If you ’ re looking for a fresh way to build team cohesion ,

Rounds of golf or watching pro-sports games allow the group to get out of the office together , but voluntourism adds the element of working toward a common goal — the very definition of team-building .

And what better way to truly experience a destination than to meet those passionate enough to serve their communities ?

Visit Baltimore partners with Business Volunteers Maryland ( BVM ), Greater Baltimore ’ s premier nonprofit specializing in coordinating volunteer events , to organize group service projects for visiting organizations .

The Professional Convention Management Association ( PCMA ) notes several group volunteer opportunities in Baltimore . ( To learn more , go to GivingGood . com / baltimore-md .)

Packing and / or Providing Necessities

• Health Care for the Homeless invites meeting attendees to help pack survival kits for the homeless .

• Meals on Wheels welcomes volunteers to pack meals for delivery to homebound citizens .

• Paul ’ s Place is a community outreach center that serves more than 75,000 hot lunches a year and offers more than 20 programs , including job training , housing assistance , computer classes and family workshops .

• Clean the World offers opportunities to assemble and distribute hygiene kits , which include shampoo , lotion , toothpaste , razors , etc .

Working with People

• The Arc Baltimore provides opportunities for volunteers to interact with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities . Play bingo or go bowling while connecting with others .

• The Maryland LGBT Foundation works with the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce to host networking events and business expos , circulate information on grant programs and economic relief , and hold leadership workshops via the Chamber ’ s Stonewall Network .

Working Outside

• The Living Classrooms Foundation ’ s mission is to strengthen communities and inspire young people to achieve their potential through hands-on education and job training .

• St . Vincent de Paul of Baltimore , organizes Community Clean-Up Days , site beautification and playground build projects to work toward the goal of providing Baltimore citizens with safe and beautiful spaces . VB

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