Discover our new personalized Volunteer Opportunities!

Are you eager to visit us and make a difference? Look no further! We've created exciting new volunteer experiences tailored just for you. Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, these opportunities promise to transform your life while leaving a lasting impact on the families we support. Your help is vital!

Rest assured, ODIM prioritizes safety as we carry out community support actions that create real and sustainable change for families. But that's not all! For the adventurous souls, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in Lake Atitlan's wonders through kayaking, hiking, weaving, birding, and more. Delve into Maya culture and learn more about local coffee or bees, all while experiencing nature and culture on deep levels. Meanwhile, gain insights into the challenges faced by our local rural communities and contribute to social impact through ODIM programs—side by side with the Maya community!

ODIM is one of the best run organizations of its kind that I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen many. The care, passion, and love of their staff for the people of Guatemala is infectious. If your group is considering work with them, do it! It will change your life, and connect you with the beauty of the indigenous Maya. You will work alongside them, and you and they will be changed.
— Rev. Eric Folkerth, Dallas Texas

Here's a special video from a group that shares just how rewarding the experience can be!


Explore our Opportunities

  • Build a better life for families… Literally! As a Home Improvement Team member, you and a group will install efficient wood-burning stoves and provide water filters for Maya families in San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna. These high-impact installations are crucial in reducing respiratory and digestive problems caused by contaminated air and water. Our typical construction volunteers come as part of teams who stay in Guatemala for seven to ten days and build between 10-16 stoves a week, giving you the opportunity to be of maximum service.

    The work can be physically challenging, especially due to the elevation (Lake Atitlán is at 5,125 feet) and the heat of the Guatemalan sun. However, there are jobs for people of all physical abilities. No construction experience? No problem! Our trained staff will guide you through the process, allowing you to make lasting changes in homes and lives.

  • Join us in our mission to provide high-quality healthcare to underserved rural communities! ODIM operates two medical clinics and a dental clinic, all of which are designed to meet the specific needs of the community members. Many of these individuals face chronic health issues, and we need your help to make a difference in their lives. Whether you're part of a group or flying solo, you will have the opportunity to use your medical expertise to give back and promote healing. You will work in our clinics, alongside our supportive local staff, who will be eager to learn from you.

    Experience the genuine warmth and appreciation of the people you serve as you help them to improve their health and well-being. Every person with medical skills is welcome to come! Individuals without medical skills who come with a medical team can support the medical team in other ways.

  • We are happy to welcome volunteers who can join us for a day, a week, or even several months. At ODIM, you can develop your skills by participating in our different programs -All while enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Atitlán. If you can speak Spanish and have the desire to make a difference, we would love to have you on board!

    To participate in this opportunity, you will need to raise $1,000 during your time with us, this will directly help the program of your choice. But don't worry, we will provide you with all the necessary assistance to help you achieve this goal.

  • ODIM is able to accept a small number of long-term individual volunteers. We ask for a minimum commitment of one month, however we prefer commitments of three months or longer. Since our programming is focused on health and education, we can accept volunteers who have experience in those fields. Medical professionals are of especially high need and are encouraged to inquire if interested.

    Being proficient in Spanish is also a requirement, as we are unable to provide a translator. If you meet our requirements and are interested in volunteering with us, please contact us.

For more information on volunteering with ODIM, check out the Volunteer FAQ page, or email our Volunteer Coordinator at odim.volunteercoordinator@gmail.com