A tough but honest look at the world of voluntourism (going on vacation to volunteer your time in the community you are visiting) and the sharing of photos during such exposure visits. While I have mixed feelings that range from seeing some mutual benefits for all to realizing that in many cases the tourist “takes much more home than they “leave” with the people they are “helping”. This is a deeply complicated paradig to wrap one’s head around. While I celebrate people’s willingness to be pushed outside of their comfort zone, learn about another culture, and aim to help a little bit in the process, I think we need to ask ourselves “Why are we doing this? Do the people we perceive to be helping really benefit from such an exchange?” During my time of service over the past four years in Africa I was asked often to share my photos and stories. I often felt uncomfortable in doing so for a variety of reasons. This article helps to outline some of those reservations I held. What is the line between celebrating the connections we make during such exchanges and glorifying ourselves in the process? I’m not sure there is an easy answer. The following are a few things to remember when embarking on such an opportunity, based on my own experiences and in my humble, non-expert opinion: 1) It is an exchange (of cultures, time, relationships, etc). 2) You are not going there as a provider, you are going to learn from the people you a visiting. Sure, you can bring medical supplies, clothes, toys, etc...but these are all minor elements in the exchange that you will have. They will value the relationship more than the “stuff” (something we in the West have a hard time comprehending) 3) It is not about what you bring them or do for them, it is about the human exchange experienced. The result of an honest exchange is the ability move to a place of mutuality. Seeing them as an equal human to yourself will open a new perspective on how we are all truly interconnected. This takes LOTS of time. You’ll know it when you move from feeling pity for a person living in a more difficult situation than your own to seeing the richness of their existence. Compassion is wonderful...pity and feeling “sorry” for someone is not. 4) It is about mutual investment in each others lives (big picture stuff) not continuing a cycle of need-based aid only. Essentially ask yourself if you are “in it for the long haul”? If you plan to only be involved for the span of your mission trip or voluntour then you probably aren’t in it for the right reasons. Can you learn a lot from a trip like this...of course, but I hope that living a life of advocacy and playing an active role in what I like to call “global reformation” emerges in the process My four cents...for what its worth ;) I really welcome thoughts on this from anyone who has been involved in such exchanges. I would especially love to hear from my friends in Africa regarding this. Please share if you have a moment.
Posted on: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 19:30:03 +0000
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