Voluntario Global

Who we are

We at Voluntario Global NGO define ourselves as community builders. A community builder is someone who, instead of offering provisional help, gets to know a community and its people, its weaknesses and strengths. In this way, we build a strong relationship with each community. A relationship that lasts a lifetime.

A community builder supports a community and the individuals who are part of it, discovering what is strong about them and helping to work towards improvement, development and growth. We define ourselves as community builders because we work putting emphasis on the fact that no person is more nor less important than another and that we are all equals working together. Volunteers, coordinators and organizations connect and unite to achieve a common goal in local development.

What we do

Voluntario Global helps organizations from local communities and neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires to improve the work that they are already doing and work towards strengthening local development together. This help may be in the form of different tools, such as volunteers or donations, or helping them to obtain new funding, grants and training.  Sustainable development, ecologically, economically and socially, is what drives our values system and the way in which we work. Whilst our new project in Pacheco is emblematic of our contribution to sustainable development and the environment, in order to enforce sustainable development on a social and economic level it is necessary to begin at the heart of the communities who need it most; it is through their inclusive economic growth and the empowering of future generations that our vision will be realized. Indeed, it is our duty to fight for what we believe is the right way to live. If we want to change the status quo, the youth need to feel capable and worthy of pursuing further education and having the same access to job opportunities as those from more privileged neighbourhoods. It is only once this fundamental of equality of opportunity is realized that humankind will be at peace and nature understood.

Where we work

As a large network of volunteers, institutions and organisations, Voluntario Global aims to generate awareness, knowledge and tolerance through cultural exchange and reflective analysis, enhancing our understanding of the tools required for the social transformation that we seek: ultimately, an economic, social and cultural system that is not based on self-interest or predation but rather on ties of cooperation, friendship and acceptance.

We work in many neighbourhoods from Buenos Aires city and surrounded area.

Our organizations form what we call The Voluntario Global Network of Organizations and its work is sustained through the donations we receive from volunteers. At Voluntario Global, we consider volunteering to be a two way process in which the exchange between the local area and the volunteer is cultural too. It is also important that we recruit open-minded volunteers with professional skills, abilities and experiences and place them in whichever project suits these talents most. Consequentially, their impact on the community in which they are working can be maximised. For example, those studying education in their home countries are likely to be teaching English whilst our recent Psychology volunteer position is tailored for those with an interest in that field.

Suggestions about:

Money:

• ATM availability is generally good, but you should not rely solely on using international debit cards to access funds.  Be aware that there may be a limit on the number of withdrawals you can make per day, and the amount you can withdraw on each occasion.
• You should ensure you carry alternative forms of payment, including a credit card (accepted in most major shops and restaurants).
• At the moment, the value of the US dollar is in a constant state of flux.  Make sure to check the rate of exchange before obtaining pesos.

Safety:

• The most frequent incidents of crime involve pick-pocketing and bag snatching in the streets, taxis and restaurants.  Distraction theft commonly occurs in crowded public areas such as cafes, trains and bus stations.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings at all times-- especially when carrying around important documents like a passport.

Transportation:

• Buenos Aires has excellent public transportation including intercity trains, subways, and buses.  Purchase a SUBE card from any kiosco, and add funds to your card at any of the designated SUBE kiosks, which are easily identified by a sign containing the SUBE logo.
• SUBE rates vary, depending on the form of transportation you choose.  Subway rides are currently at a fixed rate of $7 pesos, while bus fares may range anywhere from $7.00 - $11.00 pesos.
• The subway does not run all night, like in other cities.  
• For a higher cost, taxicabs are easily obtained throughout Buenos Aires.  If you are unfamiliar with the city and have trouble communicating in Spanish, we recommend using ‘radio taxis.’  

Our history

The founder, Valeria Gracia, spent almost eight years of volunteering in a shantytown and there, she thought about a way of creating a project that would allow to have a deeper impact in the community. She thought about starting an organization that promoted continued education and training in order to create greater equality, and could, ultimately, empower people to organize themselves, be more involved and creative in their community, to start participating in social activities looking for solutions, defending their rights.

The NGO was founded in 2006 with many members of the community with a first objective when they saw a window of opportunity for a mediating institution that would allow for a mutual exchange between the local communities of Buenos Aires and foreigners eager for a deeper insight into them. Initially we assisted in just one school support project, yet gradually other organizations contacted us and were added to our Network. Today we have added new objectives and founded our space, Pacheco Community Center.

Fundings are always used toward making improvement for the communities we work with. Towards the end of 2014, we took the decision to create and construct a new community space for ourselves and the organizations with which we work.

Who are we looking for?

We consider volunteering to be a two way process in which the exchange between the local area and the volunteer is cultural too. It is also important that we recruit open-minded volunteers with professional skills, abilities and experiences and place them in whichever project suits these talents most. Consequentially, their impact on the community in which they are working can be maximized. For example, those studying education in their home countries are likely to be teaching English whilst our recent Psychology volunteer position is tailored for those with an interest in that field. Below we have summarized the kind of volunteer positions that we offer, all of which work towards our vision of greater social mobility.