19. Volunteering Abroad: Why Intentions Are Never Enough
Dr. Ross Brownson of Washington University in St. Louis
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In the realm of international volunteering, intentions don't always align with impact. This realization is something I struggled with following a volunteering trip to India as a naive graduate student. My journey was packed with good intentions, yet years later, I find myself questioning the impact of my short-term volunteering stint on the local community of Faridabad, India.
I was drawn to the idea of immersing myself in the culture of my ancestors, while giving back to society. However, the reality was more complex than I had anticipated. I had taken on a role as a teacher in a slum school in India, forming bonds with the children only to leave abruptly after a few weeks. This abrupt departure posed potential harm to their mental health, a consequence I had not considered.
The desire to help is a noble one, but it must be coupled with a critical understanding of the complexities of service trips. This realization came years after my volunteering experience when I understood how such trips could inadvertently harm local communities.
Reflecting on my time with International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ), I can see how organizations such as these can perpetuate harmful cycles under the guise of service. The lack of transparency in their operations raises questions about the authenticity and effectiveness of such volunteer programs.
What struck me most about IVHQ was the focus on the number of volunteers and locations rather than the tangible results of the programs. The questions of where the money was going and how it was directly impacting the local communities remained unanswered.
I came to realize that my decision to volunteer had potentially displaced more qualified local teachers who needed work. This issue highlights the systemic problems that can arise from well-intentioned but misguided volunteer efforts.
The concept of 'voluntourism' emerged in stark contrast to my initial understanding of volunteering. While the intention of doing good remained, the execution had been skewed towards tourism and personal enrichment, rather than genuinely serving the community.
Despite these sobering reflections, it's crucial to note that mistakes are part of the learning process. What matters is how we use these lessons to do better in the future. It's not about shunning service trips but understanding how to participate in them more responsibly.
All in all, the complexities of volunteering abroad are multifold. They demand a critical examination of our intentions and actions, a commitment to transparency, and a genuine desire to serve. As we navigate the realm of global service, let's remember that good intentions must be paired with informed actions to truly make a difference.