written by Pam Baker
If you always wanted to do something to curb hunger around the globe but were never sure where to start against such an overwhelming problem, then consider volunteering to work with ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) in North Fort Myers, Florida. A unique living classroom, ECHO (www.echonet.org) is an organization that seeks to provide sustainable hunger solutions for those working with the poor overseas. The 50-acre global farm demonstrates practical ideas for growing food under difficult conditions in tropical climates to over 15,000 guests each year, who come to learn or to train for overseas assignments with thousands of organizations from the Peace Corps to World Vision.
Currently over 350 volunteers work beside staff and students in jobs that vary from planting, harvesting, cleaning, packaging and mailing seeds overseas to taking care of the farm animals --goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, bees and fish.
Because this is the global headquarters for ECHO, many other talents are also needed including: data input, graphic design, research library skills, farm equipment repair, golf cart and vehicle maintenance, irrigation instillation, fruit tree grafting, nursery workers, landscaping skills, cleaning, general household repairs, painters, plumbers, and even good cooks who would prepare meals for students.
Volunteer opportunities are abundant in terms of time options as well. Some volunteers spend three to six months each year and come three to five days per week. Some spend a few days of their annual Florida vacation at ECHO. Others train for up to a year in preparation of serving overseas with one of many of the world’s hunger organizations. You can do as much or as little as you like, it all still adds up to making a serious impact on world hunger!
TIP #1: Volunteering for a few days: Short-term volunteers are typically placed in an outdoor work area where they will not need much training. They may also be able to help different departments cleaning, folding newsletters, making jam and jellies or prepping for an event. Call ahead of your vacation to establish your volunteer schedule and the tasks you want to help with.
TIP #2: Arrange for somewhere to stay. ECHO does have housing but it is reserved for full-time volunteers and is often at capacity. You are much more likely to get a bunk if you are signed up to serve overseas with an organization like the Peace Corps or World Vision; otherwise, make arrangements to stay at a hotel or with a friend.
TIP #3: You may qualify for service learning hours. ECHO’s web site says if you are an ECHO volunteer, service learning hours will be credited for the work that you do. However, ECHO “does not solicit help from persons whose sole purpose in wanting to volunteer is to fulfill service learning requirements, and can not go out of its way to create volunteer opportunities for students needing service learning hours.”
TIP #4: Take the Tour. Before signing up as a volunteer, take the public tour and see how you feel about the work requirements. Public tours are conducted Tuesday thru Saturday in January through March, and Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays only in April through December. All volunteers are required to go on a 90 minute walking tour before starting. Reservations are needed for parties of 10 or more, or if you will need handicapped accommodations. Regardless, book the tour several days in advance.
