Spending your time to help someone or some cause you believe in, without being paid for it, is perhaps one of the noblest missions we can embrace. Here are some tips and explanations for those who want to start volunteering but still have some doubts or don’t know where to do it.
Importance of volunteering
THE Volunteering plays an essential and indispensable role in our society. If there weren’t volunteers, it certainly wouldn’t be possible to carry out such decisive actions that contribute so much to building a more solidary, fair and egalitarian society. volunteering, as the volunteers themselves draw a lot from these experiences. Check out the advantages that volunteering can bring to your life: Increase your well-being and yours personal fulfillment;Has the possibility to live new experiences;Meet new people;Have the possibility to support a cause you believe in;Enriches your resume. Volunteering experiences are highly valued by employers. Also read: Why it is important to include volunteering in your resume
Rights and duties of volunteers
Volunteering is regulated by Law No. 71/98, of November 3. This diploma, among other aspects, includes all the rights and duties of volunteers. Some of the foreseen rights are: To have access to initial and continuous training programs; To have a volunteer identification card; To carry out their work in hygienic and safe conditions; reason for carrying out urgent missions, in emergency situations, public calamities or similar. Some of the duties of volunteers are: Act diligently, impartially and in solidarity; techniques;Participate in training programs aimed at the correct development of voluntary work;Ensure the proper use of material resources and goods, equipment and utensils made available to you.Read more: Do you want to volunteer? Know the personal and professional advantages
Where to volunteer?
There are numerous associations that need your help. However, we advise that when choosing where to do volunteer work, choose an organization that supports a cause you identify with, also naturally, issues of location or timetables must be taken into account. To help you in this task, we give you some suggestions of organizations/associations that need volunteers.
Hug
Abraço is an association that promotes the quality of life of infected people and contributes to the eradication of HIV/AIDS, providing support to infected people, fighting against discrimination and promoting the defense of the rights of these people. If you identify with this cause, you can sign up as a volunteer by filling out this form.
To believe
The Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Cancer (Acreditar) provides follow-up of children and young people suffering from cancer as well as their families on an emotional, logistical, social or other level that they need. If you want to help this cause, fill out this form to sign up as a volunteer.
SOS Children’s Villages
This organization’s mission is caring for children and young people who are in vulnerable situations, promoting their development and autonomy, through welcoming them into restorative family-oriented environments and strengthening their family, social and community networks. If you want to make a difference in the lives of these children and young people, sign up as a volunteer, just fill out this form.
AMI
If it’s part of your plans to do international volunteering then the AMI – International Medical Assistance can be an excellent option. Since the work will be carried out in a foreign country, English skills are very important, knowledge of other languages such as French or Spanish is an asset. You must also have computer knowledge. AMI is responsible for the following expenses related to its mission:Transport Lisbon / mission site / Lisbon;Stay in the field: accommodation in the mission house, hotel and transport;Issuance of visas;Food allowance (which varies depending on the country); Traveler consultation (held at the GNR Clinical Center in Lisbon). Check all conditions and register here.
Feed bank
We are all familiar with the food collections promoted by Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome, whose objective is to distribute these same foods to needy people. You can sign up as a volunteer by filling out this form and in this way help this noble cause.
Portuguese Red Cross
The Portuguese Red Cross provides humanitarian and social assistance, in particular to the most vulnerable people, such as refugees, children, the elderly and victims of violence. To become a Portuguese Red Cross volunteer, just go to a local structure and express your will. You can find contact information for the structures here.
Ronald McDonald Children’s Foundation Portugal
The Ronald McDonald Children’s Foundation promotes follow-up of hospitalized children as well as providing support to their families. To sign up as a volunteer and support this cause, just fill out this form.
hospitals
It is possible to provide voluntary work in hospitals, namely in the support and assistance to users and their families. Find out about the conditions for volunteering at the hospital in your area and don’t hesitate to start helping.
local institutions
Local institutions also frequently promote volunteering actions to help more people needy or to support a specific cause. Find out from the City Council in your area of residence about the actions they promote and how to register as a volunteer.
Portuguese League Against Cancer
The Portuguese League Against Cancer has as its mission support cancer patientsas well as their families, promoting health, preventing cancer and encouraging training and research in oncology. .
Quercus
Quercus is a non-governmental organization whose objective is to conservation of nature and environmental resources and the defense of the environment in general. If you want to spend your time in favor of nature and the environment, do not hesitate and fill out this form.
refood
Refood has the mission rescue foodfeed people and include the entire local community, creating a more sustainable, fair and supportive society. If you identify with this cause, you can register as a volunteer by filling out this form.
Animal SOS
SOS Animal is a national environmental non-governmental organization and non-profit association of animal and environmental protection. If you like animals, don’t waste any more time and sign up as a volunteer using this form. Also read: 5 tips to teach your child to be supportive while saving money
A professional writer by day, a tech-nerd by night, with a love for all things money.