Discover examples of social impact and learn how to make positive change. Whether creating your own business or volunteering with other conscious travelers.
9min
Traveling can be more than just a fun adventure. It can also be an opportunity to make a positive impact in the world. As conscious travelers, we can use our skills and resources to good use by helping out with NGOs, schools, animal shelters, and other social projects.
One of the best ways to do this is through Worldpackers, a platform that connects travelers with local hosts who offer volunteer opportunities in exchange for accommodation and meals.
But there are also some seriously impressive organizations out there doing amazing things to create positive social impact. Checking them out might even inspire you to become a social entrepreneur yourself.
I’m a travel journalist from Brazil, and you can find more articles about destinations through local culture at @solanomundo. So let's learn a little more with the examples of social impact, be they through volunteering with Worldpackers, or through community initiatives and endeavors.
Social impact refers to the positive or negative effects on society resulting from actions, policies, or projects.
Positive examples include job creation, improved access to education and healthcare, reduced crime rates, environmental conservation efforts, and cultural preservation initiatives. But social impact can also mean negative consequences, such as increased inequality or displacement of communities.
The main topics of social impact cover a wide range of issues affecting society. These may include:
Let's take a closer look at social impact examples to see how people and organizations are making positive changes in the world. By understanding these examples, we can learn from their successes and challenges to help us with our own mission-driven efforts.
To unlock the power of social impact, it's essential to become mission-driven. This means focusing on creating positive change that aligns with your values and passions.
Start by identifying causes that resonate with you - be it climate change, social justice or supporting underserved communities .
In today's world, businesses are expected not only to generate profits but also contribute positively towards environmental, social, and governance factors (ESG).
As such, business owners must take charge of their company's sustainability initiatives by setting clear goals for reducing carbon emissions or promoting fair wages within their organization.
Doing so proactively, rather than reactively responding to market pressures is ideal. That can even help companies become more resilient in the long run.
Companies that prioritize creating jobs, especially for underprivileged individuals, contribute to the overall well-being of society.
By offering fair wages and stable work environments, these businesses help reduce poverty levels while promoting economic growth within their respective communities.
Many businesses have come to recognize the significance of including social effect activities in their fundamental beliefs, and they are taking steps to generate positive shifts in their environments.
Businesses are realizing that by concentrating on environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, they can help make a more lasting world while likewise improving their brand image.
Volunteering is an incredible way to make a difference in the world while also gaining valuable life experiences.
By becoming mission-driven and engaging in social impact programs, you can contribute to positive change and help address various environmental challenges faced by local communities.
Discovering the right volunteer opportunity for you, getting ready for your experience, and gaining knowledge from working on meaningful projects are all topics we will explore in this section. Here is how to find the best social impact volunteer positions:
To ensure a successful volunteer experience, it's crucial to prepare yourself both mentally and physically. Here are some tips on how to get ready for your social impact journey:
By following these steps, not only will you find fulfilling social impact opportunities, but also grow personally through unique experiences.
Worldpackers volunteers have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and abilities while engaging in activities that bring about advantageous transformation for communities all over the globe.
Non-profit entities are essential in dealing with major challenges like global warming, poverty reduction, and social equity. Worldpackers features numerous NGOs looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support their missions.
Educational institutions also offer volunteer opportunities aimed at promoting positive change within local communities.
As a volunteer teacher or mentor through Worldpackers' partner schools, you'll have the chance to share your knowledge with students from diverse backgrounds while learning about different cultures firsthand.
Besides NGOs and schools, Worldpackers also features a variety of other social impact positions that cater to different interests. Some examples include:
Eco-volunteering: Work on projects focused on environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture practices or wildlife protection. Examples include reforestation efforts in Costa Rica or organic farming initiatives in Thailand.
Community development: Help improve living conditions within underserved communities by working on infrastructure projects such as building homes or installing clean water systems.
Cultural exchange programs: Immerse yourself into another culture while teaching English abroad or participating in homestay experiences where you'll live with a local family during your volunteer placement period. This is an excellent opportunity for personal growth and cross-cultural understanding.
By volunteering with local organizations, you can learn about different cultures, make new friends, and contribute to local communities.
To get started, simply sign up for Worldpackers and browse the available volunteer opportunities. You can search by location, type of project, and duration of stay to find the perfect program for you -but I already did that for you. Here are some of the best Worldpackers volunteer programs opportunities to do social impact work:
This program is ideal for those who want to teach English to children from low-income families in rural areas of Vietnam.
Volunteers work with local teachers to develop lesson plans and teach English to children in kindergarten and primary school.
This program focuses on improving the quality of life for people in rural communities in Costa Rica. You can help as a Surf & Yoga instructor at a Surf Camp in Costa Rica.
Volunteers work on projects such as building homes, community centers, and schools, as well as promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism.
This program is perfect for animal lovers who want to work with rescued animals in Thailand. Volunteers help with feeding, cleaning, and caring for dogs on Koh Chang island.
This program is for those who want to work with NGOs in Brazil on projects related to education, health, and social welfare.
Volunteers can help with fundraising, event planning, social media, and other activities that support the NGO's mission.
This program is ideal for those who want to learn about sustainable farming practices and work on a farm in Portugal.
Volunteers help with tasks such as planting, harvesting, and caring for animals, while also learning about permaculture, agroforestry, and other sustainable farming methods.
An increasingly popular way businesses are making an impact on society is through impact investment. This approach involves allocating capital towards projects that generate both financial returns and measurable improvements.
By investing in ventures that address pressing social or environmental challenges, companies can help create a more sustainable future for all while still earning profits.
As a social entrepreneur, there are countless destinations around the world that can offer meaningful experiences to start.
From teaching English in Asia to working on community projects in South Africa, there is no shortage of opportunities to make a difference. Here are 7 of the best destinations to be a social impact volunteer around the world:
With its stunning beaches, rich culture, and friendly locals, Thailand is a popular destination for travelers seeking to make a difference. Volunteers can work with rescued animals, teach English, or help with community development projects.
One of the most popular Worldpackers volunteer opportunities in Thailand is at a dog shelter in Ko Chang District. Volunteers help with feeding, cleaning, and caring for dogs that have been rescued from the streets. In their free time, volunteers can explore the city's ancient temples, markets, and nightlife.
Known for its lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and commitment to sustainability, Costa Rica is a top destination for eco-conscious travelers. Volunteers can work on community development projects, promote sustainable agriculture, or teach English to local students.
One of the most popular Worldpackers volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica is at a sustainable farms. Volunteers help with tasks such as planting, harvesting, and caring for animals, while also learning about permaculture, agroforestry, and other sustainable farming methods. In their free time, volunteers can explore the country's stunning natural beauty, from beaches to volcanoes.
With its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant spirituality, India is a fascinating destination for volunteers who want to make a difference. Volunteers can work on projects related to education, health, and social welfare, or teach English to local students.
One of the most popular Worldpackers volunteer opportunities in India is at a school in Jaipur, where volunteers teach English to children. In their free time, volunteers can explore the city's colorful markets, historic palaces, and ancient forts.
With its vibrant music, dance, and culture, Brazil is a top destination for travelers who want to make a difference while experiencing the country's unique energy. Volunteers can work with NGOs on projects related to education, health, and social welfare.
One of the most popular Worldpackers volunteer opportunities in Brazil is at an NGO in Rio de Janeiro, where volunteers can help with fundraising, event planning, social media, and other activities that support the NGO's mission. In their free time, volunteers can explore the city's iconic landmarks, beaches, and nightlife.
With its stunning landscapes, delicious food, and friendly locals, Vietnam is a popular destination for volunteers who want to make a difference. Volunteers can teach English, work on community development projects, or help with animal rescue efforts.
One of the most popular Worldpackers volunteer opportunities in Vietnam is at a kindergarten in Hà Đông, where volunteers teach English to children. In their free time, volunteers can explore the city's historic temples, bustling markets, and delicious street food.
Known for its wildlife, beaches, and vibrant culture, Tanzania is a top destination for volunteers who want to make a difference in the country. Volunteers can work on community development projects, promote sustainable tourism, or teach English to local students.
One of the most popular Worldpackers volunteer opportunities in Tanzania is at a community center in Arusha, where volunteers can help with projects related to education, health, and social welfare. In their free time, volunteers can go on safari, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar.
Peru is also a great destination for social impact volunteers. Known for its vibrant culture, ancient history, and stunning landscapes, Peru offers a range of opportunities for volunteers who want to make a difference.
Volunteers can work on community development projects, teach English, or help with conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest. In their free time, volunteers can visit Machu Picchu, explore the colorful markets of Cusco, or take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Peruvian dishes.
Overall, Peru is a great destination for volunteers who want to immerse themselves in a rich and diverse culture while making a positive impact on the local community.
Making a difference in the world can be done through various social impact examples. From mission-driven work, social impact bonds and learning from working on projects with NGOs and schools or other organizations - there's no shortage of ways you can use your skills and talents to create meaningful change. Volunteer abroad programs can be highly transformative!
With Worldpackers, you have access to some of the best volunteer positions around the globe. So why not start now? Join Worldpackers to experience meaningful travel and make a positive impact on the world.