How to Become a Humanitarian 101

As expatriates, we travel the world, find ourselves in the most amazing places, and make new international friends. But what happens when you start longing to blend in more with the local population and would like to give back to the community you are now a part of? InterNations offers a potential solution.

Get Connected With Your Community

In 34 cities across the globe, InterNations Volunteer Groups enable you to connect you with your local community. With at least one activity taking place each month, there is always something you can do to give that extra bit of support to people in need.

Next month, on August 19, we celebrate World Humanitarian Day. The InterNations Volunteer Program joins the UN in honoring those who bring relief to others while calling as many as possible to action. Let August 19 be the first day for you to make an impact; for example, you could start by joining your local Volunteer Group.

Get Inspired for World Humanitarian Day 2016

In honor of World Humanitarian Day 2016, we would like to introduce you to four great examples from our members who have already taken action for a good cause and who might inspire you.

Joining Social Impact Night, Munich

The Consuls of the Munich Volunteer Group are organizing a monthly event called “SIN”. Participating should give you the opposite of a guilty conscience, though.

SIN is short for Social Impact Night: this special event is always dedicated to a specific topic and consists of an inspiring speech by a keynote speaker. In March, for the International Day of Happiness, Elitsa Dincheva, the PR representative for the international NPO SOS Children’s Villages, shared her moving story about how she experienced the earthquake and disaster relief in Nepal that hit the country in 2015.

Eating for a Good Cause, Paris

InterNations Consul Ricardo Coronel Lemus from the Paris Volunteer Group organized a clownish dinner for a serious reason.

While the attendees enjoyed authentic Colombian and Mexican food, a part of the bill went to the non-profit organization Le Rire médecin. This French organization sends specially-trained clowns to entertain children during their stay at the hospital.

Handing Out Cold Water, Dubai

In the Dubai Volunteer Group, Consul Rachel Truong felt inspired to join a campaign of the Sameness project: Water for Workers.

The members of the InterNations Volunteer Group decided to hand out cold water to hard-working laborers, who even have to go to their job in the 45°C summer heat. However, it wasn’t only cold water that was handed out: a “thank you”, a handshake, and a friendly conversation created this moment of “sameness” what the project is all about.

Helping the Elderly, Santiago de Chile

InterNations member Angel Grimalt of the Santiago de Chile Volunteer Group regularly invites the members of the Group to visit a local retirement home. During the visit, the members usually prepare an afternoon tea, where they get to bond with the elderly over savory sandwiches and sugar-free cookies.

Get Started with Your Talents

If you have a fantastic idea for your local community, just check out if there’s a Volunteer Group in your InterNations Community and get in touch with the Consul to find out what you can do. Each of us is unique and has different passions, and that is exactly what makes your contribution to a humanitarian cause invaluable.

If you’d like to get involved in activities for a good cause, please check if there is a Volunteer Group in your InterNations Community. Every InterNations member can join the group and take part in the activities!

Find out more about the InterNations Volunteer Program on our About Page or write to [email protected].

(Image credit: InterNations