Volunteering is a long and honored tradition in the United States. Every year millions of Americans donate their time and energy to help out their communities. We even have an entire week dedicated to this important cause: National Volunteer Week. Since 1974, the United States has dedicated this week each year to honor the generosity and selflessness of volunteers, and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

Here at CHI, we recognize the importance of volunteering and encourage all of our participants to not wait for that one week a year, but to start taking advantage of volunteer opportunities immediately. We encourage all of our participants to find some way to help their communities.

The beauty of volunteering is that anyone can do it. Whatever you are passionate about, whatever inspires you, there is something going on in that field where you can lend a hand. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people, make friends and professional connections, improve your interpersonal skills and make a difference in the world. CHI truly believes in the importance and value of its participants involving themselves in their temporary homes.

There are an endless number of ways that participants can join in. CHI is proud of the tradition already established by its past participants, whether it was Academic Year Program students helping out Habitat for Humanity, Au Pairs preparing meals at the Ronald McDonald House, or Work and Travel participants helping kids with life-threatening illnesses through Give Kids the World Village Week. We encourage everyone to think of something that resonates with you and make a difference!  Every person counts!