After unemployment, I recently graduated with honors and scholarships from a two-year technical welding program. I am a nontraditional mature student. In this area of Washington State, the jobs are slow. So I figured that I would volunteer welding for a while, as long as someone could feed and house me. I would like to help out near Fukushima, Japan.

Before long, I will need an income. but figured I might as well volunteer if no one is hiring me here. The Red Cross feeds and houses volunteers, and I am taking some classes there. But animal rescue, or welding abroad, are closer to my heart's desire.

You would not believe - seriously not believe - the walls I have hit trying to find information. Especially on volunteering for which I do not have to pay $2000. (Be nice if I could spare it.) Sister Cities has a link with "contact us if you wish to volunteer". Then they reply saying that they do nothing to connect volunteers. One international animal rescue association never replied - twice. I wondered if it was a front for underworld crime. Another sent a "confirm subscribe" email that only linked me back to emailing myself. A third actually subscribed me, although they mostly need veterinarians and vet techs (my first choice of major, which closed to new students).

Does anyone know of volunteering (or even paying, but not necessary - yet) possibilities?
???
Thank you.