credit opportunities for businesses in developing countries and have a 98% repayment rate.
Supporting Volunteer Travel: A significant portion of sponsorship funds will help volunteers to sustain themselves while on the road. It’s safe to say that there are many volunteers who would happily work for 6 months rather than one, if they could only stay without breaking the bank. In the near future, this will help me stay on the road where I will be more effective at networking and spreading this idea. As sponsorship increases, we will support multiple volunteer travelers, each serving a cause, and contributing their experiences from around the world.
Your feedback on these ideas is important. Please be in touch with feedback, questions, or if you would like to suggest an organization at dan@givingvicariously.com. To learn more about sponsoring Giving Vicariously, be sure to check out the video up there, top right, and browse the FAQs and You Can Help sections. Thanks!
we are running a non profit volunteer organization in Faridabad , All international volunteers who wish to participate in our programs like orphanage, slum children schools, women empowerment ,Disabled children program are welcome ,
we are very affordable compare to other volunteer organizations
please check http://www.aimabroad.org for more details