Volunteer Program Cost I AMURT Volunteer Handbook
VOLUNTEER WITH AMURT - HAITI
International volunteers make the work of AMURT – Haiti possible, as they assist us to create, develop and implement our projects. In turn, AMURT – Haiti seeks to provide volunteers with a variety of experiences to enrich their personal and professional growth. AMURT involves volunteers in roles identified as organizational needs that are also a good match for their skills and interests. Our hope is that all volunteer experiences at AMURT will be mutually beneficial: that our volunteers will have an amazing experience and their efforts will truly benefit this community.
AMURT – Haiti follows a philosophy of decentralized and community-based functioning, so international volunteers get numerous opportunities to emerge themselves in the unique culture of the Northwest of Haiti. Volunteers enjoy the chance to learn rapidly Creole and integrate fully within the local communities.
 Northwest Haiti is marked by a unique beauty and isolation. The highlights for many volunteers include the hot springs of Source Chaudes (Sous Chod) where the AMURT base is located, the cool oasis of Tite Plas, the beaches of Ti Anse and Anse Rouge, the rare untouched tranquility of the village of Trassael (where AMURT has a guest house perched on the top of a mountain), the opportunity for interaction with people living in this community, the collective life-style, the volunteer spirit and the simplicity of life. The conditions tend to be very basic, with some volunteers even choosing to camp out next to the springs or just sleep under the open sky. And, in the evenings, there are often spontaneous yoga sessions, films, walks, Pictionary/game evenings, collective meditation, etc.
Many volunteers also admit that this experience has proven to be one of the most challenging in their lives, as they are working and living in an environment void of certain amenities taken for granted in the developed world. In addition, the work-flow of the various projects tends to be quite demanding. As one volunteer shared, "I often had a feeling that I was participating in a Survivor reality show, less competitive because of the volunteer spirit, yet very demanding and challenging at times. I had worked in a ER before, and thought that had prepared me for the intensity of the Haiti experience. Little did I know. It was a time to grow and confront that which you are uncomfortable with, and come to terms with that which makes you incomplete."
We have come to believe that when we unite the local community, AMURT staff and volunteers, no force can stop the power of our creative collective mind and our desire for self-realization and service for humanity. See the links above for more information about AMURT’s volunteer program. If you have questions about volunteering at AMURT – Haiti, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope you will consider joining us in our effort.
GET STARTED!: Email info@amurthaiti.org to receive instructions for filing a volunteer application.
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