Five creative ways to volunteer in Mexico

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The most rewarding experiences I’ve had while travelling have always been moments where I have truly immersed myself in the local culture, and there is no better way to get involved with the locals then volunteering.  In fact, voluntourism has become an increasingly popular trend, and travellers everywhere are seeking out ways to give back to the places they visit.

As the number one destination for tourists in Latin America, the opportunities in Mexico for volunteering abound.  Sure, everyone’s heard of teaching English or volunteering at an orphanage, but there are plenty of creative and alternative ways to volunteer that will give you a unique chance to become a part of the community while giving back at the same time.

Although many volunteer programs require paying large fees to participate, there are plenty of places that will let you volunteer for free, and some will even provide free room and board during your stay.  Here are five interesting and unique ways to give back while travelling in Mexico that are free, fun, and sure to give you a truly memorable travel experience.

1) Volunteer at a migrant shelter

When most people hear the words immigration and Mexico in the same sentence, they usually think of Mexicans crossing the border to work in the US.  In fact, Mexico receives hundreds of thousands of Central American migrants every year, many of whom are on their way to the US and many of whom simply want to work in Mexico.  There are migrants shelters scattered throughout the country, but most are located on the Northern and Southern borders.  I volunteered for two weeks at Casa del Migrante in Ciudad Juarez and was able to learn about learn about migration first-hand.  I was given free room and board in exchange for cleaning the dorm rooms and helping cook breakfast and dinner for the dozens of migrants we received each day.

2) Write grants for an NGO

Even if you don’t speak fluent Spanish, your native English skills are highly valued in Mexico.  Many small non-governmental organisations (NGOs) rely on large grants to finance their operations and will welcome your help in writing or editing proposals.  While living in Mexico City, I volunteered several days a week at a small organization called Sin Fronteras, where I helped them write, translate, and edit grant proposals for US foundations such as Ford and MacArthur.  Although they were unable to give me free food and lodging, I did gain invaluable grant writing experience and helped them secure several major grants.

Urban Gardening in Mexico City / Photo by Donkeycart via Flickr

3) Get involved in the urban gardening movement

Mexico City is arguably the largest city in the world, and food and water shortages seem inevitable given the arid climate and large population.  The urban gardening movement is slowly taking off and you can really get your hands dirty by volunteering at some of the urban gardens in Mexico City.  I lived a few blocks from a really cool project called Sembradores Urbanos that was always looking for volunteers to help out in the garden and organize their monthly workshops.

4) Become a part of the community at the Casa de los Amigos, or the House of Friends

My very first night in Mexico City I stayed at the Casa de los Amigos, a Quaker run guesthouse and community centre that houses refugees, organizes conferences and lecture series, and even hosts a Sunday night potluck that is not to be missed. Volunteers are given free lodging, but are expected to commit to living in the Casa for at least six months and actively help out in the daily operations of running the guest house, organizing events, and helping write and research reports and conduct investigations. The Casa is a truly unique place, where you will meet people from all walks of life and experience communal living at its best.

5) Help save Sea Turtles on the Pacific Coast

Seventy miles south of Puerto Vallarta, la Playa de las Tortugas is a sea turtle camp located between the beach and over 1100 acres of pristine salt-water tidal estuary on the north end of a beach known as “Costa Tortuga” on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.  The camp depends on volunteers to protect the endangered sea turtle population by patrolling the beach at night, collecting eggs, and releasing hatchlings to the sea.  By joining in this extraordinary event, volunteers help improve the odds of survival for these special creatures. Long-term volunteers can stay at the camp for free, but are asked to pay a minimal donation to help cover costs on the project.