A+ Non-Profit

Sustainable Roots is one of the best international non-profits out there. I volunteered with them for six months after I graduated college and the experience changed my life forever.

I majored in International Development and through my classes quickly learned that not all International Non-Profits are created equal. Many cause more problems than they alleviate. However, Sustainable Roots is not that way. This program seeks sustainability by looking at the community's needs rather than trying to impose its own agenda and I think that's what makes it so effective.

One of the best things about volunteering with this program is how valuable your roll is in it. You're not just a useless participant, but a creative contributor helping to craft and execute its mission.

This is a program for people who are looking to be truly immersed in a culture, rather than just be a tourist.

This is a program for people who are looking to actually make a difference, rather than just collect an experience.

But that's not to say my experience was't full of adventures. Because it was full of too many to count. Full of zip-lining, rainforest trecking, food sampling, river touring, waterfall rappelling, cow milking, city scoping, hot springs soaking, volcano hiking, artisan shopping, bridge jumping, rock climbing, jungle camping, monkey meeting, and white-water rafting, But, most importantly, it was full of people. People with big hearts in a small town and I am forever grateful.