The following is a list of selected nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations that provide volunteer opportunities in a variety of countries to allow you to give back and address global concerns.

EARTHWATCH
Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization that brings science to life for people concerned about the Earth's future. Founded in 1971, Earthwatch supports scientific field research by offering volunteers the opportunity to join research teams around the world. This unique model is creating a systematic change in how the public views science and its role in environmental sustainability. Today, Earthwatch recruits close to 4,000 volunteers every year to collect field data in the areas of rainforest ecology, wildlife conservation, marine science, archaeology, and more. $660 - $3,000, plus airfare.
www.earthwatch.org

GLOBAL VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer opportunities abound in your community, but if you prefer to think of yourelf as a citizen of the world, why not spend your next vacation helping your distant countrymen? Global Volunteers offers one-to three-week all inclusive prorgams in 20 countries. You can teach English, care for orpahned children, build houses or work conservation of health-care projects. $750-$2,750, plus airfare.
www.globalvolunteers 

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF VOLUNTEERS 2001 http://www.iyv2001.org

With its main objectives of increased recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion of volunteering, the International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV) provides a unique opportunity to highlight the achievements of the millions of volunteers worldwide and to encourage more people globally to engage in volunteer activity.

UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS http://www.unvolunteers.org

The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is the volunteer arm of the United Nations. It was created by the UN General Assembly in 1970 to serve as an operational partner in development cooperation at the request of UN member states. It reports to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and works through UNDP's country offices around the world.

UNITED WAY INTERNATIONAL http://www.uwint.org

A nonprofit organization whose purpose is to strengthen communities and improve lives around the world. By mobilizing local people and companies to give time and money and by helping local charities become more effective, United Way organizations in 41 countries outside the U.S. help create long-term solutions to local human needs.