For those with questions, I have answers.
Why do you have to pay to volunteer?
Volunteer in trips like these often refer not to just one's time, but money. And these trips are not inexpensive. This two-week service program will be upwards of $4,000. Why? As a private, nonprofit organization, Global Volunteers is financed almost entirely by volunteer contributions. Since 1984, they've worked with very economically impoverished communities that can't afford to pay for the services the organization provides. The fee covers food, lodging, transportation, project materials and training costs. But it also goes directly to local communities' ongoing projects.
Why are you doing this?
The September January trip is meant in part to mark my 30th birthday by saying thank you for all that I have, and extending myself in service to others. It's easy to take for granted the comforts and privileges we have as Americans. I'd like to go beyond my bubble and see how another corner of the world lives and do my part to help.
Are you, like, having some kind of big life crisis about turning 30?
Are you telling me there's something to worry about? So far, so good. I feel really good about turning 30, and this is sort of my way of celebrating that. Besides, my sister made the plunge a few years ago, and she swears the water's just fine. Even though she's almost barren and has just started adopting cats. JUST KIDDING! She doesn't like cats.
What will you be doing there?
I will be working in a children's home in a suburb of Chennai, India. These children come to these facilities for a host of reasons - some are orphaned, some come from homes too poor to raise them. I have yet to be assigned my exact placement home, but no matter the facility, my job will be to teach conversational English, tend to the infants and generally play and interact with the kids. I might also be asked to help in other ways in the facility, such as construction or administration.
Why are you asking for donations?
The fee for these service programs is costly. Airfare to India itself is quite expensive. Also, because Global Volunteers is a nonprofit, it's financed almost entirely through donations. Volunteers must pay the cost of their own travel, lodging, food and training. Please don't be mistaken - I'm also paying more than $1,000 of the total fee on my own. But I don't have enough to cover the entire cost, and the organization tells me most of its volunteers do some amount of fundraising. I don't think money should be a reason not to do such an important program. So I'm asking for your help!
Why aren't you just asking for money?
Yes, it's an odd thing to ask people to contribute their used items for online and garage sales. I suppose I wanted to find a way for people to donate that had everyone feeling like they gained in the end. Most of us have something hanging around the house we've been meaning to get rid of, so I thought this was a way for them to finally do it - motivated by a good cause. Still, many people have asked if they can contribute cash or a check. And, of course! I'd gladly accept any donation you'd like to give.
Who made this fancy schmancy website? It's gorgeous!
Isn't it?! I owe that, and much more, to my exceedingly talented sister - a web designer, artist, trouble-shooter, motivator and sibling-extraordinaire!
Let it be known she strong-armed me into putting a picture of myself on this site. I said no. She said I needed to "personalize" my mission. I deferred to the expert on that one. Honestly, if it was my decision, you think I'd pick that picture?
