I got my first taste of volunteerism in Beijing in 2016, when I was introduced to a charity foundation that was looking for people to staff their booth at a Christmas bazaar. It came at a time when I was looking for more ways to make use of my inner salesman that I developed years back at home.
Simply put, that experience of volunteering for a charitable organization revealed to me that an expat lifestyle, especially for young adults, wasn’t only about clubbing or dining out or traveling. I’ve interviewed many volunteers from different groups, and the common fabric that connects them is the idea that volunteering isn’t just about giving money or supporting fundraisers; rather it is about dedicating a precious part of your time or making use of your skills and talents to help underprivileged people.
In Beijing, there are a lot of institutions championing different causes: migrant children, orphans, the environment, rural education, the LGBTQ community, and so on. We’ve rounded up several groups (here’s a list), and also dedicated our April 2017 issue to community and volunteering, to help people help the needy.
READ MORE: Volunteering in Beijing: Donate Your Time to Put a Smile on a Child’s Face
If you’re still at a crossroads about which group to support, there will be a session on October 29 (Mon) to guide you through the basics of volunteering in the city. The International Newcomer’s Network (INN) is running Volunteering Solutions for Beijing, where they bring together several local charity organizations that will brief attendees about the work they do and the kind of help they need. This morning session is an opportunity for you to meet similar-minded people and talk to veterans in Beijing’s volunteering scene.
INN’s Volunteering Solutions for Beijing, Oct 29
Join the International Newcomer’s Network (INN) this month as their topic is all about volunteering solutions. They will have several local charity organizations and groups on hand this morning giving a brief introduction of their respective organizations, and what type of volunteers are needed to help them out. Hopefully, you will find one or even several that are of interest to you to participate in. Adults. RMB 60. 10am-noon. Capital Mansion Athletic Club. (WeChat ID: INNBeijing1994, Juli Bradley: 138 1170 5071, INNBeijing16@Outlook.com)
Photo: rawpixel.com via Pexels, Pixabay, courtesy of INN
