Best Volunteer Programs in North America

You don’t have to jet-set across the world to be a Global Volunteer. Serve nearby and select a program from this list of the best volunteer programs in North America. Make a significant difference in the lives of your neighbors and volunteer for one, two or three weeks – as a family, group, individual or couple.

Service program fees start at $1,045. Discounts are available for students, family and multi-person groups, and returning volunteers. And you benefit as well if you’re a U.S. taxpayer, because your service program fee and related expenses are tax-deductible. Read more about our tax-deductible service program fees for this list of the best volunteer programs in North America.

Let’s get started! The best volunteer programs in North America for 2017 are…

Volunteer Programs in Havana or Central Cuba

Best Volunteer Programs in North America - Central Cuba and Havana

There is no better way to truly experience Cuba than as a volunteer. You’ll learn about the Cuban culture and people, and remain forever invested.

Volunteer work projects in Cuba: Practice conversational English with teens and adults, work at a women’s cooperative sewing circle, help with light labor projects, assist with meal preparation at a seniors meal program, help harvest fruits and vegetables at a community garden, work at a community pottery cooperative, or engage the elderly in activities at church facilities.

(The tax-deductible volunteer program fee for Cuba starts at $2,795. Discounts are available for students, family and multi-person groups, and returning volunteers.)

Volunteer Programs in Querétaro, Mexico

Best Volunteer Programs in North America - Mexico

You may have vacationed in Mexico before, but to really know a country is to know her people. This experience rewards you with the unique opportunity to obtain a deeper understanding of this colorful country through teaching conversational English to young adults.

Volunteer work project in Mexico: Help university students improve their conversational English skills. You don’t need previous teaching experience for this project – just a desire to help. Use your creativity – play games, do puzzles, sing songs, or organize other fun activities to engage the students.

(The tax-deductible volunteer program fee for Mexico starts at $2,495. Discounts are available for students, family and multi-person groups, and returning volunteers.)

Volunteer Programs on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana

Best Volunteer Programs in North America - Montana

Volunteer on an American Indian reservation and experience the daily lives of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, alongside Glacier National Park. (Many volunteer arrange for a tour of Glacier either before or after the service program.)

Volunteer work projects in Montana: Assist with light labor projects, work at the children’s summer program, care for and support children and teens who are in protective custody during a family crisis, assist the activities director at the elder care center, help teens and adults improve their computer literacy, or use your professional skills to present workshops in your area of expertise (topics range from substance abuse to diabetes prevention to basic marketing and business principles).

(The tax-deductible volunteer program fee for Montana starts at $1,045. Discounts are available for students, family and multi-person groups, and returning volunteers.)

Volunteer Programs on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia

Best Volunteer Programs in North America - St. Lucia in the Caribbean

With crystal-blue bays and mountain vistas, St. Lucia’s (material) poverty is hidden from the average tourist. As a volunteer on this Caribbean island, you work with and support parents, teachers, and community leaders to help children reach their full potential.

Volunteer work projects in St. Lucia: Work with local mothers and children (infant to age 3), tutor students in math, play with and care for children through arts and crafts and games, teach primary and secondary school students basic computer skills, assist with light labor projects (like painting), teach lessons on health care and hygiene education, or present parent workshops on different topics (i.e. child brain development, stress management, and fitness and exercise).

(The tax-deductible volunteer program fee for St. Lucia starts at $2,795. Discounts are available for students, family and multi-person groups, and returning volunteers.)

Volunteer Programs in Appalachia, West Virginia

Best Volunteer Programs in North America - West Virginia

Volunteer in a part of the United States that most Americans have forgotten – in the “hollers” of the Appalachia, West Virginia. This is an opportunity to learn about the dreams, struggles and successes of the resilient people in Fayette County while working hand in hand with them on community development projects.

Volunteer work projects in West Virginia: Assist with building and home repair, help children of all ages study and comprehend lessons at an after school program, work at a summer enrichment programs with students grades 1 through 5, lend a hand in simple gardening projects, or help elders and disabled adults repair and organize their homes.

(The tax-deductible volunteer program fee for West Virginia starts at $1,045. Discounts are available for students, family and multi-person groups, and returning volunteers.)

More Info about the Best Volunteer Programs in North America

Learn more about each of these programs on our blog:

Or, reach out in compassion worldwide: In addition to North America, you can also lend a hand in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America or the South Pacific. Request a free e-catalog with dates and details for all 17 of our volunteer programs around the world.