Who is a volunteer?

The most important volunteer opportunities are a wonderful sense of helping those in need. Volunteering is a way to get what you cannot buy.

A volunteer is a person who, on his own will, decided to devote his time to socially useful work.

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For some, this may be associated with certain duties, for the fulfillment of which no material remuneration is provided.

However, others see this as an opportunity to get something that money cannot buy – friends, experience and knowledge.Not to write a lot you can check the benefits of volunteering here .

The principles of volunteering are based on equality, because everyone can join the volunteer movement.

Regardless of gender, age, religion, political views and other conditions.

The main thing is the desire to help and act.

In the world, traditions of volunteering were laid over 100 years ago, and only in 1998 in Latvia. The first states where volunteering appeared were the Netherlands and the USA.

Where do volunteers work?

Young people who want to become volunteers are offered the opportunity to work in both Latvian and foreign organizations. You can work as a volunteer not only internationally.

being a volunteer,volunteer opportunities

You can also participate in events organized by your region, city or any organization.

A volunteer is free to independently choose the field of activity that interests him and work in it.

  • Student self – government is a good start for those who just want to work in the name of some lofty goal. Student government invites all interested parties to take part in the so-called students, to work in their field of interest and make new friends, contacts and, of course, experience!
  • AIESEC is the world’s largest youth self organization. She has been working in Latvia for 19 years, her representative offices are in Riga and in Valmiera.
    The organization accepts new members twice a year – in the fall and spring.
    The main focus of its activities is the program of international practice.
    During exchanges, AIESEC offers young people work in enterprises, non-governmental organizations and schools.
    Money is not always the most important thing – sometimes you just need to start somewhere, albeit from small things, and this is exactly the opportunity!
    During practice abroad there is a chance to expand your horizons, as well as make new friends and acquaintances.
  • SOS Children’s Village is a social charity event that provides long-term care for children left without parents. By participating in the work of this organization, you can help children in school, spend free time with them and participate in joint activities. This is a great experience for those who want to become a social worker, a psychologist or a teacher, because young people can develop their communication skills in working with children.
  • Working as a volunteer in Europe offers young people the opportunity to volunteer in an organization of one of the participating countries. Volunteers are compensated for 100% of transportation costs and living expenses, provide insurance and language courses, in addition, they receive pocket money.

Within the framework of the “Youth in Action” program, 75 accredited European volunteer organizations work in Latvia, 25 of which are youth organizations. These organizations carry out international youth volunteering activities.

How to become a volunteer?

volunteer opportunities

  • First of all, you need to want to do something good and useful, without receiving any remuneration for it, and you should also clearly understand what field you want to work in.
  • Secondly, you need to be interested in local events or organizations, as well as international organizations that offer the most attractive programs.
  • Thirdly, if we are talking about an international organization, it is necessary to put in order the documents related to travel and life; Relevant documents are also required for participation in local events or organizations.
  • And finally, from words to deeds!

On the Internet, there is a platform for volunteers DEEDin , which promotes volunteer activities in Latvia and Europe.

With its help, you can create your own profile of a volunteer opportunities or your organization.

Find and join already existing volunteer movements, as well as regularly receive news.

What should a volunteer know?

Starting a volunteer activity, of course, you need to have information about what rights and obligations the volunteer has. Also, a volunteer should be aware of the rights and obligations of volunteer organizations vis-à-vis their employees.

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  • The organizer of volunteer activities has the right to request a health certificate from a young person issued by a doctor before starting work.
  • The volunteer has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment.
    To receive information about his activities, as well as support, training and assistance, if necessary.
  • The volunteer has the right to be assessed, refuse the proposed work and receive compensation for the expenses incurred.
  • If the proposed work is abroad, the organizer covers travel expenses and expenses related to the residence of the volunteer, and also gives him pocket money.
  • The duty of the volunteer is to become familiar with the goals and values ​​of the work, respect them.
    Responsibly perform the work entrusted to him, participate in training.
    Inform about non-attendance and respect confidentiality.

Important! The prohibitions and restrictions established by normative acts regulating legal relations extend to youth volunteering. A written contract is concluded at the initiative of the job organizer or the youngest person. The contract specifies the type of activity and the term of its implementation.

If you would like to find interesting project opportunities you can visit our web page Abroadship.org which provides wide range of programmes including : Volunteering, Youth ExchangesSeminarsTraining courses, Internships and many more..

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