Instead of following a leader down a plotted trail, would you rather just be handed a map

and allowed to find your own way? Rather than having a portion ladled into your bowl,

would you prefer to dig into the dish yourself, making sure you’ve snagged a little extra of

your favourite bit? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to these questions, then structured volunteering

programmes may be the best option for you.

Structured programmes are the middle ground between organised and DIY programmes.

They mark X on the map for you, but reaching X and deciding what to do once you arrive

there are often left up to you. The majority of structured programmes are run by small,

grass-roots organisations who don’t have the capacity (or desire) to develop and run all-

inclusive, package-style programmes. Many of these organisations are based overseas in

the country in which they operate, and are therefore run by locals. Volunteers usually work

in very small groups or individually in conjunction with these organisations.

Structured programmes are great for people who want flexibility in their placement

and don’t feel the need to have their hand held. Consequently, they’re popular with older

volunteers, people who are taking a career break, and those who have previously travelled

or volunteered overseas. These programmes can provide some of the most rewarding

volunteering experiences. However, to enjoy this kind of programme you need to have

particular character traits: you need to be independent and self-motivated, have initiative

and relish a challenge.

06: Structured &

Self-Funding

Volunteer

Programmes

Nayna Wood volunteered as a teacher with Development in Action in India (DiA, p165).

Her motivation for choosing a structured programme echoes that of many other volun-

teers who’ve chosen the same option:

I had travelled overseas independently before and wasn’t looking to have my hand held

or to be restricted by a strict programme of activities. However, I wasn’t sure how easy it

would be to be introduced to an organisation I could volunteer with myself, or even where

to start in a country as vast as India. Plus, it was good to know that there was some extra

support in terms of logistics or if I needed help in an emergency situation.

A desire for independence, cultural immersion and insights into grass-roots

development work are also common reasons for choosing a structured programme. Tom

Wilmot, who worked as an engineer in India, explains why he chose to volunteer with

Development in Action:

There were many reasons for not volunteering with a packaged expedition. I wanted

the experience of working in development but without the group mentality of a work-

ing party. I felt this option would give me much more scope for engaging with the local

culture. I looked at the packaged expeditions and felt that while they would have been very

enjoyable, they would have offered me much less independence. Also, I wouldn’t have got

a well-rounded experience of development work. I like the fact that DiA is a non-profit

organisation which is no frills and down to earth.

Ben Donaldson volunteered in Thailand as a teacher and helped install a water system

with the Karen Hilltribes Trust (p169). He had similar reasons for volunteering with a

grass-roots, structured programme:

I wanted to be part of a smaller, more tightly knit group so I could grasp the full impact of

the charity’s work, and not get lost in bureaucracy and other behind-the-scenes

action. I wasn’t looking for a highly organised operation with no surprises or flexibil-

ity, and I didn’t get one. The experience far exceeded my expectations – it was far more

hands-on and offered plenty of scope for improvisation and creativity, and you could get

as involved as you wanted to.

The fluid, self-determined nature of structured programmes can be daunting to people

who haven’t travelled or volunteered before. If you’re considering taking this route, you

need to be sure you’re comfortable with the level of self-reliance expected of you by the

organisation you’re considering volunteering with. To help ease the burden, most organi-

sations will be happy to give you tips and advice on making your travel arrangements and

can put you in touch with past volunteers who can also give you pointers.

how do they work?

Costs

A major feature of structured programmes is that they’re self-funding. This means that

volunteers not only make their own travel arrangements but also cover all their travel-

related costs, including insurance. Structured programmes do charge fees but these are

often much less than those of organised programmes. The amount you’ll pay covers things

such as organising your placement, a short orientation upon your arrival and your room

and board during the placement. That’s usually about all they do cover, though.

The cost of a placement depends largely on the country in which it’s based, how long you go

for and what work you’ll be doing there. Fees charged by organisations based overseas tend to

be lower than those charged by conservation projects, which need to cover equipment, train-

ing and running costs, while fees for community development projects can be next to nothing.

Some volunteers raise funds to cover the costs of their placement and travel, but as fees

are often low, many volunteers can afford to pay out of their own pockets. If you do decide

to fundraise, be prepared to put in a lot of time and energy. For fundraising advice see

Raising the Money (pp48–51), and the Fun, Fun, Funds box on the next page for more

ideas.

06: Structured & Self-Funding Volunteer Programmes:

How Do They Work?

Volunteers assist with climate change research at the Arctic’s edge

Photo: Peter Kershaw/Earthwatch