If you’re interested in giving back as you travel, you don’t have to leave the country to make a big difference. Find out how you can help fight poverty while empowering individuals and providing resources. Check out the program below and remember to tune in to Peter Greenberg Worldwide this weekend for more information. Plus, don’t forget to check out our archive for all kinds of voluntourism opportunities.

Hands On Atlanta is a non-profit organization with volunteer services around the greater Atlanta area to help people out of the mental and physical effects of poverty. Through them you can volunteer for places such as The King Center, a museum and exhibition holder for nonviolence spearheaded by Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy.

Built in 1968, a million visitors come each year to walk the grounds and see the life of King and other nonviolence heroes such as Rosa Parks and Mahatma Gandhi. Some of King’s effects are on display, and there are events and talks held in the Freedom Hall promoting nonviolence and equality. There’s even a Civil Rights walk of fame. Volunteers can work through Hands On Atlanta or apply directly through The King Center.

Another volunteer opportunity through Hands On Atlanta is Books For Africa, which collects, sorts, and ships books to children in Africa. Sorting and shipping is where volunteers come in. For two or more hours, volunteers gather at the Books For Africa warehouse outside of Atlanta in Smyrna to sort books, readying them for shipment. The organization will accept up to 80 people.

Or, you can try urban farming at Patchwork City Farms. Volunteers do planting, weed pulling, mulching, composting, harvesting, bed making, and other work to make and maintain healthy gardens. This is a great choice for kids, because ages 5 and up can attend with adult supervision.

Hands On Atlanta has a big list of opportunities; specific times and details can be found on their volunteer calendar.

By Cody Brooks for PeterGreenberg.com