Despite all of the bad things happening in the world, there are still a lot of good people out there trying to make a positive impact. Some of them even go as far as spending their time, money, and effort volunteering in different parts of the globe. They fly to wherever they are needed so that they can make a direct contribution to struggling communities. This type of work is not without its own issues, however, so those interested in this experience should tread carefully. They may end up doing more harm than good. Below are some tips on how to ensure ethical volunteering overseas:
Travel with Nonprofit Organizations
Unfortunately, even volunteering has become a business wherein companies are profiting off of people’s desire to help others. Companies may offer tourist programs that take guests to different overseas locations to do simple tasks under the guise of charity. However, these programs tend to be problematic as they cater more towards the needs of the volunteers rather than the needs of the locals. For example, the companies may ride on the hottest social issues that attract a lot of volunteers rather than focusing on what actual concerns of the people on the ground. Nonprofit organizations are not in it for the money so they are more likely to have useful programs.
Ensure Local Approval and Support
Another way to make sure that you are choosing the right ethical volunteering overseas opportunity is to check for approval and support coming from the local authorities and institutions. If there is a major concern in a community, then there is a good chance that an organization has already been formed to tackle it. They may just be lacking funds, skills, knowhow, manpower, or other elements to succeed. That is where volunteers can come in and lend a helping hand. As long as there is local backing, you can be confident that your hard work is being channeled into something that will truly change lives and have immediate impact.
Act, Speak, and Buy Like a Local
Before going to another country, it is best to learn about its history and culture so you can understand the people. The past has a massive influence on the current situation, after all. Maybe you can gain a deeper insight and develop better plans to reach your goals in the place. Knowing about their culture will allow you to act in a more respectful manner. It will endear you to the locals while avoiding unnecessary clashes or embarrassing episodes. Try to learn a bit of their language and practice regularly by talking to them. Make lots of new friends. When you need to buy stuff, opt for local products so that your money supports their businesses.
