Environmental Sustainability Volunteer Project in the USA - Philadelphia
Love nature and want to be an Environmental Sustainability volunteer in USA - Philadelphia? International Volunteer HQ’s Environmental Sustainability project is a great way for volunteers to get involved in conservation efforts helping the Delaware River and curbing pollution in Philadelphia. Volunteers gain practical sustainability and environmental experience and knowledge while assisting local initiatives that aim to mitigate the effects of population growth, increased development and climate change and make the city a healthier, safer and more environmentally sustainable place to live.
Highlights:
- Programs start every Monday
- Affordable fees from $625 for 1 week
- Includes accommodation, daily breakfast, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
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Help tackle climate change and promote sustainability
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Try Philadelphia’s famous cheesesteak
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Stay with other volunteers close to the Liberty Bell
Who is this program suited to?
Key information
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
As a result of the US government’s deregulation of air pollution protections, drilling and extraction, emissions resulting from increased manufacturing, and accelerated climate change, Philadelphia is suffering from a rapid increase of pollution. This has not only affected the people who live there, but also local ecosystems within urban areas, parks, and more recently the Delaware River.
The city has started to make progress tackling its pollution problem, with the Delaware River being named 2020 River of the Year and a resurgence of wildlife thanks to restoration efforts. But there is still much to be done. Volunteering on the Environmental Sustainability program is a highly rewarding way to experience this beautiful place while protecting its delicate ecosystems.
As an Environmental Sustainability volunteer you will be based in community gardens, public parks, urban farms, and other outdoor spaces which you will help clean up and make environmentally sustainable. You will assist with nature conservation efforts such as:
- Recycling
- The removal of invasive species
- Promoting the use of green spaces
- Planting trees
- River clean-ups
- Environmental education
It’s important to note this project predominantly involves working outside and you should keep this in mind for the time of year you are choosing to volunteer. You should come prepared for the seasonal weather and be particularly aware that winter in Philadelphia can be very cold.
Why do Environmental Sustainability volunteering in Philadelphia with IVHQ?
As an Environmental Sustainability volunteer in Philadelphia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping conserve and protect the natural and urban environment
- Supporting sustainable living education and efforts
- Learning about the effects of climate change
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining sustainability experience
- Explore Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
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”This experience was definitely the most humbling experience that I have had so far in my life. New Orleans has amazing people, rich culture and I was blessed to have an awesome placement. The host family and staff were helpful, always attentive, helpful and nice.”
Glenda Serfaty, American , 51
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Location
The IVHQ USA - Philadelphia volunteer program has placements in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania. As the famous birthplace of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, this cultural melting pot will allow you to dive deeper and gain an authentic insight by working alongside local people and supporting community-driven projects. Make sure you don’t leave without trying a mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak or visiting the famous Liberty Bell. Whether you are looking for short term volunteer opportunities, or longer volunteer vacations in the USA, the IVHQ Philadelphia volunteer program can support you to make a positive difference while experiencing everything that this iconic city has to offer.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday. Volunteers need to arrive in Philadelphia on the Sunday before orientation day.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). You’ll be greeted at the airport by a representative of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee if you arrive on the Sunday before your program start date. Pickups are made between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, and volunteers must arrive during this period. If you can only arrive after 8:00 PM, you will need to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation.
If you are traveling in Philadelphia prior to your volunteer program, our local team can arrange for you to be picked up in the Philadelphia CBD area on Sunday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM . Alternatively, you can choose to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation.
Orientation is hosted by our Philadelphia team at the volunteer accommodation. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs all day. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Philadelphia. It includes an introduction to Philadelphia, reflection on the importance of volunteering, code of conduct and expectations, transportation and safety instructions, and an overview of the week. Volunteers travel to the volunteer project sites and take a brief tour of the surrounding area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
Your first day of volunteering in the USA is taken up by a program orientation, which includes a visit to your project placement to meet the staff you’ll be working with.
Weekdays
Volunteer schedules are varied based on the organization you’re placed with and the time of year. A volunteer schedule may look like this:
| 7:30 AM | Self-serve breakfast at the volunteer accommodation. |
| 8:00 - 9:00 AM | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch break. |
| 1:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the project usually ends between these times. Use your free time to either travel back home, sightsee or do some shopping. |
Evenings
Free to use as you wish. Most volunteers head out together to get dinner and enjoy the city.
Weekends
Take the time to explore the city and its history by visiting spots like the National Museum of American Jewish History, African American Museum, Franklin Square, Race Street Pier, and Spruce Street Harbor Park. You’ll definitely want to check out an ice hockey or basketball game featuring two of the most famous teams in America: the Philadelphia Flyers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
New York City is also just 1.5 hours northeast by train and makes for a great long weekend.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style public hostel in the heart of Philadelphia, just steps away from the famous Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, and a few blocks west of the Delaware River. The location provides easy access to nearby shopping and food stores.
You should expect basic dormitory style accommodation. Rooms are mixed gender and you could share a room with up to 16 other 115,000. Bedrooms are comprised of bunk beds with bedding provided but you will need to bring your own towel.
The accommodation has shared bathroom facilities equipped with western toilets and showers. Staff clean the accommodation throughout the week; however, volunteers are required to do their own dishes and to keep their rooms tidy.
The accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen, library, common area, an indoor games and billiards room and a TV. There are a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, supermarkets, and pharmacies in close proximity to the accommodation, not to mention many tourist sites being within a short walking distance.
The accommodation is equipped with WiFi for you to use. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone to access the internet.
Private rooms, if desired, can be booked after you have registered for the program, subject to availability and an additional cost.
Meals
Philadelphia is home to the world-famous Philly Cheesesteak and Hoagie and you’ll be able to treat yourself to many local delicacies during your stay.
Volunteers are provided with breakfast foods delivered to the hostel. Volunteers will be able to choose from foods including cereal, granola, toast, eggs, fresh fruit.
Volunteers are responsible for their own lunches and dinners, but with no shortage of delicious food options in the city, you’re sure to find a wide range of food, specific to your personal taste. You may also prepare your own meals using the fully equipped kitchen available at the hostel.
Volunteers are expected to do their own dishes after each meal so please be prepared and willing to do this.
Pricing
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $625 Equivalent to $90/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,050 Equivalent to $75/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,385 Equivalent to $66/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,755 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,065 Equivalent to $59/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,375 Equivalent to $57/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,970 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,580 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 12 weeks | $4,155 Equivalent to $50/day |
- Accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Airport pick-up
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteering
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of $299 in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, some meals, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Philadelphia generally find US$200 - US$300 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as lunches and dinners, and local tours and activities.
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Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Protecting against COVID-19:
Volunteers tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of travel
Health & safety information provided during orientation
Strict disinfecting standards for programs & accomodation
Greater physical distance between volunteers
Essential city information
| City | Philadelphia |
| Population | 1.58 Million |
| Languages | English |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Time zone | GMT-05:00 Eastern Standard Time |
Weather and climate
Philadelphia’s east coast location means that the climate is warm and humid in the summer, while cold and windy in the winter. July is the hottest month in Philadelphia with an average temperature of 87°F (30.5°C) and the coldest month is January at 40°F (4°C), though it can get down as low as -3°C (26°F). Philadelphia is partly cloudy year round, with the most daily sunshine hours at 15 in June. The wettest month is September with an average of 89mm of rain.
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