[arrakeenrevived]

Some of these postings are indeed asking a lot, but I don't think this specific one is that crazy. It's essentially an opportunity to live out in the wilderness and go hiking regularly, with free housing provided in exchange for maintenance and rescue work. I know a lot of outdoors enthusiasts that would love to do that. Hell, I know a lot of outdoors enthusiasts that would probably do it without the free housing, or even pay out of pocket to do it (see also: PCT or Appalachian Trail hikers).

[waveBidder]

not exactly what I'd describe as volunteering though.

[bruce511]

I'm going to suggest a new term here - "context dissonance". This occurs when you see something, and because it doesn't apply to your context, you can't imagine it applying to any context.

For example, you use Linux, and can't understand why anyone would use Windows. Or you're a work-from-home fan and can't understand why some people want to work in an office, or why management might need it.

Or, as in thus case, if you work primarily for money the idea of a job that pays in something other than money seems exploiting.

Whereas, of course, there are lots of people who have enough money to meet their needs, and are instead looking for something else. Solitude, Community, Experience and so on.

I don't say this to be disrespectful at all, but part of maturing is in understanding that others can have a different point of view of things. We don't all have to be the same, with the same goals.

These are unpaid positions, with specific requirements and benefits. Clearly they don't sppareal to you and thats fine, but perhaps, just perhaps, there's someone out there this is perfect for.

[sharkweek]

I can’t do it right now (young family, work responsibilities) but if I’m fortunate enough to retire at a reasonable age and am in good health, I 100% plan on doing these extended volunteering opportunities with NPS or other similar more localized efforts.

There are so many things I complain about in the US but our national parks and the services that make them accessible are not one of them.

I truly believe capital E everyone benefits from spending time in nature, and want to find ways to support this however I can. I really appreciate the feelings I get after extended periods of time in the woods/mountains.

[nonrandomstring]

> "context dissonance"

I like that and think it fits here.

Some people can't imagine picking up litter or caring for the elderly as anything but torture and humiliation. For others, the chance to do it, to feel valued is what makes life. Context might be that you became unemployed and just got sick of seeing garbage in your street.

During the pandemic cabin fever drove me out to do volunteering at the church and vaccine drop-ins.

I volunteered a lot in my 20s. Homeless patrols handing out blankets etc. The typical "Kibbutznik" doesn't go to dig soil expecting it to be a picnic, but to satisfy a bunch of other drives. At a certain age you have a ton of energy, a desire to meet people, and the world you know seems too small.

Of course that's always a good recruitment chance for armies, but I was taken with William James' "Moral equivalent of war", at least the abstract ideas and insightful social psychology. There are thousands of environmental and rebuilding projects that need doing - but won't get done - because it falls outside the realm of "capital".

The problem is when profitable interests and corporate workflows intersect with altruistic labour supply. It's obvious the most cynical sort of exploitation is afoot. Many large organised charities suffer from being poisoned that way, I've heard.

I guess before volunteering for an org these days one should do a lot of diligence, check out who runs things, who they're associated with, and whose ethics are behind whet you see on face value.

[apwell23]

yea thats more like barter

[lazyasciiart]

No. It’s a legal status that says you will perform work for a registered nonprofit and they will cover some of the costs you incur, but you will not come out materially/financially ahead.

[rocket_surgeron]

There are some people for who this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

PSAR volunteers are also called Trailhead Stewards and people who care a lot about the environment and the health and safety of people flock to these positions. You get training, accommodation that is impossible to obtain otherwise, and experience. There is almost always a waiting list for trailhead stewards.

I’m a watershed steward so I spend a ludicrous number of hours poking around storm drains, parking lots, and streams, writing and giving presentations, compiling reports, and wrangling volunteers for cleanup and drainage projects all in exchange for $0.00.

I like sailing and swimming and fishing and I want my local rivers and bays to be clean. If I liked hiking in the mountains I’d probably be a trailhead steward.

Here’s a video with some psar volunteers: https://www.flickr.com/photos/grand_canyon_nps/51252679717/i...

[waveBidder]

steward definitely feels like a more appropriate term, seems awesome though. I don't mean to knock it