Worldwide Helpers

Worldwide Helpers (WWH) is a nonprofit search engine based in the United Kingdom that connects prospective volunteers with charitable organisations and their corresponding projects around the world. WWH, describing itself as the only volunteer network, does not arrange volunteer placements itself. Projects chosen by WWH allow volunteers to participate with minimal cost to themselves, though the volunteers typically need to cover personal costs such as transportation to project sites. As of July 2013, it has 28,152 registered volunteers, according to its website.[1]

History

WWH was founded in 2007 by Roya Elghanian. Elghanian wanted to volunteer internationally while taking a leave of absence from work. Conducting some research, she found that most volunteering opportunities she had identified required her to pay a substantial fee. She gave up on further research and decided to find projects while travelling.

During her travels Elghanian actively searched for non-profit organisations running low-cost projects that needed volunteers, and found many. She noted this was an issue that other travellers and volunteers had identified. This experience inspired Elghanian to found WWH.

The WWH website was relaunched in 2010.

Operations

WWH does not charge for organizations posting projects on its site or for prospective volunteers registering. While it has a user feedback-based rating system for projects, WWH doesn't guarantee the reputability of every project listed, and encourages volunteers to do some of their own research on a project before committing to any placement.[2]

Registering on the WWH website allows volunteers to find projects, use the site's blogs and forums, to connect with other volunteers, and to access WWH's project ratings of projects. Successful registration allows organisations that need volunteers to showcase their projects to WWH's international volunteer pool.

As part of its fundraising, WWH holds an annual 5 kilometer run in Hyde Park, London.[3]

Similar Organizations

WWH provides services similar to those of U.S.-based VolunteerMatch, though the latter organisation doesn't focus in particular on projects that are low-cost to the volunteer.

External links

References

  1. ↑ WWH Frequently Asked Questions, retrieved 15 July 2013
  2. ↑ WWH Frequently Asked Questions, retrieved 15 July 2013
  3. ↑ Timeout London: Worldwide Helpers 5K Run, retrieved 15 July 2013