Volunteering in Barcelona
Summary: Getting involved through volunteering is a fantastic way to build connections in Barcelona. Here are some organizations where you can lend a hand.
Volunteering in Barcelona, is an excellent way for expats to immerse themselves in the local culture, improve their language skills, and make meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. By dedicating your time to a cause that resonates with you, you'll have the opportunity to interact with locals and other expats, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Moreover, volunteering can provide a unique perspective on the city's social and environmental issues, allowing you to contribute positively to Barcelona's development. Here are some organizations where you might be interested in volunteering:
Fundació Banc dels Aliments de Barcelona
The Fundació Banc dels Aliments de Barcelona is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger and food waste. Volunteers help with food collection, sorting, and distribution to those in need. To get involved, you can register on their website and sign up for available shifts. The time commitment varies, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: bancdelsaliments.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Barcelona
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 3-4 hours per shift
Casal dels Infants
Casal dels Infants is an organization that supports vulnerable children, youth, and families through educational, cultural, and leisure activities. Volunteers can assist with homework, lead workshops, or participate in mentoring programs. To become a volunteer, you'll need to attend an information session and complete a training course. The time commitment is generally a few hours per week.
Website: casaldelsinfants.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Barcelona
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Amics de la Gent Gran
Amics de la Gent Gran focuses on improving the quality of life for the elderly by providing companionship and support. Volunteers can participate in home visits, cultural outings, or intergenerational activities. After completing a registration form and attending an interview, volunteers can choose their level of commitment, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: amicsdelagentgran.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Barcelona
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 1-2 hours per week
Fundació Formació i Treball
The Fundació Formació i Treball works to promote social and labor integration for people at risk of social exclusion. Volunteers can assist with language classes, job training workshops, or mentoring programs. To get involved, you can contact the organization directly and express your interest in volunteering. The time commitment varies depending on the specific program.
Website: formacioitreball.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Barcelona
Time Commitment: Varies by program
Fundació Arrels
Fundació Arrels is dedicated to helping homeless people in Barcelona by providing accommodation, food, and support services. Volunteers can assist with meal preparation and distribution, accompany individuals to appointments, or participate in awareness-raising campaigns. To become a volunteer, you'll need to attend an information session and complete a registration form. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: arrelsfundacio.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Barcelona
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 3-4 hours per shift
Associació Catalana pels Drets Civils
The Associació Catalana pels Drets Civils promotes and defends civil rights and freedoms in Catalonia. Volunteers can assist with legal support, advocacy campaigns, or educational workshops. To get involved, you can contact the organization directly and express your interest in volunteering. The time commitment varies depending on the specific project or campaign.
Website: dretscivils.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Barcelona
Time Commitment: Varies by project
Fundació Catalunya Voluntària
Fundació Catalunya Voluntària is an organization that promotes volunteering and connects volunteers with various non-profits in Catalonia. They offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities, from environmental conservation to social services. To get involved, you can register on their website and browse available opportunities. The time commitment varies depending on the specific organization and role.
Website: catalunyavoluntaria.cat
Location(s): Various locations throughout Catalonia
Time Commitment: Varies by organization and role
Fundació Oceanogràfic
The Fundació Oceanogràfic is dedicated to conserving marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of the oceans. Volunteers can assist with environmental education workshops, beach clean-ups, or research projects. To become a volunteer, you can contact the organization directly and express your interest in their programs. The time commitment varies depending on the specific project or event.
Website: oceanografic.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Barcelona
Time Commitment: Varies by project
Creu Roja Joventut
Creu Roja Joventut is the youth branch of the Red Cross in Catalonia, focusing on promoting humanitarian values and social action among young people. Volunteers can participate in various projects, including first aid training, awareness campaigns, or educational workshops. To get involved, you can contact the organization directly and express your interest in volunteering. The time commitment varies depending on the specific project or event.
Website: creuroja.cat/joventut/
Location(s): Various locations throughout Catalonia
Time Commitment: Varies by project
Fundació Pare Manel
The Fundació Pare Manel works to improve the lives of children and young people at risk of social exclusion through educational, cultural, and leisure activities. Volunteers can assist with homework, lead workshops, or participate in mentoring programs. To become a volunteer, you'll need to attend an information session and complete a training course. The time commitment is generally a few hours per week.
Website: paremanel.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Barcelona
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Amics de la Terra
Amics de la Terra is an environmental organization that promotes sustainable development and conservation of natural resources. Volunteers can participate in various campaigns, such as waste reduction, renewable energy promotion, or advocacy for sustainable policies. To get involved, you can contact the organization directly and express your interest in volunteering. The time commitment varies depending on the specific campaign or project.
Website: amicsdelaterra.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Catalonia
Time Commitment: Varies by campaign
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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