The History of Involvement Volunteers Association Inc. (IVI) started in 1989, with seven volunteers from the UK volunteering in Australia. Under the passion and vision of Mr Tim B Cox, IVI pioneered the concept of volunteering abroad. Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury, Tim traveled the globe in search of worthwhile partnerships with local NGO’s forging relationships which are utilized to this day.
IVI is an Australian based non-profit international volunteer organization. We partner with local organizations, host families and aid agencies from all over the globe. With over 27 years of service you can trust our programs meet strict quality guidelines. Our programs cater to a variety of gap years, students, graduates, travelers, corporate professionals, groups, retirees and disaster relief parties catering to a multitude of needs, budgets and experiences.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide life purpose and fulfillment to anyone called to serve who wants to experience the real world far away from tourist beaches & resorts. We want to provide every volunteer with a challenging, rewarding and life changing experience.
Cost effective volunteering
IVI fees paid do not support large marketing budgets, office space and staff payrolls. We’re well established and with long standing relationships we run at very low cost. We focus on supporting and empowering our local partners and affiliate organizations who have on the ground in depth knowledge of the area and the local needs. Our partners are trust worthy, passionate and instrumental in servicing the local communities. As a small organization, minimal bureaucracy ensures maximum benefit to the local communities. See what people have to say about our programs. IVI Reviews
Genuine Local Experience
‘Involvement’ volunteering is about helping the less fortunate due to circumstances beyond their control. That is such as age, background, upbringing and education that is not easy to appreciate without the introduction that can be bought by some and can only be achieved by others through their personal efforts. As an IVI volunteer, you are gaining access to something unique, authentic and real. It’s our goal to provide the type of experience that stays with you for a life time.
Safety
Travelling to another country and immersing yourself in the local culture can be a pretty daunting experience. While some areas inherently come with safety risks, you’ll find in the vast majority of cases, you will feel totally at home, safe and secure living with host families or in the volunteer centers. Our goal is to ensure your volunteering project is as safe as humanly possible. We only use reputable, trustworthy affiliates who we’ve known for years and can trust implicitly to ensure the well being for every IVI volunteer.
About Us
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| Brian “El Presendente” Brian’s passion exists in local business sustainability through agriculture and community development. As an experienced international volunteer in developing countries, Brian utilizes a masters degree in project management to develop new programs and oversea critical operations. | Lauren Volunteer Manager Lauren graduated from Harvard University with a Post grad Cert in Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster and has also completed a Masters of Marketing and Bachelor of Health Science. She has worked as a Clinical Nutritionist within Australia for the past 12 years using her expertise to set up health projects in Developing Communities. |
 | Tim B Cox IVI Founder As the founder and lifetime passionate supporter of global volunteerism, Tim provides an absolute wealth of knowledge and experience in international volunteering relations specializing in the provisions necessary to ensure volunteer safety and security while volunteering abroad. Now retired, Tim holds a position on the board and assists the operational team in an advisory and support capacity. |
 | Mr. Masi Project Manager Masi has been hosting volunteers and designing placements for over 20 years specializing in the South Pacific region. With an in depth understanding of the local needs and very strong relationships with various support & government agencies, he helps structure unique and worthwhile placements which truly benefit local communities providing a rich, unique and authentic experience for every volunteer. |
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| Mr. Dhirendra Project Manager Dhirendra brings unfailing energy, inspiration and experience with a vision to foster a bridge between rural India and rest of world. In addition to project management, his efforts have always been directed toward equipping youth with life-sustainable skills and vocational training. He utilities the good work of international volunteers to help build inter-cultural awareness and foster new ways of thinking to benefit the local communities. He runs several communication centers for local youth, enabling them to master communication skills and other important skills needed to keep up with the advancing “changes” affecting a post-modern globalized world. |
Involvement Volunteers International 
