Volunteering & Work Exchange Travel Opportunities in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Global Volunteers Iowa
Provides short-term volunteer opportunities in education, health, and community development. Offers cultural immersion and local home-stays.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows volunteers to learn about Des Moines culture directly from locals.
- Flexible Length: Offers both short-term (1 week) and long-term (2 weeks or more) volunteering opportunities.
- Skill-Based Projects: Projects are designed based on the skills volunteers bring, ensuring a meaningful contribution.
2. Wilderness Ridge Farm
Organic farm offering work exchange opportunities in return for room and board. Participate in farming activities, permaculture design, and sustainability education.
- Sustainable Living: Learn about organic farming and sustainable living practices.
- Hands-On Experience: Get hands-on experience in various farm activities like gardening, animal care, and permaculture design.
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy a peaceful rural environment with easy access to Des Moines city.
3. Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Offers volunteer opportunities in various parks and recreational facilities. Duties may include gardening, event assistance, or maintenance work.
- Outdoor Activities: Work with nature and enjoy the beautiful parks of Des Moines.
- Community Engagement: Contribute to the community by maintaining and improving local parks.
- Flexible Schedule: Volunteer opportunities are available during weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
4. Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Offers volunteer opportunities to work with homeless youth. Duties may include mentoring, tutoring, or meal preparation.
- Youth Empowerment: Help empower homeless youth by providing guidance and support.
- Skill Development: Opportunities to develop skills in mentoring, tutoring, or counseling.
- Community Impact: Make a significant impact on the lives of homeless youth in Des Moines.
5. Artcenter Des Moines
Provides volunteer opportunities in various art-related fields. Duties may include gallery assistance, event support, or educational programs.
- Artistic Engagement: Immerse yourself in the local arts scene by volunteering at Artcenter Des Moines.
- Creative Skill Development: Gain valuable skills in art appreciation, gallery management, and event coordination.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience diverse artistic cultures through exhibitions, workshops, and events.
6. Iowa Wildlife Center
Offers work exchange opportunities in wildlife rehabilitation. Duties may include animal care, habitat maintenance, or educational programs.
- Wildlife Conservation: Contribute to the conservation of Iowa's native wildlife.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation and care.
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy a peaceful rural environment while working with wildlife.
7. Blank Park Zoo
Offers volunteer opportunities in various zoological fields. Duties may include animal care, education programs, or event support.
- Zoological Experience: Gain hands-on experience working with exotic and native wildlife.
- Education and Conservation: Contribute to education and conservation efforts for endangered species.
- Community Engagement: Engage with the local community through zoo events and educational programs.
8. Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Offers cultural exchange and volunteering opportunities at the tribal community. Duties may include event assistance or educational programs.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Native American culture through volunteering and cultural exchange.
- Historical Preservation: Contribute to the preservation of Native American history and heritage.
- Community Engagement: Engage with the local community and learn about Native American culture.
9. Salvation Army Des Moines
Offers volunteer opportunities in social services, disaster relief, and community outreach. Duties may include food service, clothing distribution, or disaster response.
- Social Impact: Make a positive impact on those in need within the Des Moines community.
- Skill Development: Develop skills in social services, disaster response, or community outreach.
- Flexible Schedule: Volunteer opportunities are available during weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
10. Des Moines Public Library
Offers volunteer opportunities in various library functions. Duties may include book sorting, event assistance, or children's programs.
- Literacy Promotion: Contribute to literacy promotion and lifelong learning in the community.
- Skill Development: Develop skills in library management, event coordination, or children's programming.
- Community Engagement: Engage with the local community through library events and programs.
11. Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity
Offers volunteer opportunities in home construction and neighborhood revitalization. Duties may include building, landscaping, or event support.
- Community Development: Contribute to the development of affordable housing and revitalization of Des Moines neighborhoods.
- Skill Development: Develop skills in construction, carpentry, or home repair.
- Flexible Schedule: Volunteer opportunities are available during weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
12. Des Moines Botanical Garden
Offers volunteer opportunities in gardening, horticulture, or event support. Duties may include planting, pruning, or event assistance.
- Horticultural Experience: Gain hands-on experience in gardening and horticulture.
- Environmental Conservation: Contribute to the conservation of plant species and eco-systems.
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy a peaceful and serene environment while volunteering at the Botanical Garden.
13. Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)
Offers volunteer opportunities in food pantries, hot meal programs, or refugee services. Duties may include food sorting, meal preparation, or client support.
- Food Insecurity Impact: Help combat food insecurity within the Des Moines community.
- Skill Development: Develop skills in food handling, client support, or refugee services.
- Flexible Schedule: Volunteer opportunities are available during weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
14. Des Moines Children's Museum
Offers volunteer opportunities in educational programs or event support. Duties may include leading activities, assisting with exhibits, or event coordination.
- Childhood Education: Contribute to the education and development of Des Moines children.
- Skill Development: Develop skills in childhood education, event coordination, or museum management.
- Community Engagement: Engage with the local community through children's educational programs and events.
15. Grow Des Moines
Offers work exchange opportunities on urban farms, teaching sustainable agriculture practices. Duties may include planting, harvesting, or farm maintenance.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Learn about and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain hands-on experience in urban farming and sustainable agriculture.
- Urban Environment: Experience farming in an urban setting within Des Moines.