How to Go on a Humanitarian Mission

Most of us are aware of the dire need for assistance in developing countries. Aid workers help people recover from disasters, provide medical and educational assistance and give hope to suffering people. Here's how to get involved in a humanitarian mission.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Identify your skills so you can target your humanitarian work. Managerial skills are a big plus with aid agencies, though having some field experience helps. Other much needed abilities include accounting, human resources and languages.

2. Take jobs with local human services agencies if you haven't worked in that field. Experience with helping people in need will benefit you when you're in a foreign country, you don't speak the language and resources are scarce.

3. Get training in international relief and development. The Humanitarian Distance Learning Centre out of Melbourne, Australia, has courses in health, safety and security. Also check out the "Training and Learning" link on the Aid Workers Network (see Resources).

4. Decide where you want to go. Keep updated on international crises. Some organizations that operate humanitarian missions won't let you choose, but you can target agencies that work in a specific area.

5. Sign up with the Peace Corps (see Resources). Since 1960, this organization has offered volunteers a 27-month stint in humanitarian work. Your basic expenses are paid and you get some compensation after you successfully complete the mission.

6. Check other international agencies if you're intent on going on a humanitarian mission in a particular country. Idealist has a comprehensive listing of volunteer opportunities in every region of the world.

Tips & Warnings

• Get ready for some seriously hard work and creative problem solving.
• Don't expect to be coddled by the agency running the humanitarian mission.

Resources

• Get training for your humanitarian mission.
• Tap into the Aid Workers Network to connect with others.
• Be a Peace Corps volunteer.
• Check out the Idealist website for opportunities.

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