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Filmmaker Ashley Bell Documents the Plight and Hope for Asian Elephants

Filmmaker Ashley Bell Documents the Plight and Hope for Asian Elephants in “Love & Bananas: An Elephant Story”
By Angela Dawson

Actress Ashley Bell is best known for portraying a young woman possessed by the devil in the horror franchise “The Last Exorcism.” And now the native Angeleno confronts another type of evil, an atrocity against nature committed by man, in a documentary she produced, co-wrote and directed called “Love & Bananas: An Elephant Story.”

 

 

 

In her directorial debut, Bell sheds light on the plight of the Asian elephant, a species threatened with extinction. Numbering just 45,000, the Asian elephant population has declined precipitously in recent years for a variety of reasons, mostly caused by humans. Having once roamed the Asian and Southeast Asian jungles freely, these elephants—smaller in size and in numbers than their African counterparts—are in trouble because their natural habitats are being destroyed by logging and deforestation. Further, these intelligent creatures are often captured and sold to circuses and trekking companies for tourists or used as service animals in the logging industry.

 

Ashley Bell

 

In her revealing documentary, Bell shows surveillance footage of the animals being abused and confined for days in what is called a “crush box” where they are chained and beaten to destroy their spirit so they can be trained to perform for humans. But there’s a bright side to the story. There are some organizations trying to save the species by rescuing Asian elephants from unspeakable conditions and bringing them to sanctuaries. One of these rescuers is Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, a Cambodian elephant conservationist, who has saved more than 200 elephants over the past 20 years. Time magazine has dubbed her a Hero of Asia. She and her team at the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary rescue abused and sick Asian elephants, rehabilitate them and allows them to live in the wild on a Cambodian preserve.

 

 

Bell had visited Cambodia once before to document the rescue of two service elephants—a male and female—but that didn’t work out. A few years later, the 31-year-old actress-filmmaker and her film crew joined Lek in an attempt to rescue a 70-year-old blind elephant named Noi Na, who like so many elephants in captivity, had been mistreated throughout most her life. The trekking company that owned her was finally willing to release the sick old elephant to Chailert. But first they had to go get her 500 miles away in neighboring Thailand.

The documentary explores that daring rescue operation, which was both complicated and dangerous as the elderly pachyderm is naturally frightened of boarding a truck. But with Chailert’s experienced hand and helpers, Noi Na eventually is coaxed onto the vehicle for the 23-hour journey to freedom at the sanctuary. Bell and her crew are there to chronicle every minute of the nail-biting rescue, which presents all sorts of hazards, including potential red tape as the truck crosses the international border and a frightened and blind and elephant that could faint at any moment from heatstroke in the jungle heat.

 

 

Bell is seen throughout as she interviews Lek and her rescue team and goes on the long and difficult journey to save the endangered animal, pouring water on Noi Na to keep her cool and petting her occasionally. Then there is the slow and careful process of introducing her to her new herd.

The actress spoke by phone about her debut documentary and how she hopes the film will inspire others to want to help save the Asian elephant from extinction. For further information, visit loveandbananas.com.

Q: What initially brought you to Thailand and Cambodia?

Bell: A family friend, David Casselman, who owns the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, had been looking for 10 years with Lek to rescue two elephants to release onto the sanctuary. He finally found them and I got an email saying, “We’re going to release them. Anybody who wants to come and watch this can.” And it hit me. I said, “I have to film this. It’s going to be a short (film). It’s going to be a happily-ever-after story.” I pitched the project to Change for Balance Productions, which was onboard from Day 1. Before we knew it, we were in Cambodia.

When we got there, it was a disaster. The elephants were in horrendous condition. They were covered in abscesses and scars. They were malnourished and dehydrated. The forest was being illegally logged and poached. When I stepped off the plane, I asked what the smoky smell was and was told it from the clearcutting of the forest. Seventy-five percent of the Cambodian jungle—at least that was the percentage at the time—is gone. Through it all, I saw Lek fighting on the front lines with such hope to save the species every day. I knew that I had to use what I had at my disposal to tell this story. That’s when I decided to make this documentary.

 

Ashley Bell

 

Two and a half years later I brought my crew—three guys—when we went on the elephant rescue. For a documentary, it was extremely bare bones and guerilla. A lot of what we learned on the first trip was the sensitivity and care you have to have around the elephants. These elephants are extremely mentally and physically damaged. They’ve gone through years of abuse and suffering. For example, if we approached on one side of the Noi Na on the first day, she would get very upset. If the boom (mic) got in the way, or if we had an agenda, it wouldn’t happen. Knowing that, we all game-changed quickly, and made sure to get as close as we could and switch our gear to get us as close as we could for the audience, while being extremely sensitive to the elephants.

Q: Were there moments in the truck ride from Thailand to Cambodia where you wondered, “What am I doing?”

Bell: For sure. When Lek walked me through the truck before we (mounted the rescue), she pointed out the bed she made for herself and said, “We’ll be here with Noi Na because she’ll be scared and frightened.” Lek did not leave the truck—it was incredible.

 

Ashley Bell with Noi Na

 

When we first loaded Noi Na, she wasn’t eating or drinking and I had my hand on one of two beams that separated us from Noi Na, and Lek so delicately took my hand and moved it to the other side of the beam because she was afraid that Noi Na was going to crush my hand. It was at that moment that I thought, “What have I gotten myself into?” (She laughs.) It was a mix of, “Oh boy, I’m on this truck for the next 23 hours” and “How blessed and fortunate I am to have that seat next to Lek and next to Noi Na and to be able to tell this story?”

 

 

Q: How long were you at the Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary once you retrieved Noi Na?

Bell: Only about a week and a half. The rescue happened immediately, pretty much the way it unfolded in the film. It happened within three days of when we landed. We packed a night bag and were on the rescue. We were there a week and a half afterwards for filming to see what would happen. Noi Na was in medical quarantine for about a month before she was released into the herd. They do that with all the rescued elephants to make sure they’re OK. That’s Lek’s protocol to make sure everybody’s safe.

I checked back with Lek, and it took a couple of months —sometimes it can take years for the rescued elephant to find a friend, and even then, it sometimes doesn’t happen—but it took her a couple of months and she found a friend. I learned last month from Lek that Noi Na has found a second friend.

Q: How is Noi Na adjusting to the sanctuary?

Bell: Lek calls her “a naughty old girl.” She has friends. She loves to swim in the river. She has a ton of energy. Lek told me that recently she’s been making a ton of noise in the evening, trumpeting and pounding around. They’re trying to figure out what it is. But as Lek said in the documentary, all of these elephants have gone through mental distress, so they’re psychologically damaged. To this day, Noi Na, when she eats food, she stands in one place and reached her trunk as far as she can, to get the food and eat it as though she is still chained. You can see in the film where she scratches he back leg with her trunk where a chain used to be.

 

Q: Is it like a phantom chain?

Bell: Exactly. Something like a phantom chain is so specific, so harrowing for this creature, which is such an intelligent and sentient being. The reason why captivity is so damaging is because they’re so intelligent that when left naturally in the wild, they travel miles and miles to forage for food and water and live and play and investigate, and when they don’t have that stimulation and access, and are in captivity, they begin to go crazy. You can see how it affects them acutely and specifically in every single elephant, just as it would a human. It was shocking to learn that.

Q: Audiences may want to know what they can do to help save these Asian elephants.

Bell: That’s a huge part of the release of the film. We launched an impact campaign. We’ve created our website—www.loveandelephants.com—to be a hub for immediate action. There’s a petition you can sign. You can sign a humane traveler pledge. Also, the key to saving the species is education, so we have social media resources that you can grab and post. When people know better, they do better. We’ve partnered with GreaterGood, which has launched The Love & Bananas Fund, inspired by the film. It’s currently raising money for Lek’s wish list and to get an elephant out of Laos.

 

It was my goal with this film to make change but to also make change accessible with the same spirt of hope and victory with which Lek works. It’s such an honor to partner with GreaterGood to do this.

Also, if “Love & Bananas” isn’t at a theater near you, you can bring it to a community with a community screening, an in-home screening or a school screening. We have the resources to bring this to an interested community, big or small.

Q: As a first-time filmmaker, what did you learn?

Bell: I just released an e-book called “Shoot it, Sell It, Show It: How I Made an Independent Film with Grit & Google.” I kept a journal of my experience for the past five years. And it’s all the tips, tricks and pieces of advice that I learned to help inspire other filmmakers, to help them and save them any heartbreaks that I went through.

 

I learned a lot from Lek, who has used the press and the media as her main form of dissent to protect herself and her work. She goes with a camera around her neck everywhere to document what’s happening to the elephants and herself. She has a film team with her as a form of protection. I’m so impressed that my generation and the younger generation, which is who we wanted to target, and make it appealing and fun, to see an animal movie. I want to introduce everybody to Lek. There are a lot of followers in this world, but very few heroes, and Lek is a hero of mine, so I can’t wait to get this message out there.

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Ethics of international volunteering – Six Steps to Ethical Volunteering

Ethics of international volunteering – Six Steps to Ethical Volunteering

By: Alex Knott

Alex Knott works as the Director of Outreach and Curation and an EdGE Mentor for Omprakash. The company has a network of 180 grassroots organizations around the world and helps find them volunteers and funding. Read below for her thoughts on how to give back responsibly.

 

Ethical Volunteering

 

Photo by: Omprakash

We’re glad you’re concerned with the ethics of international volunteering and that you are keen to find a way to volunteer as ethically as possible. As an aspiring international volunteer, you are entering an industry that has become increasingly commodified, impersonal and, in some cases, downright unethical – you’re right to be wary.

But what does it mean to volunteer ethically? Along with taglines like “make a difference”, “find your purpose,” or “give back,” many organizations in the business of selling volunteer trips claim that their programs are ethical, but rarely do they attempt to explain how their programs actually fulfill this promise.

At this point, we have to come clean: we don’t have a definitive guide to ethical volunteering, or straightforward guidelines to achieving this goal. Fifteen years in this industry has taught us that there are no golden rules to ethical volunteer travel, and has made us skeptical of those who claim to offer this unequivocally.

 

Ethical Volunteering

 

Photo by: Omprakash

We don’t believe that achieving ethical volunteer travel can be as simple as following a few simple steps –“don’t volunteer in orphanages”, or “put the community’s needs first” — suggested by organizations that, after all, are in the business of ‘selling’ volunteer placements. Defining “ethical” in simplistic terms not only ignores the many shades of gray in any attempt to engage abroad, but also avoids more fundamental questions about the structure and objectives of volunteer programs.

Rather than following simple steps to achieve “ethical volunteering”, we suggest that honing your critical thinking skills, questioning your assumptions, reflecting on your positionality within larger structures of power, and embracing complexity are some of the most powerful things you can do before, during and after your international experience.

Although we don’t offer straightforward guidelines, we have compiled a list of questions to ask yourself as you contemplate volunteering abroad. What does ethical volunteer travel entail? Here are the 6 questions we think you should ask yourself when considering volunteering abroad…

 

Ethical Volunteering

 

Photo by: Omprakash

1) Why do you want to volunteer abroad?

You might have already had to answer this question numerous times; perhaps it’s a question you’ve been asked by parents, teachers, friends, bosses, and others, or perhaps it’s a question you have asked yourself as you think about your intentions and goals, and begin to plan your trip.

Of course, most people approach volunteering with a variety of intertwined motives and goals, some related to their own personal goals, and others related to some sort of “impact” in their host community. While everyone’s particular ideas of, and objectives for, volunteering are unique, we have noticed general patterns amongst volunteers’ reasons over the years. Take a moment to think about your own reasons, maybe jot them down. Then take a look at the following list — do any of these seem familiar?

To solve world issues
To serve others in need
To break out of my comfort zone
To experience the world
To gain a sense of purpose
To gain valuable experience
To give back
To escape my Western bubble
To learn about how other people live

 

Ethical Volunteering

 

Photo by: Omprakash

You might recognize some of your own reasons in these commonly articulated motivations. As you went through them, did some reasons seem better to you than others? Did any seem problematic to you? Should motivations be “selfless,” or is it equally legitimate, and perhaps more realistic, to be primarily motivated by your own personal learning and growth?

2) How will you engage in an unfamiliar community?

While we believe it is extremely important to reflect upon your intentions and motivations, even the best of intentions may still lead to unintended consequences.

In our experience, most volunteers approach their field positions with the desire to do something. We certainly understand the desire to address issues in ways that have direct, tangible outcomes, but how can volunteers figure out what to do in a place with which they are not familiar? How might reflection fit in to this process? Where might dialogue fit in?

In thinking about international engagement, we often use the terms “culture” and “community” to describe the contexts of our volunteering. International volunteering almost always involves engaging with an unfamiliar “culture” and “community,” but what do we really mean when we talk about a “culture” or a “community,” and why is it so important not to over simplify such concepts?

3) What is the expected outcome of your field position?

You may have already discussed the goals of your volunteer position with your host organization (if that’s the case, we’re excited to hear that you’ve already been in direct communication with your host organization!), but what do expect to come out of your field position in the long-term?

How can you continue to work towards long-term social change, even after the end of your field position, and how might your international experiences actually provide a “springboard” for your continued engagement in social issues abroad and at home?

How can storytelling, both during and after your field position, be a powerful force for social change? What makes a good story, and how can you bring in diverse voices to tell a ‘polyvocal’ story?

Photo by: Omprakash

4) Who will you be working with?

Many of the most crucial and enduring experiences volunteers describe from their time abroad are linked to relationships with people at their host organization and in their host communities.

So, as you begin to think about volunteering abroad, “who will I be working with?” is a particularly important question to ask. Hopefully, you will have the chance to begin to cultivate relationships with your host organization, and potentially others in your host community, before even leaving home.

If you are thinking of volunteering through a volunteer organization, rather than applying to work with a specific organization directly, this might be a good question to ask them as well. If they attempt to hinder, rather than facilitate, your ability to connect directly with your host organization in advance, this might be a red flag. If they ‘place’ you in a position with an organization before you’ve had the chance to meet the organization you’ll be working with, you might want to reconsider.

How does the question of connecting with your host organization relate to the ethics of volunteering?

 

Photo by: Omprakash

5) Whose interests are at play: why does your host organization want you to volunteer with them?”

As a related point, it might be important to ask yourself why your host organization wants you to volunteer with them: are you being invited because the host organization relies on donations (or ‘fees’) from volunteers, or because they truly ‘need your help’?

While the first reason may be particularly important to question (as relying on volunteers’ donations might lead to mission drift, with host organizations devoting most of their attention towards volunteers’ needs), it might also be reasonable to question the assumptions underlying the second reason.

Even without paying a fee (as is the case when volunteering through Omprakash), is there nevertheless a tacit expectation that volunteers will be involved in future advocacy and support the organization going forwards? Even taken at face value, is it reasonable to expect that volunteers can really make so much of a difference?

6) Where do you fit in?

In our experience, some of the most transformative realizations that volunteers have during their field positions arise from reflecting on their own positions of privilege, and on how they fit into systems that perpetuate inequality.

How is your life intertwined with the lives of those you are trying to ‘help’? How does your lifestyle impact the lives of others in vastly different parts of the world? What does it mean to engage in a resource-poor community as a person of relative privilege?

Asking these questions before, during and after your time abroad can help to make you more aware of the challenges to ethical engagement, and enable you to make more informed decisions and work towards more egalitarian interactions, both while you’re abroad and after you’ve returned home.

For more information on Omprakash check out their social media channels:

Twitter: @OmprakashOrg
Facebook: @OmprakashOrg
Instagram: omprakashorg

Corfu Donkey Rescue-Every Animal Lover should Volunteer Here!

Volunteering at the Corfu Donkey Rescue was honestly the highlight of my trip to Greece. The founder, Judy Quinn, moved to the Greek island from Britain to start the donkey sanctuary when she learned about how many donkeys were being abused and abandoned after they were no longer useful.

By: Heather Newgen

The Corfu Donkey Rescue is run by Judy and a group of volunteers, but she needs additional help. So if you’re an animal lover and want to give back, this is the perfect place to do it. Here’s the deal. You have to commit to volunteering for at least two weeks, and you take care of your meals and housing, but Judy can set you up in accommodations near the farm for just 10 euros a night. You’ll have weekends off, so you can explore and enjoy Corfu, which is such a beautiful island.

Corfu

And be prepared for hard work. It’s not easy working on a farm. Your main duties will be cleaning up the stalls and tending to the donkeys in any way they need.

If you have back issues, this probably isn’t the volunteer opportunity for you, but it’s the most rewarding way to get to know how magical donkeys really are. I admittedly didn’t know much about them ahead of time, but I learned firsthand just how loving and friendly they are. The second I stepped onto the Corfu Donkey Rescue, I was immediately surrounded by donkeys and they wanted to be petted and loved just like a cat or dog would. They are just the sweetest, and I’m dying to go back.

In addition to the donkeys, there are also cats and dogs, and all the animals are well cared for and loved. It’s such a great organization and I can’t rave about this place enough.

If you’re not able to volunteer, there are other ways to help out. Anyone is welcome to visit the Corfu Donkey Rescue and each person will get a guided tour around the farm (also something volunteers can do). People are able to interact with the donkeys and take as many photos as they’d like.

If you do stop by, you can bring bags of carrots and apples. The donkeys love them and as I mentioned earlier, CDR is run on donations, so they oftentimes don’t have these items on hand due to lack of funds.

Another awesome thing you can do “adopt” a donkey for about $110 USD a year. That money goes towards their food and upkeep.

And finally, you can leave a donation for the Corfu Donkey Rescue online or in person if you visit.

To see what my experience was like volunteering click here.

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Kristen Bell is Fighting World Hunger One Snack Bar at a Time

How Kristen Bell is Fighting World Hunger One Snack Bar at a Time

Shopping at companies that give back to communities in need or purchasing products from B Corps (for profit businesses that make a positive impact socially and environmentally while meeting high standards of accountability and transparency) has never been more popular. The simple, yet effective vision of using a business as a force of good is on the rise and consumers today are all about supporting their efforts.

This Bar Saves Lives Launch Party at Ysabel in West Hollywood

The healthy snack bar aims to end childhood malnutrition worldwide. For every bar bought, a nutritional pack is purchased and donated to Action Against Hunger who distributes the life-saving nutrition packets to children in need.

Heather Newgen talks with Kristen Bell about This Bar Saves Lives for The Voluntourist.

Along with Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell and Ravi Patel, actress Kristen Bell is one of the co-founders of This Bar Saves Lives and told reporters how she got involved.
“I had always been a bit preoccupied with the idea that charity is wonderful, but businesses can do better. It was sort of coinciding when Ryan Devlin was in my living room and he had been lamenting about this humanitarian trip he went on. He had seen severe acute malnutrition patients up close and personal, and it really sat with him and was haunting him.”
She continued, “He was like, “Why is no one doing a one for one in the food space? Why are no companies doing a give back in the food space?” He’s like, “I’m going to start a bar company. I’m going to do it.” I was like, “Okay, bro. Great. If you ever start it, let me know.” Then sure enough, because you cannot stop Ryan Devlin, he started baking recipes with his wife in their kitchen. Nobody knew how to do anything but he was like, “I think I want to do this.” I was like, “Okay, great. I want to do it with you, so we asked the people who we knew how to do it and somehow started this company.”
Bell knew she was entering a space she didn’t know much about, but was determined to help make the company happen.
“It was honestly figuring it out in a world where we had never swam before. Ryan and I were both actors and Todd Grinnell and Ravi Patel also knew the business, so we were like, “Let’s figure it out. Let’s cold call people and put together this company with the main intention to have it be a one for one, deliver food aid to the charities that needed it. Let them know where to drop it. Let them get it to the kids. We don’t know how to do that. We would botch it. So trust the people who know what they’re doing. We sourced everything really ethically to the standards of what we would feed ourselves and our children and somehow it came about.”

So far 3.5 million nutritional packets have been donated and This Bar Saves Lives can be purchased at Starbucks, Amazon, Target and Whole Foods.
And to safeguard the intent of the company and the guarantee of providing aid for those in need, the founders have taken steps to ensure transparency.

Heather Newgen interviews Ryan Devlin about The Bar Saves Lives for The Voluntourist.

“For us we have these pillars on the giving side that we absolutely have to adhere to. Traceability and accountability are two and we knew that if you’re going to call something as bold as This Bar Saves Lives, it damn well be backing it up,” Devlin told The Voluntourist.
“So we partnered with top non governmental organizations around the world like Feeding America and Save the Children, and many others. We’re very transparent about the number of food packets we’re sending, where we’re sending them to, when it gets there and reporting back on the good news and bad news of those shipments. It’s the customer making this donation and they’re trusting us to make sure a kid somewhere is getting the nutrients they need. So we hold ourselves to the highest standard.”
The food packets are given to children in several countries including the U.S., Haiti, South Sudan and more. For additional information on This Bar Saves Lives click here.
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Page Arizona Travel Guide – Horseshoe Bend, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

With its distinct desert landscape, spectacular sites and breathtaking views of its natural beauty Page, Arizona has become a popular destination for travelers. The city was initially founded in 1957 as a housing community for workers building the Glen Canyon Dam, however the area now attracts over 3 million visitors a year. The small Northern Arizona town offers endless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants to enjoy an unforgettable holiday.

Located just under two hours from Zion, a little over two hours from the South Rim Grand Canyon, two and a half hours from Bryce Canyon and three hours from the North Rim Grand Canyon, Page, Arizona is ideal for exploring America’s prized national parks as well as the stunning surrounding scenery and Navajo Nation Reservation.

RELATED: How to Travel in Rome on a Budget

Page should be added to everyone’s bucket list, so here’s some great information and travel tips to help plan your trip.

When to Go

The peak time for travelers to visit Page Arizona is during the summer months, but it is incredibly hot that time of year and busy with tourists. Late March or early April is nice and cooler, but avoid the spring break crowd if possible. Fall is also great too.

Must See Places

1. Horseshoe Bend

If there’s one thing you do in Page Arizona it should be Horseshoe Bend. It’s the iconic image that many associate with the Colorado River and it’s one of the most striking places you will ever see.

There’s a free parking lot you can park in, but arrive early because it fills up by mid afternoon. From there it’s about a 15 to 20 minute walk to the site. It’s not a challenging hike, but there’s no shade or place to get water so come prepared with proper gear.

There’s no bad view, but if you’re afraid of heights be wary because there are no guard rails. There are crowds of people, which can be nerve-wrecking, so be extremely cautious when approaching the edge.

Horseshoe Bend is free to enter and dogs are allowed, but please don’t take them in the heat of the day because it’s way too hot for them (I actually saw people do this, which was very upsetting.) There are porta potties, but no place to wash your hands so bring hand sanitizer. There’s no hiking trails, however there are beautiful rock formations to climb and see the unbelievable views. While it’s easy to spend an entire morning or afternoon here, I’d plan on staying at the site for at least a couple of hours to fully take it all in.

2. Lower Antelope Canyon

Even if you’ve never heard of the extraordinary slot canyons in Page Arizona, which are formed by the wear of water rushing through rocks, chances are you’ve seen photos of this legendary area.

In Page the most renowned ones are the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons, which you can only access by guided tours since they’re on Navajo Nation territory. I took a tour with Dixie Ellis and loved it. My guide Tilford was personable and knowledgable and the canyon was so picturesque that it almost didn’t look real. The tour was $40, not including gratuity or the required $8 Navajo Nation fee, and I was able to book a reservation the day of.

Heather Newgen in Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

Lower Antelope Canyon Tips:

There’s a free parking lot to leave your car. There are porta potties and a bottle of hand sanitizer is strapped to a post near the front where you check in. Before the tour there will be a show with a Navajo local who does traditional tribal dances. Tips aren’t mandatory, but it’s a nice gesture.  There is about a 10 minute walk to the canyon and there are

3. Upper Antelope Canyon

The majestic canyon is the becoming one of the most well-known photographed locations in the U.S. due to its layers of vibrant orange coloring, exquisite landscape of the famous beam of light that shines through the rock formations between 10:30am to 1:00pm.

The beam of light in the Upper Antelope Canyon

Photo by: Heather Newgen

For this tour you must book in advance due to its popularity. If you want to see the beam of light, it’s about $30 more since it’s considered “primetime.” I went with Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours and paid $74.00, which included the $8.00 required Navajo Nation fee.

Upper Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

Photo by: Heather Newgen

Upper Antelope Canyon Tips:

Make a reservation as soon as possible since this one sells out quickly, it’s very crowded so know that ahead of time, it’s a 15 minute drive to the slot canyon and depending on which vehicle you’re placed in, you could be in the back of a truck. The seats are comfortable and it’s almost completely covered, but you will still experience wind and dust kicking up in your face. In addition, the fumes can be overwhelming at times, but the it’s worth the small hassle. And just the like Lower Antelope Canyon tour, there will be a show with a Navajo local who does traditional tribal dances.

4. Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

Not far from the Visitor Center in Page Arizona is a beautiful spot of the dam and great views of Lake Powell. Since I’m terrible at giving directions I won’t attempt to get you lost, but it’s easy to find. Stop by the Visitor Center for a map and information.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook in Page, Arizona

Photo by: Heather Newgen

There’s a free parking lot and a few stairs to hike down, but nothing too difficult. It’s a great place to climb the rocks and watch the sunset.

5. Lake Powell  

Whether you have a few days to rent a houseboat, an afternoon to sunbathe or just an hour to take awesome photos, Lake Powell is a must.

There are plenty of ways to experience Lake Powell, but if you have limited time you can take the scenic drive around the lake, which is what I did. Ask the Visitor Center where to turn for the route, but it’s $25 to enter.

6. Waterhole Canyon 

If you want to save money and see a slot canyon that isn’t as crowed as the Upper and Lower Antelope canyons, try Waterhole. Since it’s also on Navajo land you will need a permit, which is $12 per person. You don’t need a guide, but there is some hiking and climbing on unstable ladders. That aside, you will get amazing photos and you won’t have to worry about mobs of people.

To get a permit head to the Navajo Parks and Recreation office near LeChee Chapter House in Page. GPS coordinates are 36° 51.51′ N, 111° 26.731′ West.

7. Rainbow Bridge National Monument 

If you have the time do the five-hour boat ride to the Rainbow Bridge. You can only get there by boat, which tours run about $145, or hike, but it’s not recommended for beginners.

**Bonus Location

If you’re driving through Utah stop along the way to see the Grand Staircase–Escalante.

**Bonus Activity

Take a rafting tour of the Colorado River, which begins May 4th. I was in Page a month before the season started so I couldn’t go rafting, but I will next time.

Where to Eat

Since several Page Arizona locals I talked to said they love Fiesta Mexicana I had to try it and I’m happy I did. There were vegetarian options for myself and Fiesta Mexicana has the best margaritas.

It’s a colorful, cute family owned restaurant that’s easy to find. The service was great, the food was good and the portions are huge. So if you’re not that hungry share a plate with someone.

Another place to try in Page Arizona is Into the Grand, which is an interesting and fun dining experience. As you walk in guests are greeted by the owner Hoss who shakes everyone’s hand and introduces himself.

A singer is on stage belting out tunes from Fleetwood Mac, Dave Matthews Band and Elvis as you’re being seated and dinner from the limited menu, which consists of local traditional food, is promptly served.

The musician will play throughout dinner and afterwards there will be a performance by Navajo dancers who will talk about their culture and show the audience various traditional dances.

The price of the evening includes a $15.00 entertainment fee, which is added to the cost of your meal. So my chili was $28.00 total, but that included the fee, chips and salsa, navajo fried bread, dessert and tea and coffee. There’s also a full bar you can order from as well and drinks are pretty reasonable. I ordered a mojito and it was only $6.00.

There’s one dinner and show per night so reservations in advance are encouraged. Into the Grand opens at 7:00pm and it’s a good time for for families and any travelers who want to experience a unique night out.

Where to Stay

I did Airbnb, but there are several budget friendly hotels in Page Arizona. There’s also a Courtyard by Marriott or Hyatt if you want three star accommodations. I didn’t see anything more upscale than those options. In addition, you can camp at Lake Powell, rent a houseboat or stay at the Lake Powell Resorts & Marina.

 

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Kenya – 20 Travel and Safety Tips

Kenya – 20 Travel and Safety Tips

Kenya is known for its natural beauty, wonderful people, exquisite wildlife and endless adventures, Kenya has become a popular destination for travelers. The African country offers luxury world renowned safaris, pristine white sand beaches and fantastic local cuisine, while still being affordable for most tourists, which is another great reason to visit Kenya.

However, like many other countries, there can be political unrest at times, high levels of crime and increased terrorism risks, so it’s essential to stay well-informed. Traveling around Kenya is a magical experience, but to make it a safe one as well, here are some tips to help plan your journey:

1. Check the Travel.gov site for any safety warnings. For instance, on September 1, 2017, the U.S. Department issued a warning to U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to the border area between Somalia and Kenya due to terrorist threats and the high risk of crime throughout the country.

2. Make sure to research the visa requirements before. I’m from the U.S. and I was able to get my visa at the Nairobi airport when I arrived, However, that may not be the case for everyone. Plus it was a long line, so consider getting a visa ahead of time.

3. While most people in Nairobi speak English, you should still learn a few basic words. And if you are a caucasian, you will be referred to as a Muzungu, which you’ll probably hear a lot.

4. Kenyans are very welcoming and will oftentimes invite you over for a meal–at least I found this to be the case. It’s considered disrespectful if you don’t accept food. So even if you have to politely nibble, do it. Otherwise you will be seen as rude and insulting.

5. As a vegetarian, I was able to find things to eat—mostly beans and rice, which I was totally fine with. Most Kenyans aren’t vegetarian—they love their meat, and meat dishes pretty much rule every restaurant menu. If you’re invited to a local’s house for a meal, let them know ahead of time of your dietary restrictions. However, there are more places starting to offer veg items, so ask around and find out which restaurants are veg friendly.

6. It’s a fact that Muzungus/tourists will be charged more for items than locals, but it’s still cheaper than what you’d pay at home, so keep that in mind. That said, you should absolutely bargain at markets. It’s expected, but don’t negotiate too low. Making and selling tourist trinkets is how locals earn an income. It’s their livelihood.

7. Don’t drive unless you have to, because it can be overwhelming, especially in Nairobi at night. Traffic is insane at rush hour, addresses are almost nonexistent, signs are poorly marked and road conditions aren’t great. In addition, pedestrian death rates are high according to several sources, for a numerous reasons such as “The mix of slow-moving pedestrians and fast-moving vehicles and motorcycles inevitability leads to conflict in which the pedestrian always loses. In our setting, travel patterns are dominated by walking and the absence of segregation between motorized and non-motorized traffic creates perilous situations in which pedestrians are exposed to the greatest risk of injury and death. Pedestrian facilities on our roads are minimal, insufficient and unsafe,” NTSA reports.

8. There’s a lot of stray dogs, and as an animal lover I wanted to pet them, but beware. When I tried to feed one at the volunteer house I was staying at (I was in Kenya to volunteer), I was attacked and had to be rushed to a hospital in Nairobi. If I hadn’t been wearing a puffy jacket and long-sleeved shirt, I literally wouldn’t have my right arm today. That coat saved me. So be careful and keep a distance. It’s unfortunate and sad, but it’s important to always take precautions.

9. Walking in Nairobi is fine, but there have been reports of high petty theft crimes like robbery. So don’t walk with your phone in your hand because it can be swiped from you, and don’t wait alone outside for transportation. Wait inside your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel lobby until your car arrives. Consider getting a “cut proof” backpack so it can’t be cut off of you, don’t wear a lot of bling, don’t carry a lot of cash or credit cards with you—only bring what you need—and wear a money belt under your clothes. (This advice can apply to many other places besides Kenya as well. As always have street smarts when you travel.)

10. Don’t walk across the street talking on your phone. This is illegal and you can be arrested.

11. Keep your hotel/accommodation address and general directions with you at all times. It’s easy to forget exactly where you are located.

12. Have copies of your passport numbers and contact details copied in several locations, including on your person at all times in case your phone dies, gets lost, or is stolen (this should be done for every trip you take.)

13. Spitting on any footpath in Nairobi is illegal, so don’t be gross and do this.

 

14. If you’re a smoker, ask about smoking bans before lighting up. Many public places have smoking zones and if you’re not in one and you’re caught smoking, you will be fined. This law is heavily enforced.

15. The sun is strong since you’re closer to the equator, so lather up with sunblock before going out.

16. Anyone who does anything for you will expect a small tip. That goes from people at the airport trying to help you with your luggage, to people offering you directions. So use your judgement and decide if you want the service they’re selling you. If not, politely decline, but if you accept, know you should tip. At restaurants 10% is an appropriate amount to leave.

17. Not all taxis are metered, so make sure to agree on a flat rate before hopping in the cab. And stick to licensed taxis—don’t do unmarked ones.

18. Get the vaccines the CDC recommends. (this goes for any country you visit.)

19. Only drink bottled water.

20. Avoid going out at night and travel in groups whenever possible.

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TravelPirates – Is Travel Really Cheaper on Friday the 13th?

Is Travel Really Cheaper on Friday the 13th? TravelPirates Gives us the Inside Scoop!

By: Alanna Smith, Deal Hunter for TravelPirates

Whether it’s superstition or coincidence, there are travelers who insist that prices for flights are less when they fall on Friday the 13th. Travel giant KAYAK even conducted a study in January 2017 with very curious findings—claiming that flights on the apparently unlucky day could cost anywhere from 10% to 40% lower than the average price for the month.

The Dead Sea
Photo by: Heather Newgen

2018 will see two Fridays falling on the 13th of the month, with the first being in April. However, if you’re hoping to score some excellent flight deals for those special Fridays, we have can only say good luck.

TravelPirates examined one-way flights out of New York and Los Angeles to 25 of our most popular destinations for April 2018, and could not find any evidence suggesting that prices on Friday the 13th were lower on average than on any other day of the month. In fact, prices tended to be higher than they were for other weekdays, since Friday is one of the most popular days to fly.

Echo Park Lake
Los Angeles, CA
Photo by: Heather Newgen

So what’s the reason for the discrepancy between myth and reality? KAYAK’s study examined mostly flights departing Europe. It’s possible that comparatively, the United States does not harbor as many deep-rooted superstitions about Friday the 13th—and the number thirteen in general—that would cause travelers to avoid flying on the inauspicious day.

Colosseum
Rome, Italy
Photo by: Heather Newgen

If you’re still looking for cheap airfares, consider instead flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Not only are prices often lower compared to the rest of the week because of lower demand—fewer travelers look to travel midweek, after all—but many airline sales will offer special rates for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Flights can also be cheap on Saturdays, because most weekenders book their departure flights for Friday.

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International Travel Goods – Shop and Give Back with these Must Have Products

International Travel Goods – Shop and Give Back with these Must Have Products

By Heather Newgen

Shopping at companies that give back to communities in need or purchasing products from B Corps (for profit businesses that make a positive impact socially and environmentally while meeting high standards of accountability and transparency) has never been more popular. The simple, yet effective vision of using a business as a force of good is on the rise and consumers today are all about supporting their efforts.

At the annual International Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas, the top travel brands excitedly promoted their latest products and we rounded up the ones that are taking the concept of social responsibility to another level.

International Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas, Nevada
Photo by: Charles Too
FotoManiacs.com

International Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas, Nevada
Photo by: Charles Too
FotoManiacs.com

Hamilton Perkins Collection 

Fact: According to USA Today, 18.2 trillion pounds of plastic has been produced worldwide since the 1950s and only 9% has been recycled. Most of the plastic isn’t biodegradable and finds its way into the oceans causing serious issues for the environment, but one person is doing something about it.

Hamilton Perkins has created an entire stylish bag and t-shirt line out of plastic waste and used billboards that’s affordable, on trend and most importantly making a difference.

Hamilton Perkins Collection

The Voluntourist: How did you come up with the idea to repurpose water bottles and discarded billboards into cool bags and tees?

Hamilton Perkins: It started as a personal problem for me. I couldn’t find a bag that represented me. I started out selling the bags to friends and family. We designed the collection, bootstrapped our operations and picked up a few grants in our first year. We would later run a Kickstarter campaign and then approached local stores with our products. We have been fortunate to establish key retail partnerships along the way (West Elm, Holt Renfrew, Urban Zen, and many more).

The Voluntourist: Where do you get the bottles and billboards from?

Hamilton Perkins: The bottles come from countries like Haiti and Honduras. The billboards are usually domestic. Companies also send materials directly to our showroom for production.

Hamilton Perkins Collection

The Voluntourist: How many water bottles/billboards does it take to make a bag/shirt?

Hamilton Perkins: Each bag uses about 17.5 bottles and the shirts use about 3 bottles.

The Voluntourist: How have you involved people in Haiti?

Hamilton Perkins: We supported 12 full time income opportunities last year. This was a result of our partnership with Thread International. Our customers are helping us stimulate an entire economy.

The Voluntourist: What do you hope people take away from your designs and collection?

Hamilton Perkins: Whether you are spending time with friends at a festival or on the way to the gym to work out our bags are designed for your lifestyle. No matter what the event, we hope that people see themselves in our collection. We want to represent what is important to us in an aesthetically pleasing way. We want people to love their Earth bags.

Hamilton Perkins Collection

The Voluntourist: Why is using recycled materials for your products and being socially conscious important to you.

Hamilton Perkins: Recycled materials are inherently creative. I see endless possibilities in the medium and it solves a real problem.

The Voluntourist: How have you seen your products help the environment?

Hamilton Perkins: When we introduced the Earth Bag series we did not know what to expect but the response has been positive. We are stocked in some great boutiques and specialty stores where we get to tell our story and share our impact. We recycled tens of thousands of plastic bottles last year and we recycled about 10,000 pounds of billboard. We are optimistic for what this year will bring.

To the see Hamilton Perkins Collection visit hamiltonperkins.com

myLife Sak

I’m always searching for that one bag that holds my laptop, clothes for a weekend getaway and whatever else I need. Plus I want it to be chic yet comfortable. I know I’m asking for a lot, but I finally found it! myLife Sak is a versatile bag that transforms into a briefcase, backpack, laptop case or messenger bag. It has the ability to expand twice its size so you can use it for a carry-on or quick trip.

In addition to all of the practical features and cuteness factor, myLife Sak has the greatest colors.

“I’m a colorful person and myLife Sak brightens my day, the founder Dahlia DeSouza, told The Voluntourist. “We have six colors here, but we also have purple and red and pink coming.”

She continued, “I’m a teacher and the thing about being a teacher and is you’re constantly carrying things. My shoulders were in pain–a lot of teachers if you don’t know, their shoulders lean in time. And I got sick of it and bored of the plain backpacks so I decided it was time to do something about it.”

And when you purchase myLife Sak, you’re helping give back.

“The brand aims to engage, empower and inspire people to live their dreams. This brings us to our big Why? 10% of every product sold is used to enrich the lives of underprivileged children through education because they too deserve an opportunity to continue on their journey to be the best they can be,” DeSouza said.

Where to buy: www.uptothetime.com 

Price: $160-$180

United By Blue

Since its inception in 2010, United By Blue has not only used organic and recycled materials to create practical, yet fashionable outdoor gear, but the apparel company has also been a driving force in sustaining a meaningful environmental impact. For every item purchased, the retailer removes one pound of trash from the ocean and encourages local communities to get involved in the effort with their hosted cleanups that take place regularly.

Photo by: United by Blue

United By Blue has made a significant tangible change with over 1 million pounds of trash removed to date and has quickly become a leader in the philanthropy business industry.

While United By Blue has already made a remarkable positive impact, the company is looking forward to increasing their achievements.

At the International Travel Goods Show, Jake Nalls, Wholesale Associate, told The Voluntourist, “We’ve activated over 10,000 volunteers and have done cleanups in 28 states and have removed over 1 million pounds of trash nationwide. The initiative this year is a cleanup road trip. We’re going to hit the additional states we haven’t been to yet, so by the end of 2018 we’ll have done cleanups in all 50 states.”

He added, “The goal for 2018 is also 500,000 pounds of trash removed and then every year following that we should be doing over 1 million pounds of trash a year based on where the company is going in sales.”

For more information on United By Blue, click here.

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International Travel Goods Show – Best New Products Featured

Best New Products Featured at the International Travel Goods Show

By Heather Newgen

Every year the top travel companies attend the prestigious International Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas to reveal their newest products to retailers and press. An estimated 300 vendors come ready to promote everything from luggage to the latest trends in travel gear, which is exciting to see.  For three days I walked the massive convention center floor, weaving my way through the aisles of countless booths taking it all in. After testing and examining hundreds of items, here are my picks for the essential, unique and worthy must haves.

The Restroom Kit

Let’s get real for a second. How many times have you traveled or been at an event and were completely grossed out by the bathroom? Or maybe there just wasn’t any toilet paper and you didn’t realize it until it was too late? The Restroom Kit solves that issue. The small package includes a padded oversized toilet seat cover that covers the entire toilet, three feet of toilet paper, a hand wipe and a tissue wipe.

“Once you start using them, you’ll never leave home without it. It’s a no brainer. Travelers will have a more sanitary product when you go into the restroom and you’re guaranteed to have what you need,” Founder William Massey told The Voluntourist.

I love this idea and Massey explained how he came up with it.

“The concept comes just from being out and about with my kids. Using the high trafficked public restrooms in the D.C. area where we live weren’t always stocked with everything you need. After it happens to you one or two times, the third time you come up with an idea.” He added, “The Restroom Kit has everything you need for any bathroom.”

Where to buy: www.therestroomkit.com

Price: The Restroom Kit starts at $10.00 for a three pack.

Lug

Lug bags and accessories are created for anyone who is on the go, which is most of us. I have the Lug Puddle Jumper backpack, as well as the packing cubes, and both products are high quality, well made and items I use almost every time I travel. Now I’m adding one more Lug bag to my list of travel essentials–the Boxer 2.

It not only holds everything you need for the gym, weekender or child–yes it can be a diaper bag too, but it has hidden straps that turn the Boxer 2 into a backpack. It has several compartments that help keep your contents organized and it’s comfortable to wear. Plus it was the official gift bag at the 24th Annual SAG Awards, so chances are you’re favorite celebrity owns this stylish and practical bag.

Where to buy: Lug

Price: $120.00

Stow N Go Hanging Portable Luggage

I’m a really organized traveler in terms of planning the perfect itinerary, but when it comes to packing, I need all the help I can get. I literally throw as much of my wardrobe that fits into a suitcase and sift through it all later. Don’t judge! So when I saw this Stow N Go Hanging I knew I had to have it to keep my items neatly packed. I like it because there are three separate shelves that hold more than you would think and a laundry compartment. It doesn’t take up much room in your carry-on and once you get to your destination, you hang the item in the closet and you’re done unpacking. It’s quick, easy and you’ll never want to travel without it.

Where to buy: Amazon 

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Price: $29.99

I admit it, I’m obsessed with compression socks. I never travel without them. Before you would only hear about them on late night commercials that were targeted for people who already had health issues and for an older demographic, but that’s changed.

“Compression socks are great for anyone with a lifestyle of prolong sitting, prolong standing, travel, exercise and recovery. They’re tighter in the ankle and loosens as it goes up, so it pushes the blood upward toward your heart and keeps the blood from pooling in your feet. So it reduces swelling and increases circulation and reduces fatigue. You’ll feel better wearing these at the end of a long day,” Emily Yann, National Sales Manager said.

And it’s true. I not only wear compression socks when I’m on a flight, but when I’m doing anything for extended periods of time. My only complaint was while they were effective and comfortable, they weren’t that cute. Then I found Sockwell and I’m now hooked on their fun colors, patterns and cozy fit.

Sockwell uses a wool that’s treated in a specialized way, so it’s not itchy. The socks also regulate your body temperature, so you’ll never hot and your feet stay dry.

“Our dream was to take medical technology and combine it with world-class color. So we’re a positive company. All of our patterns and colors are optimistic and uplifting. The fit and feel of the sock is designed to help you feel better in style, Mercedes Marchand, the VP of Design and Merchandising told us.

Where to buy: www.sockwellsocks.com

Price: $24.99

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

As a frequent traveler I’m always trying new travel products and I haven’t found a neck pillow I love until now. Since I fly economy most of the time I’m already uncomfortable as is with the lack of space, but attempting to sleep with the wrong pillow makes it that much more challenging.

What I love about the memory foam Evolution S3 pillow is that it attaches to your seatback, so it prevents you from falling forward when you sleep. It’s also designed with a quick-dry fabric, so it keeps you cool and dry in almost any climate. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to fall asleep and how soft the pillow was. This is absolutely one of my travel must haves.

Where to buy: www.Cabeau.com 

Price: $39.99

Zero Halliburton

As traveler who is always on a budget, I do allow myself to splurge on a few things and good luggage is one of them. If you invest in anything travel related it should be durable luggage because you’re throwing your money away by purchasing cheaper suitcases that don’t last. You’re better off buying something that will hold up for years and that’s why I love Zero Halliburton.

Any piece in their timeless collection is worth the price, but the one I’m loving right now is the Classic Aluminum 2.0. The vintage style latches and handles give it a chic cool look, while the tough aluminum makes it resilient and long-lasting. Inside there are mesh compartments to organize your items and the Classic Aluminum 2.0 comes with a 10 year warranty and TSA approved locks.

Where to buy: www.zerohalliburton.com

Price: $950.00

SpAIRtray

Everyone wants more space when sitting in economy, or anywhere on a plane, and spAIRtray has a quick fix. The easy to install tray effortlessly slides into the window shade track, which you can use for snacks, drinks your phone or tablet. It doesn’t interfere with the tray attached to the seat in front of you, so you have additional space to use.

What’s clever about the spAIRtray is that there’s a pad that keeps your items in place so there’s no chance of spillage or things sliding off. The spAIRtray is lightweight and fits easily into a laptop case, backpack or carryon. This is a new product I know travelers will love!

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: $24.95

Return Me 

I’m that person that frequently loses my keys and anything else that isn’t in my sight constantly. So when I heard about Return Me–cool tags that allow others to help you find your missing things, I knew I had to check it out.

So how does it work? Suhail Niazi, Founder of Return Me explains.

“Each tag says return me for award, has a toll free number, website and code on it. So when the customer gets it, they go online and activate the code with their name and number. It takes 30 seconds and that’s how we know who it belongs to. In the unfortunate event that you do lose an item, the person who finds it can call the toll free number. We have agents 24/7 and once we know the code then we will either arrange to have the item shipped back to the owner or connect them to the find and they can pick it up themselves. We’re like a proactive lost and found concierge service. We help people get back their lost items.”

He added, “We have retail products on our website and the finder gets a $40 voucher that they can use on our site.

They can protect their own items for free.”

I need 100 of these tags so I can put them on everything I own.

Where to buy: www.return.me

Price: Individual tags range from $9.00 to $12.00

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Midwives for Haiti-An Exemplary Organization that Needs Skilled Volunteers

Midwives for Haiti – An Exemplary Organization that Needs Skilled Volunteers

By: Emily Scott, ethical travel enthusiast and Registered Nurse who blogs at Two Dusty Travelers

Midwives for Haiti’s guiding principles (which volunteers are required to read before serving) state their values of genuine partnership, compassion, humility, and stewardship. I loved volunteering with MFH because the experience on the ground absolutely lived up to the lofty words on their website.

Having served on nearly a dozen medical missions over the last decade as a Registered Nurse, I know from experience that many volunteer programs are not as altruistic as they appear. I try to turn a critical eye on every organization I work with, and MFH was a standout for me.e

Photo by: Emily Scott

MFH is a nonprofit organization that trains Haitian nurses to become skilled birth attendants. Haiti is the most dangerous country in the Western Hemisphere to give birth, though the vast majority of these deaths are preventable. Currently there are only enough skilled providers in Haiti to provide full reproductive health care to 10% of the population. MFH’s program is changing that. Carefully selected students complete a year-long course to certify as skilled birth attendants who will provide care in hospitals, birth centers, and community programs throughout the country.

Photo by: Emily Scott

That’s where volunteers come in. Qualified foreign medical professionals offer their knowledge and skills to the students in MFH’s program. Volunteers may teach in the classroom, mentor MFH students as they care for patients in the hospital, or travel with the Mobile Prenatal Clinic to help provide care to women in remote areas.

MFH’s training program inspired me not only because it saves the lives of countless mothers and babies – but also because it empowers local Haitians in the process. It’s simple enough to fly a group of American doctors and nurses to a developing country, set up a free clinic, and treat patients for a week. Everybody goes home feeling great about themselves – but what happens to that community after they leave?

 

 

                                             Photo by: Emily Scott

MFH addresses the problem at its root, by focusing its energy on fostering skilled Haitian professionals to care for their own communities. And they’re good at it: The MFH-trained midwives I worked with in a remote rural birth center were highly skilled and committed. They kept the ward clean and always prepared for emergencies, treated patients with remarkable compassion, and displayed an expertise about their patients that only locals could achieve.

Of course, I learned as much as I taught. I left Haiti feeling like I had absolutely made a difference, but also that the locals I worked with had made a difference in me.

Why Midwives for Haiti is an example of responsible volunteering:

+ Volunteers must be licensed – no students or unskilled volunteers are allowed to provide medical care with Midwives for Haiti.
+ The mission is sustainable – MFH doesn’t bring in foreign volunteers solely to provide medical care themselves. Rather, volunteers are intended to mentor midwifery students. Long after the visitors are gone, their efforts will continue to serve the people of Haiti through the knowledge and skills they left with their students.
+ Hiring of local staff – MFH clearly makes an effort to hire local Haitians into paid positons within the organization, rather than limiting leadership to international staff.
+ Strict photo policy – Absolutely no photography is allowed in the hospital. It would be unprofessional for me to take a photo of a hospitalized patient in America, but somehow those rules are often ignored in developing countries, and very private images end up on social media. MFH’s volunteer orientation packet also encourages visitors photographing Haiti in general to “bear in mind how you would like to be photographed, showing a story of accomplishment, or positivity” rather than focusing on poverty and tragedy.
+ Empowerment of local leadership – The nurses who graduate from MFH’s program are recognizably proud. It’s highly competitive to get in (210 nurses applied this year for just 30 spots), and graduates are respected for providing a skill that is sorely needed in their communities. These women will save countless lives and be able to build reliable professional lives of their own.

Photo by: Emily Scott

The details of Midwives for Haiti’s volunteer program:

How are volunteers vetted?
All volunteers must have active medical licenses and credentials. Interested volunteers can fill out the application form on MFH’s website and submit their CV and cover letter. They will then complete a phone interview with MFH to make sure the volunteer’s goals match the organization’s needs.

Are unskilled workers allowed to take on tasks they’re not qualified for?
No. Volunteers may only perform procedures that fall within the scope of their medical license. In fact, while I was working with MFH midwives at the government hospital, two volunteers from a different organization were dropped off to “help out” in the wards. Despite having no medical training, they hung around and watched women in labor, even pulling aside curtains that had been closed for privacy so that they could see better.

When I returned to MFH’s volunteer house that night, I mentioned the situation to leadership and they were appalled. Even though the volunteers had nothing to do with MFH, they worried about damaging their trusted relationship with the hospital and assured me they would contact the other organization about their volunteers’ behavior. It was just one example of many I saw that illustrated MFH’s commitment to ethical volunteerism.

How much does the program cost?
Volunteer fees are $795 for the first week, and $495 for each additional week. Volunteers pay for their own roundtrip airfare to Haiti.

Is volunteer housing provided?
Yes. Volunteers serve at two sites: A remote birth center in the hills of Cabestor, and the government hospital in Hinche. In Cabestor, volunteers live in shared rooms above the birth center. In Hinche, MFH has a large house in a gated compound for volunteers. Food and clean water is provided at both locations. (The Hinche house comes with a bonus: A sweet resident housecat named Ina May, after the groundbreaking midwife!)

Is transportation to the worksite provided?
Yes. Volunteers take a short motorcycle ride with MFH’s trusted drivers to the hospital and back each day. On days when the team travels hours away to provide mobile prenatal clinics to remote villages, volunteers travel in MFH’s 4×4 vehicles.

 

Photo by: Emily Scott

Is this the right volunteering opportunity for me?
Only if you have the specific skills MFH is looking for: Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), Licensed Midwives (LMs), OB/GYN physicians and nurses, and Labor/Delivery Nurses. Students are not encouraged to apply since they do not have a medical license under which to legally practice.

You should also be comfortable with teaching and mentorship. Since your role is to act as a clinical instructor for Haitian midwifery students, it’s important to be able to teach clearly and simply, and get creative with your methods. Experience working in limited-resource settings is a plus, and flexibility is a must!

If you meet these requirements, I highly recommend volunteering your time with Midwives for Haiti. Nearly half of their international volunteers return to serve with them again, and I look forward to counting myself among that number!

 

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