Mexico Volunteering

Why Pay Money To Volunteer?
Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations.” While this may seem ridiculous at first glance, such fees often keep the organization afloat, in addition to covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations must rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to inform you of how volunteer money is spent.
Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing), or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty implicit in creating a volunteer experience from scratch.

Volunteering can be a powerful and fulfilling experience, especially when combined with the thrill of traveling in a new place. The country currently faces significant challenges in terms of education, the environment, public health, and rural development. Be aware that volunteering—particularly in rural areas—will likely mean giving up basic comforts and may involve risks besides travel, including disease, snakes, scorpions, or less accessible health care. It is easy to minimize these risks, by doing some background research on the organization you are working with and the region to which you are traveling, and preparing accordingly.

Much of the volunteer work in Mexico relates to economic development or environmental conservation. Most people who volunteer in Mexico do so on a short-term basis, at organizations that make use of drop-in or once-a-week volunteers. The best way to find opportunities that match your interests and schedule may be to check with local or national volunteer centers, some of which are listed below.

Those looking for longer, more intensive volunteer opportunities usually choose to go through a parent organization that takes care of logistical details and often provides a group environment and support system—for a fee. There are two main types of organizations—religious and non-sectarian—although there are rarely restrictions on participation for either.

Environmental Conservation

The quest for sustainable development is a crucial one in Mexico. On one hand, the exploitation of Mexico’s abundant natural resources has been important to economic growth throughout the country’s ...more

Medical Outreach

Mexico offers universal health care to its citizens, but despite this provision good medical services can be hard to find, particularly in the remote, rural areas that house vast numbers of the indigenous ...more

Rural Development

Though Mexico’s countryside constitutes more than 80% of Mexico’s land and houses nearly 36% of the country’s population, it represents just a small share of its economy. Rural areas tend to be ...more

Social Activism

Mexico has long been dominated by huge disparities between the country’s rich and poor. Though the economic growth of the postwar period produced places comparable to parts of Europe, in 2005, 47% ...more