Why Volunteer With Tia Foundation
Many volunteers travel with us hoping to change lives and discover that their own lives are changed as well. Sharing meals in local homes, learning side-by-side with community members, and joining our Medical Brigade in the field create experiences that stay with people forever.
Tia Foundation could not serve a single community without the generosity, courage, and heart of our volunteers. Your time and skills make sustainable healthcare possible for thousands of families.
Ways to Volunteer
There are several ways to support Tia’s mission of bringing long-term healthcare to underserved rural communities in Mexico. Our favorite way, of course, is inviting you to join us in the field.
Volunteer “VEA” Trips
Each time we deliver a full Tia program, volunteers join us in Mexico to help make the work possible.
When you volunteer on a trip:
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Arrival in Guadalajara
You will fly into Guadalajara International Airport, where we will welcome you, enjoy dinner together, and settle into our hotel.
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Meet the Medical Brigade
The next morning, you will meet our volunteer Medical Brigade, which includes local doctors, nutritionists, chemists, therapists, and other professionals.
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Travel to the Communities
We then head out to a rural region where we will spend the week with communities that receive little or no regular medical care.
Tia Communities
For each program, we stay in a small hub town with basic amenities such as lodging and local dining. From there, we travel each morning to more remote villages that rarely see visiting medical professionals.
A typical day includes:
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Morning medical consultations for residents
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Lunch in the community
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Afternoon training sessions where we teach local students to become community health workers
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Time in the evening for dinner, rest, or helping prepare medical kits
At the end of the week, communities hold a graduation ceremony for their new health workers, often followed by a shared celebration meal.
Afterward, volunteers return to Guadalajara, where you may choose to explore the city’s markets, museums, and neighborhoods before traveling home.
Learn Something New
You do not need medical experience to volunteer. During classes, you are welcome to learn alongside local students. Many volunteers enjoy learning how to:
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Take vitals
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Administer CPR
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Treat common injuries
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Give injections
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Recognize dehydration and heat illness
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Support basic health assessments
These skills help you connect more deeply with the community and understand the importance of Tia’s model.
A One-of-a-Kind Experience
Volunteering with Tia is rewarding, meaningful, and unforgettable, but it can also be challenging.
Many communities we serve lack running water, electricity, cell signal, or WiFi. Lodging may be simple, and meals are often prepared in local homes. Days start early and end late, with hands-on work from start to finish.
If you are energized by the idea of simple living, hard work, and direct community involvement, this may be the adventure of a lifetime.
If not, we understand. There are many other ways to help.
Other Ways to Volunteer
Not everyone can travel to Mexico, but every contribution has value. Volunteers also support Tia by:
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Helping prepare mailings and event materials
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Assisting with local fundraising
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Photographing or supporting events
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Sharing technical or professional skills
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Spreading the word in their communities
These efforts are essential to each program’s success.
Who Can Volunteer
We welcome volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, professions, and skill sets. If you are a student who needs volunteer hours, we are happy to complete any required paperwork.
Volunteers under 18 may participate in local events or support projects with parental approval. To join a trip to Mexico, minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult family member.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you want to travel with us or support from home, your generosity makes a real difference.
Tia Foundation 