You may not know this, but today is #GivingTuesday, the start of a new holiday tradition that encourages you to get involved and give back. While there are most likely many ways for you to give back in your own community (and you definitely should!), there are also many great ways to give back to the international community.
One way to do that is to turn your vacation into a volunteering trip with Untied Planet, an international non-profit that helps you find meaningful work that helps communities all over the world. United Planet has just announced that the number of volunteers serving during the months of December and January is up 50% compared to the same time last year.
As an international non-profit that provides volunteer abroad service trips in over forty countries across the globe, United Planet has seen the number of volunteers serving during the months of December and January increase by 50% compared to the same period last year. United Planet’s Enrollment Manager, Tyler Quattlebaum, comments, “We’re thrilled to report such a significant increase in international volunteer support during December and January, compared to last year. This level of volunteer participation over the holidays really speaks volumes to the power of the human spirit, and affirms our notion that we truly are a ‘Community Beyond Borders’.”
In addition to the increase of international volunteer participation during the winter season, United Planet has also seen a spike in enrollments during Spring Break over the last year. Students looking to gain international experience and use their school vacation to do good, have been steadily signing up to volunteer abroad during their spring break, which is often referred to as an “alternative spring break”. Regardless of the time of year, volunteering abroad is becoming an increasingly popular option for those who not only want to travel and see the world, but also want to learn about a different culture and provide vital support to communities in need.
Volunteering abroad is a great idea and could foster a deeper, more fulfilling experience than any regular trip could.
All photos courtesy of UnitedPlanet.org
