Volunteer

Volunteer with SHI

SHI is always looking for passionate people to help with a variety of items. Some opportunities include helping with events, daily administrative tasks, and working with overseas staff on special projects.

To learn more about our current opportunities Contact us or call (319) 352-4040

Join a cultural immersion trip

Come with us on one of our trips to meet the people we serve. Upcoming trips:

• Ghana – 2025

Share your skills abroad

Periodically, Self-Help will offer extended trips to those who have a specific skill and are interested in sharing that work with our staff members in Nicaragua or Ghana. To learn more about travel opportunities, Contact us or call (319) 352-4040.

Become an Intern:

Self-Help domestic internships require a 12-week commitment. Students interning for Self-Help may receive academic credit with partnering colleges and universities. Internships are unpaid. We encourage students to seek funding through their school and individual fundraising. Internship locations include U.S. headquarters in Waverly, IA, and Des Moines, IA.

Current U.S. positions available:

• Graphic Design Intern
• Communications Intern

Learn more Contact us or call (319) 352-4040.

Become an ambassador: Advocate for those we serve by speaking to churches and civic groups in your community and around Iowa and across the country about how they can join in our mission to alleviate hunger.

Host a house party: Excited about the work of Self-Help and want to share it with your friends? Host a house party — whether it’s coffee and dessert or a full on meal —to teach others while having some fun! Iowa residents are encouraged to request a Self-Help Staff member to join, and they will happily present to your friends.

Attend an upcoming event: Our list of events is growing. Check them out!

Request a speaker: Wanting to engage your community around you? Whether it be at a library, church, school, civic group, or home, a Self-Help staff member can speak at your event. Request one here (put in link to contact us form)

Become a fundraiser: Are you a motivated self-starter? Host a fundraiser online or in your own community! To learn more about how you can spread the word, Contact us by clicking her(insert link to contact us page) or call (319) 352-4040.

Join a community that is dedicated to making a difference in the world. Help us carry out our mission to alleviate hunger by helping people help themselves. Whether you are looking to spend a few hours a week with administrative tasks, help plan events,or advise our teams abroad we have a way to put your passion into action.

• Connect with passionate volunteers dedicated to empowering communities around the globe
• Gain hands-on experience in fields like agriculture, education, microfinance, and healthcare
• Use your skills to contribute to initiatives that improve food security, economic opportunity, and health
• Grow your cultural understanding and community-building by working with diverse, global communities
• Be part of an organization dedicated to grassroots solutions and sustainable development goals
• Witness the positive change your contributions bring to the communities we serve, firsthand