Alternative Energy Forum

Hang on? People volunteer to work on farms? They are even given accommodation in return? Yes, it’s true. And you can organize your own travels around this volunteering concept through an organization called Willing Workers on Organic Farms.

WWOOF is an international organization which lists farms whose primary focus is organic production and who take volunteers to work on the farms in exchange for accommodation.

Formed in the UK in 1971, it has since blossomed in other countries across the globe. As with any venture it’s ethos have evolved with the times and now you can find organizations that have “a sustainable ethos of ecological, social and economic responsibility”. Imagine having a “working vacation” in a pottery or health and healing center! Volunteers can even find themselves restoring old buildings,  building eco-villages or staffing nature guide centers. What a life!

To get involved you need to become a member of WWOOF in the particular country you want to visit or work in. These membership conditions can vary but in most countries you buy a book which lists all the farms and associated organic businesses. This can amount to literally thousands of choices! Membership always includes insurance (handy for doing volunteer work overseas!) and gives you 12 months to work your way around the world experiencing things through the new international language of sustainability.

visit www.wwoofinternational.org to see which country you’d like to spend your summer holidays working and not relaxing in!

I’d love to do a follow up article on the experience this organization offers. If you’ve been, are thinking of going or know anything else about Willing Workers on Organic Farms - leave a message and start a discussion!