Members of the Greek diaspora planning a trip home this summer can fold service into the visit through THI Volunteer Connect, a platform run by The Hellenic Initiative that matches diaspora Greeks and philhellenes with vetted nonprofit organizations across Greece.
Visitors can browse open opportunities or request a custom placement tailored to their interests, skills, schedule, and location. The custom path suits travelers, fitting service into a vacation, sabbatical, or longer stay, with roles ranging from short-term placements to longer commitments, and both individual and group options available.
The searchable database covers cause areas across the social sector: advocacy and human rights, arts and culture, community, education, environment, health, migration and refugee support, social welfare, economic development, and diversity, equality, and inclusion. Listings can be filtered by individual or group activity, work type, season, and prefecture.
Current opportunities include:
- Creative writing and experiential nature activities for children with learning difficulties
- IT assistance for Make-A-Wish Greece
- Biodiversity monitoring with Terra Sylvestris on the Ionian island of Kalamos
- Administrative and fundraising support for ArtCinema Greece
- Humanitarian warehouse and community center work with the InterEuropean Human Aid Association (IHA) in Northern Greece
- Summer cleanups through Save Your Hood’s “All You Want Is a Clean Greece” campaign
- Social kitchen support for vulnerable families with Odyssea in Thessaloniki
Every organization on the platform is vetted by THI and HIGGS. According to THI Program Officer Vlassis Adraktas, the process includes interviews with organizational leadership, a review of financial documentation and audit reports, and a tailored accreditation that covers each organization’s governance, transparency, and effectiveness.
THI’s Board President, George P. Stamas, has described the diaspora’s most valuable contribution to Greece as “knowledge and experience,” rather than financial support. HIGGS co-founder Sotiris Petropoulos, whose organization developed and coordinates the platform, has called volunteering “the purest form of civic engagement” and says it strengthens Greece’s social fabric.
Nonprofits in Greece can also join the network to share their projects and reach diaspora Greeks and philhellenes who want to contribute. The aim is not only to support individual placements but to help Greek organizations expand their capacity by drawing on diaspora skills.
THI Volunteer Connect launched in November 2024 as part of The Hellenic Initiative’s broader effort to mobilize the global Greek community in support of Greece. Founded in 2012, THI has grown into the world’s largest Greek diaspora organization and has raised more than $37 million since its founding. The platform was developed in partnership with HIGGS (Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability), which supports nonprofit organizations and social-impact initiatives across Greece.
To learn more or browse current opportunities, visit thivolunteerconnect.org.