Travel With Purpose: California

As technology connects communities across the planet, our sense of being a global village, part of one big precious planet, grows. Today many travelers hope to serve in the places they visit, looking for insight into foreign cultures and a greater sense of purpose as they journey. Over the past decades, an expanding list of international tour companies have responded to travelers’ desire to contribute positively in the regions they visit. Earthwatch provides opportunities to participate in scientific research projects, GoEco sets up volunteer teaching experiences in underdeveloped rural communities and Enkosini Eco Experience offers hands-on work at a Baboon Sanctuary in South Africa. 

“Voluntourism” is on the rise globally, but what about locally? There’s much to be said about taking care of our own state as we explore and enjoy it. Here in California some of the most picturesque destinations — Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Carmel, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, San Diego — are also perfect places to volunteer, helping to preserve the breathtaking natural environments we cherish and the local communities that support us during our travels. 

There are hundreds of organizations, large and small, dedicated to protecting, preserving and cleaning up the Golden State. In fact, in 2019 California appointed a Chief Service Officer to promote coordinated civic and environmental engagement through the office of California Volunteers. Below we offer links to short-term volunteer opportunities for travelers in some of the most popular spots in Northern, Central and Southern California. This list includes ways for visitors to contribute in four different realms: wildlife and ecological restoration; ocean and waterway protection and cleanup; feeding the hungry and community support; and regenerative agriculture.