With only a few exceptions, the essays on the program with which Shine a light collaborates include email addresses and the name of someone whom you should contact. All programs essays include at least an address and phone number.
We suggest that you make the first contact through email, allowing the programs to reply to you inexpensively. Though it may seem intimidating, we suggest that you write the introductory letter in Spanish or Portuguese -- even if it is full of errors, the volunteer coordinators will appreciate your effort. Some program directors read English, so you may append a translation if that makes you feel more comfortable.
The introduction letter should include the following information:
- What interests you about the organization
- The dates during which you would like to volunteer and the amount of time you could give on a daily basis
- Your interests, skills, and educational level -- how you can contribute to the organization.
- Reference to your ability with the language
- Some details about yourself
- How you heard about the organization
Very few organizations will be able to help you financially (with housing, food, or transport), and the exceptions are often listed in the program essays. If you will need some support, please include this information in the introduction letter; if you do not, you should also mention that fact so that the organization need not worry about its financial obligations.
We would greatly appreciate it if you cc this letter to info@shinealight.org; it helps us to know if prospective volunteers have been able to take advantage of our website.
Move on to Step III: Waiting...
