There are ways to make a positive impact anywhere. Learn more about volunteering, why it’s important, and how to prepare so you’re ready for your next trip.

What is Voluntary Ownership?

Not to be confused with volunteering. Volunteering is the act or practice of volunteering as needed in the community in which you are traveling or visiting as a tourist. You can volunteer even if you only visit a place for a few days or weeks.

Between relaxing and sightseeing, volunteering can be beneficial not only for the community you’re helping, but also for yourself.

Effective volunteer service

Before you volunteer on a project, there are a few things you can do to prepare for it.

  1. Find out about the issues and organizations in the areas you will be visiting to discover the volunteer options available.

  2. Be sure to read and follow the health and safety guidelines for any areas you plan to visit.

  3. Look for ways to volunteer using skills you already master. This may include translations if you speak the local language or use technical skills such as teaching or tutoring, writing or photography to promote the organization through social media. You can choose to work on a job that you are qualified to do or on a job that does not require extensive expertise or training to be completed.

  4. Focus on local initiatives and priorities. Follow the example of local organizations and find something that interests you, or interests you passionately.

  5. Think about the impact you want to have on the community you serve. What do you hope to offer and what do you hope to benefit from this experience?

Learning more about the needs of the local community and how your time can benefit these causes or organizations will make your travel experience worthwhile.

Ethical Voluntary Service

If you can’t volunteer at your destination, there are other things you can do as a tourist that can help the local community. When you travel, remember:

  • Be sustainable. Consider your environmental impact and how you can reduce it. Using reusable water bottles and cleaning up after yourself can make a world of difference.

  • Show respect. Be respectful of the locals, customs and attractions. Think about your words and actions and remember that you are a visitor to this area.

  • Support local businesses. Spending your money in locally owned shops and restaurants can help boost the local economy.

  • Really connect with people. Be curious about the local way of life. You can ask about the best place to get a traditional meal or a recommendation of an important place to visit before leaving. When you want to connect with people and learn more about them, it can open a path to real connection and maybe even friendships that will last a lifetime.

  • Pay attention to the photography. Documenting your travels is an important part of the experience. However, remember to ask for consent before taking photos of local traditions, customs, and communities that you will serve. It is also important to ask for permission before taking photos of locals living their daily lives, their homes, or their belongings. Avoid taking photos of children or other vulnerable populations.

  • Be careful with social media. Think of the performance dynamics associated with volunteering in a community and behind the camera. Even if your intentions are real, posting information about someone else’s life and circumstances can have a negative impact, B. reinforcing stereotypes. Be careful to avoid “rescuers”. This is the approach to volunteering where one person or group of people (these volunteers) has all the answers or powers and has the ability to “save” another group of people from their problems or struggles. The stories you post on social media have an impact that can be as significant (either positive or negative) as the service you provide.

voluntary work

If you’d like to learn more about summer volunteer opportunities, you can check out the Volunteer Resource Center (PRC)) can help. your Volunteer Calendar includes one-off events and ongoing opportunities during the summer. The PRC can also provide resources to learn more about volunteering and how to get the most impact.

Looking ahead to the spring break in 2022? Consider one Alternative break!

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