Venturer Dorothy Minkus speaks about her experience working with local Lisbon organization, CRESCER, on a business-oriented skills-based volunteer project.
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skills-based volunteering
Venturer Sara Beaumont describes her magical experience in Lisbon this past June: '“I didn’t see this experience coming. It’s the very first stamp on my passport. Looking back, I’m overwhelmed by the magic of the first days in Lisbon and the impact of the journey over the course of the month. If you’re considering a trip with VWI, then do it! It’s a perfect time.”
Not long ago I had a conversation with an individual who was thinking about traveling to volunteer. They were struggling with elements related to this activity, such as, how much money it would cost; the necessary time off from work; and what skills (if any) would be required. Although the conservation varied, the discussion tended to stay focused on the topic of skills-based volunteering. Many questions emerged. Should they consider utilizing their skills, or would a great attitude be enough? Do community projects really need skilled volunteers, or does it really matter? While there may be some merits associated with needed unskilled labor in some contexts, such as clearing trash from ocean-side beaches, according to academic research, skills-based volunteering does matter. Here are top four reasons why.
“I did a lot of soul searching whilst in Thailand – the place just lends itself to inner-tuition – and I really started to think about what the next steps are for me, personally.”
We are happy to partner with Common Impact, organization that connects corporate volunteers to non-profits so that together they can solve complex community challenges. With nearly 20 years of experience in developing skills-based volunteer programs, Common Impact knows a thing or two about how to best use volunteerism for professional development and social good. Common Impact has shared with us two useful tools to unlock and maximize your skill-based volunteering experience:
Now companies can team up with Venture with Impact to create customized programs for employee engagement and retention.
New ideas are necessary to attract and retain good talent. Socially responsible employee benefit programs and team retreats can be an attractive solution to this problem, which any company can implement. The keyword is: Skills-based Volunteering.
Carly Thurman describes her interest in Venture with Impact, and how she plans to use skills based volunteering to further her knowledge in fair trade and work with local entrepreneurs.
Today we're highlighting the work of our past Trujillo, Peru program volunteer Shannon Sanzone and looking at the positive social impacts she's helped to generate on both local and global levels.
The truth of the matter is, while well intentioned, some forms of volunteering abroad are more beneficial than others.