Raw volunteering

Raw volunteering means volunteering without needing any particular skills or experience.

What types of things does raw volunteering cover?

Here are some examples of raw volunteering placements:

Building – one of the most popular kinds of raw volunteering. You could be digging a well, painting a school or constructing walkways.
Care – this usually means children (eg in an orphanage) but care placements exist for vulnerable adults too
Administration, cleaning, etc – you could be helping professionals such as lawyers or vets, or simply mucking in with a team of volunteers
Teaching English – as a raw volunteer, you don't need a TEFL certificate and you would only be teaching conversational English
Working with animals – helping out on a game reserve or at a sanctuary
Research – mainly in conservation, eg recording wild animal populations

I don't think some of those jobs should be done by unskilled people!

Pretty much all raw volunteering placements involve some kind of training or at least induction. You're not just handed a shovel and told to get on with it! You'll also be supervised by the manager of the placement, and this is usually a local person so you can get to grips with local customs and culture as well.

Who does raw volunteering?

Raw volunteering appeals to many career breakers who have had enough of working in an office, tapping at a computer, and just want to get out and get their hands dirty! Of course, it's popular amongst young people without much professional (or life) experience.

Is raw volunteering an easy ride then?

Um, no! People think raw volunteering means you won't be using your brain - that it's only professional vounteering where you have to be able to think. But that's not true! You'll undergo training (see above) and will normally have to use your initiative at some point. You'll also be facing various challenges on your placement, and will have to solve problems - whether those problems involve structural engineering, or mice in your room!

What will I get out of raw volunteering?

The main benefit of raw volunteering is that there are literally thousands of placements available. And of course, there are very few barriers (some require a certain level of fitness). You will learn all kinds of things - from how to do the task at hand, to how to work with a team and communicate with different kinds of people. It looks brilliant on your CV, but best of all, you'll come home with a real sense of achievement, plus the knowledge that you've helped people.