The programs serve more than 2,500 communities, and CIEDS's work has been supplemented and informed by a wide range of studies conducted in the field of sustainable development.

potential volunteers who would rather be placed in rio via an international organization can look at the site of iko poran. in exchange for a fee (half of which is donated to the communities) they also provide accommodations and portuguese classes.

generally, it is more effective to contact the organizations in need of volunteers directly via the links and contacts provided in this chapter - however, if going through english-speaking intermediaries or volunteer-placing companies, it is important for a potential volunteer to ask where and how exactly their specific skill sets would be applied, and in what context their contribution would be helpful to the community.