It's January in a new year and this is the perfect opportunity to write about what we learned here at GeoVisions in 2007 about voluntourism. If you are contemplating being a voluntourist in 2008, this is perfect reading for you. We can guarantee a lot of things, but we cannot guarantee you are going to have a good time. Most of that depends entirely on you. But what we
can guarantee is, if you heed the ideas in this letter, you will have a
better time.
When you write up your packing list, add these four items:
- Flexibility,
- Openness,
- A burning desire to help others,
- Being non-judgmental.
When our volunteers travel to another country to help others, they work with people who's needs exceed their own. In other words, "it isn't about you." Projects may not always start right on time. From the moment you sign up, to the time you depart (normally 4-6 months) things going on in and around the project will have changed. Think about it. Needs are being met and as they are, other needs pop up. The project director may have an emergency, and she just forgot you were arriving today. You were going to paint. Now you're raking debris. Be flexible.
You are going to meet people who live in an entirely different culture. They may have values very different from yours. Their emergency will not be your emergency. Their attitude on a particular topic might be entirely opposite of yours. Be open. You'll be a lot happier and more productive if you're non-judgmental. Our volunteers tell us that keeps a smile on their face every day, when conditions surrounding them could have brought them down.
If you are doing this project only to save money while you travel, please rethink your motives. If you are doing this to satisfy yourself because you want to hug kids, give them things and play games with them all day, you should know that some project leaders will sometimes refer to that behavior as "petting the critters." It is the first indication that you are there to meet your needs first, then the needs of those at the project.
Instead, if you pack a burning desire to help others, everyone's needs are met. Sometimes that is hugging kids. Normally that's painting, repairing, cleaning, planting, clearing and doing jobs no one else there can do. A burning desire to help, no matter the task, will make your voluntourist experience the best experience of your life and will give those in need sustainable assistance, even after your departure.
At GeoVisions we want you to remember that you are on the project to serve. Work with your fellow volunteers at the site as your partners. Do not impose your views on anyone. Learn as much as you can about the country where you are going, the community, the language, and the customs before you go. The work begins when you press the Submit button on our online application, not when you arrive at the project.
GeoVisions is not set up as an aid agency. Rather, we are set up as an alternative to traditional travel. We do not believe it is in anyone's best interests to go into a country and set up projects unless you are an aid agency. Conversely, aid agencies are not travel companies. Before we agree to send volunteers to a project, we engage the community and find out the kind of help they need. We do not do jobs they can do for themselves. There is no sustainability in that.
What does all of this mean to you? It means traveling with GeoVisions is a fun and ethical way to travel. It means the money you spend as a voluntourist is spent wisely and in the right places. It means an unseen advantage to you is our excellent health and safety record. In all of 2006 and 2007, not one GeoVisions volunteer was injured nor was anyone ill enough to even use their medical and accident insurance. Our global connections are GeoVisions' most meaningful difference. If you look closely at us, you will see that we are involved in a variety of global issues, and that is good for you, the projects and our partners abroad.
Have a great 2008. If you are already signed up on a GeoVisions program, don't forget those new items on the packing list! If you are contemplating a project with GeoVisions, I hope these ideas will help you narrow your focus and cause you to think about what you want to do and where you want to go.
I look forward to seeing you on one of our programs soon.
Sincerely,
Randy LeGrant
Executive Director