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How to be a responsible volunteer

The development of multi media in the 21st century has lead to people becoming more aware of the impacts of their being when visiting a foreign country. This has led to the term 'responsible tourism' which was coined by Dr Harold Goodwin. However volunteers are essentially tourists who stay for an extended period and who help the local community in some way. However the effects of volunteers upon the countries they visit has been largely ignored by the industry.

This has led to this short guide 'how to be a responsible volunteer'.

So you have decided to volunteer but where, how, who with, do what? These are a few of the questions that will be going through your mind, like they did mine! Read on and the mud will seem slightly clearer but more importantly you will be in a position to volunteer responsibly.

The first thing you need to decide is where and what. It is important to go to a country in which you are interested in. If you can speak a foreign language or want to learn a specific one then volunteer in suitable countries. Furthermore before you volunteer learn a few basic words and phrases of the country you are visiting, Also I suggest you buff up a bit on the history and culture of the country.

Every potential volunteer has their own unique skills to offer the project the responsible volunteer would consider these before they decide on a type of volunteer project. There is no point in putting round pegs in square holes as the project will not get the most out of you. Also if you help doing things you know, you can get more done, so your time away will have more of an impact than if you did something you don't know! One volunteer particularly stands out he was a Dutch lad who went to Sri Lanka. He was starting a job in Indonesia helping to solve water irrigation problems. Before he started the job he volunteered with Ecoteer in Sri Lanka and helped by organizing and installing an irrigation system so now the whole village can water plants easily. You see the more you can help by utilizing your skills the greater the rewards for the project and your self-satisfaction.

So you have decided what region to visit and looked at your skills now you need to find a suitable project.

Unfortunately it's a sad truth but money does make the world go round and it is even more vital in the third world. The responsible volunteer would volunteer with a company that donates the highest percentage of the volunteer's money to the project. I believe it is best for the volunteer to give the money direct to the project. There are hundreds and thousands of grass roots organizations crying out for volunteers that are not associated with large volunteer companies. Ecoteer.com and other similar websites like wwoof and help exchange have helped to collate the grass roots projects in one space. However the larger companies do provide some help to the volunteers that the grass roots do not provide. However Ecoteer does provide a forum for volunteers to speak and once you have contacted the projects past volunteers can be spoken to. I would highly recommend you read up on the safety and issues in the country you are visiting so you can prepare before you go. Travel in your own country and in others does have some risks but a lot of the risks can be reduced by preparing before you go.

Preparation is vital and the responsible volunteer would research the country and take suitable inoculations and buy suitable travel insurance and make sure volunteering is covered by the insurance. I can not stress it enough but before you travel you must contact the project on a regular basis and talk about what you will do before so you can prepare suitably ie take a Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course or collect materials like pencils and paper if you are volunteering at a school. Learning the basic phrases for the country you're visiting is of utmost importance.

Now you are ready to go but how? International air travel has recently received a lot of press coverage for its impact upon the environment. To volunteer you don't need to travel abroad why not volunteer locally giving 1 or 2 days a week or maybe a few weeks during your holidays. However if you do want to volunteer in a foreign country then explore other forms of travel. Trains and buses are great forms of transport and are often cheaper than flying - make the journey part of the experience rather than as a necessity to volunteer. Starting in the UK you can travel to the whole of Africa and most of Asia! And what about sailing! Join a crew there are many websites that are looking for ship crews. However flying is essential for some travel and if you do need to fly make sure you pay money into carbon offsetting schemes - especially ones that focus on new technologies which release less emissions rather than just plant trees.

You have now arrived

The general emphasis on the responsible volunteer must be to respect the local community that you are visiting. When you volunteer abroad you normally volunteer with people who have different backgrounds, culture and beliefs. When you join this new community they welcome you into their home and workspace so you must respect them as you would if the roles where reversed. In many countries the level of standards in many aspect are lower than western countries so go with opened minds and be willing to live like the local people not like a tourist or like you do at home!

Moving on from this, get involved with the local people and learn about their culture, language and religion. The most memorable times when you volunteer is often spent while in scenarios different to back home. If invited go to festivals, stay at local peoples houses immerse yourself in the local culture. But always remember RESPECT.
The longer you volunteer for the more you can do and the more you will experience. No matter where you are or what you are doing it normally takes 1 to 2 weeks for you to settle into the new surroundings and routine enough for you to become comfortable. Therefore the longer you go for the more you can learn and accomplish, it is vital the responsible volunteer goes for as long as possible.

The long and short of responsible volunteering is RESPECT for the local people and environment where you volunteer. Volunteer with an open mind with enthusiasm and willingness to work.

key aspects of responsible volunteering

1. Respect the local people and project
2. Travel by means other than flying and if you do fly direct and off set your carbon with reputable companies
3. Volunteer with grass roots projects and pay direct to the project.
4. Prepare before you go - learn the basic language, culture, take suitable inoculations and ensure you have suitable travel insurance.
5. Utilise your skills - volunteering at projects you can help with skills you have already learnt will ensure they benefit more from your stay and the more you can do!
6. Stay for as long as possible - the longer you stay the greater the benefit for the project
7. Be motivated and enthusiastic - go with an open mind and immerse yourself in the local culture

I hope this short guide has helped you to volunteer responsibly and get the most from your time away.

Contact Us: Travelling abroad can be a daunting experience. We know because we've done it. If you have a question then we can help.