How You May Volunteer with Medical Teams International
While many people who volunteer with Medical Teams International (MTI) provide medical and dental care, you don’t have to be a doctor, nurse or dentist to help. The organization helps people in poverty, many who are victims of disaster, in 72 countries throughout the world.
My son, Gabe, and I are traveling to Guatemala this March to build cook stoves for people in a small village. We are not medical providers, nor carpenters, yet MTI says we will be great help to these people.
Ways You can Volunteer with MTI
To volunteer with MTI, you must be able to pay for your travel. Yet, there are often opportunities to help people in the United States – including Oregon and Washington – which may be more affordable for some. Families can volunteer together, as Gabe and I are doing in Guatemala this March, but volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
If you would like to travel with MTI, groups go to disaster areas and communities in Africa, Asia, Eurasia and Latin America. In many cases, if you are able to show kindness, use a shovel or have other basic skills, you will be much help on these missions.
People Needed to Sort and Pack Supplies
Likewise, you may help locally by sorting, packing and shipping medicine and supplies in one of the MTI distribution centers. MTI says this help allowed the organization to ship over $133 million in medicine and supplies last year. This help went to more than 1.8 million people in 66 countries. The organization also delivers medical and personal hygiene supplies to 70 social service agencies in the Pacific Northwest.
If you, your family or your classroom would like to help MTI, go to their website to find your local contact person and how you can apply as a volunteer.
I will share my and my son’s experience with you after we travel to Guatemala for spring break.
Happy New Year!