Independent Volunteer, which the Volunteer Logue profiled for the first time back in February, is still going strong, and I believe they have added more organizations since then. The site provides information on individual organizations worldwide which regularly need volunteers, and which charge either no fees or low ones. As these are small organizations, it’s quite normal for volunteers to pay for or make a contribution towards the cost of their accommodation or food. The organizations are not, however, placement organizations; you can read the guidelines for submission here, and if you represent an organization like this or know of one, why not get in touch.

A few samples of opportunities include:

• Switzerland:
  You’ll get through the sites better if you speak German, but there is one site with links to various organizations throughout Switzerland and another with information on a café which serves cheap food and drinks – and offers a meeting place – for people in difficult situations.
• Togo: Assist an organization which provides a varity of humanitarian services in Togo’s capital, Lome.

• US: Help gut houses and other facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina – while construction experience is helpful, all skill levels are needed; low cost shared housing is available for $50/week.

• Lithuania: take part in an environment and disability project in this country, clearing trails and helping ensure they are wheelchair accessible.