Making a positive impact through volunteering

Travelling is one of the most beautiful things in life. Views of endless mountain peaks trigger philosophical thoughts. Paddle bathing, brings you back to earth with both feet. And the smile of a complete stranger makes you believe in the best of human beings time and again. At the same time, the impact of travelling is far from positive. And with your lips on the rim of a cocktail glass, you find yourself pondering whether a terrace in the Netherlands wasn't also just enough. Whether it was worth the flight... Because let's be honest; do you really meet the other culture on your coastal holiday? Or do you stick to the tourist areas which, while fantastic, are not really necessary.

What have been our guidelines for good volunteering?

1. Avoid working with children
   However wonderful the idea of making a difference to a child’s life may be, in reality things often go wrong. Children with attachment issues suffer further trauma, and sometimes children are even taken away from their families to be passed off as orphans. This has arisen due to the growing demand for volunteer work. The only way to stop this is to avoid volunteering with children, unless you intend to commit to the cause for years and carry out thorough research into the project in question beforehand.

2. Be critical when working with animals
   This has been my ultimate lesson. There are very few reserves that are 100% dedicated to the welfare of the animals. Do you still want to help animals? Then be critical. The safest places are rescue centres for stray animals such as dogs and cats. These animals need a lot of love. If you do want to work with wild animals, do your research. Is there a ‘no interaction’ policy (absolutely vital!)? What is the release rate? What is being said about the organisation? What’s best for wild animals is often the least entertaining for humans. So be prepared to scoop poo ;)

3. Regenerative farms all over the world need your help!
   The kind of volunteering where you can make a huge impact is farm work. And I’m talking specifically about farms that do things differently. Food forests, permaculture, regeneration… These farmers are the heroes of the 21st century. Not only do you remove CO₂ from the air, but you also ensure healthy soils, water retention, organic food and a balance between people, animals and the environment. Find work through Ecosystem Restoration Communities or WWOOF.

4. Bring your own talents to the table
   Whatever project you take on, it’s always worth bringing your own talents to the table. Do you have a background in fundraising, photography or dog training? Then take this knowledge and these skills with you to wherever you’re heading. Local projects are often incredibly busy. Help from outside can finally enable them to secure that grant or boost their communications.

5. Be humble
   As a volunteer, you’re not the hero of the day (sorry!). The heroes are the people at the helm of the project. It often takes these heroes a great deal of time to train volunteers, cook for them or set up facilities. What they ask in return is a few hours’ work that they can count on. Many volunteers think that, because they’re working for free or making a financial contribution on top of that, they can set their own schedule, but that’s not the intention. Are you going to commit to a good cause? Then commit to it properly. That way, you’ll be a bit of a hero after all.

These conditions have guided my journey and provided wonderful experiences. I hope my path with many winding paths can acknowledge your route and give the inspiration to take the voluntary path. Much beauty awaits you.

Love,

Femke