Here are some resources
for those wondering if they should volunteer….
Volunteer Tourism has taken off in the last 10 years. I set up a page of links to Volunteer Tourism Projects on my Women Travel Website However, someone recently asked me about whether they were all good or worthwhile projects – a very good question.
So much of what is going on is offering band aid solutions, simplistic answers to complex questions, people from outside not recognising what the real issue. There is a lack of understanding of the power dynamic – are we there to learn or to teach.
A move away from Sympathy Tourism to Empathy Learning, beyond seeing ourselves as saviours to engaging with the search for sustainable solutions.
Development education tours rather than voluntourism?
Learning Service.info – Rethinking Volunteer Travel
They have a book coming out:
The approach for the book is built on the changes the international volunteering sector has seen over the last decade and the impacts that work has had globally by providing practical tips and lessons learned for people looking for the most ethical options for how to improve themselves and the world through international travel.
With sections on gap years, the pitfalls of volunteering, international development effectiveness, and alternatives to volunteering, the book is a must-read for anyone considering international volunteering, educators and trip leaders about to take a group abroad, or anyone looking to learn more about how to translate international service and travel projects into positive experiences for all stakeholders.
Some Great Videos
Learning Service Videos
- Finding a Responsible Volunteer Placement
- Being valuable Volunteer
- Returning from your Volunteer Experience
- Orphanage Tourism
- How can I do good in the world
- Tips for the Responsible Traveler in South East Asia
- Tedx Oxbridge – What’s wrong with Volunteer Travel
Voluntourism101.com – download this
You can find the self-check guide here, in an interactive format.
Other Resources include:
- Tips and Tricks for Learning Before Helping
- A Volunteer’s Charter
