All members of the Green Zionist Alliance can apply to volunteer in Israel through GZA Bikkurim.

Want to volunteer for a day? A week? A month? A year? We can help make it happen.

Clean up beaches along the Mediterranean and get a surf lesson.

Distribute compact fluorescent light bulbs in a Bedouin village.

Save stray animals from being euthanized.

Or participate in one of many other grassroots environmental projects going on is Israel right now.

Make lifetime memories.

Make an impact.

To participate:

1. Join the Green Zionist Alliance
2. Apply online for Bikkurim

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Bikkurim FAQs:

What is the cost?
Participation in Bikkurim is free for all members of the Green Zionist Alliance.

What about airfare?
At this point, participants are responsible for their own expenses, such as airfare, lodging, food and in-country transportation. Right now GZA Bikkurim is a good opportunity for people who already are planning a trip to Israel. In the future we hope to be able to provide scholarships for long-term volunteers — in the meantime, we encourage long-term volunteers to apply for financial support through the Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund.

Is there a minimum time commitment? A maximum?
You can volunteer for as little as a day and for as long as a year or more.

Can anyone apply?
Yes. Applicants under 18 require parental permission and applicants under 13 will require parental supervision at the volunteering site.

Do I have to be Jewish?
Anyone who is a member of the Green Zionist Alliance is welcome to apply to GZA Bikkurim regardless of their religion or lack thereof. Our nondiscrimination policy prohibits religious discrimination.

How are volunteers assigned?
GZA Bikkurim volunteers are placed with one of our partner environmental organizations in Israel based on the applicant's preferences and the organization's needs.

Can I volunteer with a friend?
Yes — all applicants who want to volunteer together should indicate such on their applications, and we will do the best we can to place everyone together.

Can I volunteer any time of year?
Yes.

Can I get college credit for volunteering?
Yes, it is possible to get college credit for some volunteering terms of two weeks or more, but that is dependent on the college and on the volunteer's placement.

What if I apply and don't get accepted, can I apply again later?
Sometimes the requirements of applicants and organizations just don't match. You always can apply again at another time, but applying does not guarantee placement.

Can I volunteer more than once?
Yes.

More questions?
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll do the best we can to answer your questions.

Bikkurim partner organizations include:

Friends of the Earth Middle East

Good Energy Initiative

Green Course

Israel Energy Forum

Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

SOS Hayot Ashkelon

Sviva Israel

Teva Ivri

Tzalam Yam

Life & Environment, and its 100+ member environmental organizations

Do you work with an organization that may be interested in receiving GZA Bikkurim volunteers? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. — we always are interested in building new partnerships!