In the Netherlands, The Hague is host to the United Nations alongside 2,000 charities and volunteer organizations. This week, the voluntourism spotlight introduces PEP, the main hub for organizing all the volunteer efforts throughout The Hague. The Hague and PEP are a great example of a city recognizing a need in the community and taking proactive steps to solve it. Learn more about their work in this weekend’s broadcast of Peter Greenberg Worldwide and check back every Wednesday for more voluntourism opportunities.

The Hague is a city of the International Court of Justine, foreign embassies, and a host of the United Nations. The city is also home to over 2000 charities that rely heavily on volunteers. To fill the need, The Hague formed an organization called Participation Emancipation Professionals (PEP). PEP was created from the merger of four foundations in Hague; The Central Information CIPO Elderly, COURT Promotion Hague Volunteering, Importante project for female ambition, and care-giving Hague. These groups have all joined forces to make one super volunteer organization that provides information, advice, and volunteer placement.

PEP also welcome’s every type of volunteer offering them access to non-profit organizations, companies, and community leaders. For US-based travelers, this is a good opportunity for long-term volunteer work and a sustained commitment.

The Hague is making it as easy as possible for volunteers to get involved offering travel reimbursement, credits for students, training opportunities, and a volunteer pass that offers discounts and free tickets for performances.

If you’re interested in being considered as a volunteer, fill out a profile on the PEP website in the PEP Talent Bank where you list your motivation for volunteering as well as the skills you have to offer. Volunteer organizations will then contact you when you fit an opening.

By Laura Lee Jurgens