Volunteering abroad is a wonderful way to help others, but please ensure you’re giving back in an ethical way. Check out our tips below and use as a resource when searching for responsible volunteer programs.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
When volunteering abroad, or in your own community, it’s important to remember not all good intentions equal good outcomes. It’s commendable that you want to give back, but it’s essential you do so responsibly. Before committing to any organization, ask yourself what value you will add to a project and how others will benefit from you volunteering.
1. When volunteering abroad, do not sign up for a project you’re not qualified for. If you’ve never picked up a hammer before, why would you build a school? You will not magically know how to do construction in another country if you've never done it before at home. Only take on assignments you have the professional background for or that you’re highly skilled in. Unfortunately, many organizations will encourage volunteers to work in positions and fields they’re not experienced for as a way to make a profit. Be wary of such companies.
2. Never work with an organization that doesn’t do background checks on volunteers especially when working with children.
Gituamba JKC Primary school Photo courtesy of Start With One Kenya Non-profit
3. Short-term volunteers should always be supervised when interacting with kids and not work directly with them. Instead assist the staff. This will minimize attachment issues for the kids, keeps locals in charge and maintains stability. A revolving door of inexperienced volunteers isn’t helpful for them, so please keep that in mind when volunteering abroad, or locally.
4. Support organizations that aim to keep families together when volunteering abroad. And think twice before working in an orphanage. There have been several reports of children being recruited away from their families with promises of an education and better life. Instead they are placed in a orphanage and paraded around for tourists to see and take selfies with. This benefits nobody except the shady people running the scam.
RELATED: Orphanage Tourism in Nepal--UNICEF Report
5. Ask voluntourism companies what they’ve done to accurately identify the needs of a community and what local partnerships have been established. There needs to be a sustainable long-term goal in place that helps people gain invaluable skills that will assist them in achieving an independent living. I explain it like this, it’s great to give someone a piece of fish if they’re hungry, but teaching them to fish so they can be self-reliant would create a lasting impact rather than a short term solution.
6. Do your research, ask where your money is going, and look for red flags like the ones mentioned above when volunteering abroad. Do not sign up with organizations who aren't transparent about their financial records.
7. Learn the needs of the community. Never assume you know better than they do. Your job should be assisting them achieve their goals, not trying to fix problems you know nothing about. There can be a fine line between helping and interfering. Always be wary of imposing your beliefs on a community.
When helping others, have realistic goals and understand you're not saving the world. However, know you can make a positive impact and change someone's life. Voluntourism and volunteering at home or in another community can be effective when done responsibly.