O.k. kids this one is almost too good to be true! Every now and then we find something really special around here (and in fact it happens more often than not - one of the perks of the job!) and this is one of those lucky occasions. If you’ve been itching to get involved and volunteer but money is an issue, which it is to so many - why is that anyway? That the people with the most money “find so little time to volunteer” but the people who are willing to take that vacation time from work and volunteer it to a worthy cause are often the ones with the least amount of money? And yes it is true, as unfortunate as it is, oftentimes volunteering DOES take some money…
But here’s a great opportunity for many of you. The organization is called WWOOF - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. So here’s your chance. For some of you, here’s your summer! And nah we’re not even gonna charge you for finding this baby cause we love you TuneInTurnOnHelpOut people and all that you do for the world.
We just find out that our drummer Bill Sommer (from the band Transcendence) is actually leaving next week to spend an entire month on The Big Island in Hawaii working on an organic farm – and the best part is that they pay all of his room and board and food. He just has to pay his flight over there and commit to working on a farm each day. Which was his reason for the trip in the first place - he wanted to help and volunteer somewhere in the world where he was needed. As much as we will miss Bill, I would say that more than anything we are just happy for him, if not a wee bit envious!
So wow. What a concept. You get free room and board in return for working all day somewhere in the world…. usually on an organic farm. You have to purchase a guide to an area of the world that you are interested in spending some time in, then make some calls and write some letters and find a farm that you are interested in and before you know it, voila! You’re on your way to somewhere on the globe not only helping others, but also getting to see another part of the world.
We simply cannot say enough good things about this very cool and creative organization.
So here is some more information for you:
What is WWOOF?
WWOOF, a world wide network - it started in the UK in 1971, and has since become an international movement that is helping people share more sustainable ways of living.
WWOOF is an exchange - in return for volunteer help WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles.
WWOOF organizations link individuals wanting to volunteer on organic farms or smallholdings with people who are looking for volunteer help.
How does it work?
WWOOF organizations publish a list of organic farms, smallholdings and gardeners that welcome volunteer help at certain times. The diversity of hosts available offers a large variety of tasks and experiences.
Volunteer helpers (”WWOOFers”) choose the hosts that most interest them and make direct contact to arrange a stay. Volunteers usually live as part of the family.
For more information, simply visit their website and take the first step to your next big adventure! http://www.wwoof.org/
So get to it, good luck, and make it happen. And to each of you that are making a difference out there in the world for all of us, thank you!
Sincerely,
U Know Who