Bring Your Skills, Learn from Communities
Volunteering with KHOJ isn’t about being a savior—it’s about being a learner, a supporter, and an ally in community-led change.
Why Volunteer with KHOJ?
Meaningful Impact
Contribute to work that creates lasting change
Learn from Indigenous Communities
Community Forest Rights secured and managed
Rural Immersion
Experience life in Melghat, one of India’s most biodiverse regions
Personal Transformation
Many volunteers say their time in Melghat changed their worldview
Skill Development:
Legal work, education, community organizing, research, documentation
Volunteer Opportunities
Education Support
Work with children in our Bridge School—teaching, mentoring, developing educational materials.
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Skills: Teaching, patience, creativity
- Impact: Help children return to formal education
Legal & Documentation
Support communities in preparing Forest Rights claims, gathering documentation, filing RTI applications
- Duration: 2-6 months
- Skills: Legal knowledge helpful but not required, attention to detail, research skills
- Impact: Help families secure land rights
Media & Communications
Document our work through photography, videography, writing, and social media.
- Duration: 1-3 months
- Skills: Photography, video editing, writing, social media management
- Impact: Amplify community voices and increase visibility
Research & Policy
Conduct research on development issues, analyze policies, support advocacy efforts.
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Skills: Research, analysis, academic writing
- Impact: Strengthen evidence-based advocacy
Sustainable Agriculture
Support organic farming initiatives, document traditional practices, assist with market linkages.
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Skills: Agriculture knowledge helpful, willingness to learn
- Impact: Build sustainable livelihoods
Education Support
Work with children in our Bridge School—teaching, mentoring, developing educational materials.
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Skills: Teaching, patience, creativity
- Impact: Help children return to formal education
Legal & Documentation
Support communities in preparing Forest Rights claims, gathering documentation, filing RTI applications.
- Duration: 2-6 months
- Skills: Legal knowledge helpful but not required, attention to detail, research skills
- Impact: Help families secure land rights
Media & Communications
Document our work through photography, videography, writing, and social media.
- Duration: 1-3 months
- Skills: Photography, video editing, writing, social media management
- Impact: Amplify community voices and increase visibility
Research & Policy
Conduct research on development issues, analyze policies, support advocacy efforts.
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Skills: Research, analysis, academic writing
- Impact: Strengthen evidence-based advocacy
Sustainable Agriculture
Support organic farming initiatives, document traditional practices, assist with market linkages.
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Skills: Agriculture knowledge helpful, willingness to learn
- Impact: Build sustainable livelihoods
What to Expect
Living Conditions
Basic—you’ll stay in simple accommodations in village areas
Language
Marathi/Hindi helpful; we’ll provide basic language orientation
Costs
You cover your travel and basic living expenses; we provide accommodation
Commitment
Minimum 1 month; longer commitments preferred
Support
You’ll work closely with experienced team members and community leaders
Volunteer Testimonials
“My three months with KHOJ teaching in the Bridge School were the most meaningful of my life. The children taught me as much as I taught them—about resilience, joy, and what really matters.”
Priya S.
Mumbai
“I came thinking I’d help communities. I left realizing communities had helped me—teaching me about sustainable living, real democracy, and the power of collective action.”
Arjun M.
Bangalore