I saw this CNN feature the other day on volunteer travel and I thought it really helped to spotlight this wave of volunteerism that is now becoming popular.

It’s amusing that our non-profit society has been doing this for many years, but suddenly with a couple big corporates and news franchises on the bandwagon it is now the “in” thing to do. But no matter, publicity is good when it highlights a good thing, right?

One thing that kind of rubbed me the wrong way was the attempt to sensationalize the whole thing - they’re selling these fantabulous labels like “volunteer vacations”, “adventure voluntourism” or “educational adventures”.  Kind of reminds me of that Castle episode where for a price you can buy a spy adventure vacation (which I would totally be into if not for the person who was murdered in that episode).

But why judge and be so cynical I keep reminding myself, in the end there are people trying to do good works and the meat of the article I fully support.

“Showing up in parts unknown, hoping to make a big difference in a small amount of time, is likely to leave travelers and hosts disappointed.

You’re not going to change the world in a week or two. You’re not going to eradicate poverty in a village. […] The key to having a positive impact in a short amount of time is realizing that your efforts are part of a process, Cutchins said. Results are subtle and come about slowly through a long line of volunteers.”

These are some very valuable insights - set your expectations, know what you’re getting into. Don’t expect instant gratification - we all think that if we volunteer at the oil spill cleanup we’ll have a furry cute animal to clean off…but most of us just get a rock to scrub (anyone watch vintage Simpsons?). 

In reality you have to be aware that you are a part of a whole, you are participating in a cultural exchange essentially (savor it!) and after a long line of people just like you change WILL set in and you will have made a difference.