Welcome to your Indigo Volunteer Hub
Our Volunteering Values
We directly and efficiently connect volunteers with humanitarian organisations
Indigo Volunteers is a charity connecting volunteers with humanitarian organisations working along Europe’s migratory routes.
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Our mission is to amplify the impact of our humanitarian partners through volunteer connections, well-being support, and organisational development. Indigo currently supports 45+ grassroots organisations, working with refugee and migrant communities across the Greek islands and mainland, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Moldova, the UK, Slovakia, Lebanon, Cyprus and France.
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Our stance We believe volunteer opportunities should be ethical, sustainable and effective. For this reason, we vet our partners, prepare volunteers, and do not charge our volunteers any fee for our services.
Responsible Volunteering
When you volunteer through Indigo Volunteers you are working with grassroots organisations that need your support and expertise.
For us, responsible Volunteering is centred around the needs, preferences and aspirations of the recipient communities. It focuses on sustainable solutions rooted in collaboration between volunteers, organisations and those whom they support. Responsible volunteering nurtures the safety and wellbeing of all parties and acknowledges their inherent human worth.
We ask you to commit yourself to volunteering responsibly.
This includes doing research before your placement, following the guidelines and rules set out by the organisation you’re joining and performing tasks assigned to you to the best of your ability.
The Matching Process
You can expect a Fee Free matching process
Apply using our application form
After you apply, Indigo starts searching for organisations you may be able to support. When possible, we try to connect volunteers with 1 to 3 host organisations.
Bonus info 🤓
On average, this step takes from 2 to 10 working days.
Indigo will be there to support you before, during and after your placement
Even after you find your “match” and begin your placement, Indigo will always be one email away! While you are volunteering you may struggle, witness an incident, or simply feel that you need support and guidance - Indigo has designated services on wellbeing support of volunteers, various training opportunities and a thorough complaints process. Please know that you will be able to reach Indigo at any time for any of the above before, during or after your volunteering experience.
Our volunteering values
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Volunteer Responsibly
Delivering effective humanitarian aid is not easy but prioritising the needs, preferences and aspirations of those we serve allows us to maximise our positive impact.
“With Indigo, I saw a focus on what benefits the people in need the most.”
- Mathias, Indigo Volunteer
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Lead on your own learning
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Stay flexible
Prior to your placement, it’s important to read up on the refugee crisis and learn about the specific communities you may be volunteering in. Research prepares you for your experiences and makes it easier for you to support and prioritise those you are helping. Once you sign up, we will share a list of helpful resources to kickstart the learning process.
“I used all the resources that were on Indigo, in the end it was very useful.”
- Alice, Indigo Volunteer
Considering the dynamic environment our partners often find themselves in, it's important to stay flexible, present, and available. Your skills may be the perfect fit for an organisation or project you hadn't originally considered. Perhaps the project you join will need to account for some unforeseen circumstance. Whatever the case, an open mind is your greatest tool in making a meaningful contribution.
“If you have expectations, leave them behind you. See, observe, listen before you make up your mind in the first weeks.”
- Lara, Indigo Volunteer
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Communicate effectively
Many of our partners have limited time and resources to run their projects. They feel just as excited about volunteering as you do but it's important to stay conscious of their time. Be proactive in asking questions and try to respond to their messages in a timely manner so that the process is efficient for both parties. For those volunteering remotely, a focus on regular, clear and proactive communication is vital for a successful placement.
“By applying to Indigo, everything flowed smoothly and I felt supported.”
- Inês, Indigo Volunteer
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Put your wellbeing first
Volunteering can be emotionally taxing. Make sure to regularly check in with yourself, talk to others about your experiences and make use of the resources we'll share with you along the way. If you feel that volunteering may have a negative impact on your mental health, please don't be afraid to communicate this and postpone your placement.
“I’d never really thought about having problems psychologically while volunteering. After the Indigo training, I felt more conscious of the impact on my mental welfare.”
- Mike, Indigo Volunteer
Have any questions?
We pride ourselves on providing quick and effective communication. Our coordination team is available to reply to your questions Monday through Friday, within 0-2 days from the moment you’ll reach out! Our communication takes place via email - for any questions or concerns please contact volunteer@indigovolunteers.org.