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It's always an issue when I travel. You want to give to the needy, but where exactly is your money going? You want to help out where needed but how can you make sure that your work is worthwhile? Especially after seeing Slumdog Millionaire I began to question my former tactics. I realize that parts of the movie are fictional but I know that other parts were not. Recently the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), released new research on responsible donations and volunteering while traveling or living in distant places.
"Oftentimes, people who vacation in poor parts of the world are moved to try to help by either volunteering or donating financially or materially to those in need. But because these good intentions may have negative impacts, we have compiled thoughtful insights and responses from a dozen leading tourism experts," explains CREST co-founder and Co-Director, Dr. Martha Honey. "Our aim is to help educate travelers and tourism companies about how to contribute in ways that help to strengthen communities and don't perpetuate cycles of dependence on charity."
Travel Giving Do's and Don'ts
- When visiting a local orphanage, school, or health clinic make sure your intention is not to stand at arms length and engage in "poverty tourism." Do not act like you are superior.
- When donating clothing to an orphanage inquire about specifically what type of clothing, gender, sizes, and ages are most needed. Be aware of what is culturally acceptable and suitable dress.
- Volunteer long enough in a specific place to make a real difference. Staying an extra week to help out, experts say, is largely ineffective.
- When giving children small gifts be thoughtful, don't give candy as it is largely responsible for the tooth decay in third world countries.
- Instead of giving directly to beggars, support the organizations that work directly with beggars or street kids to keep them off the street.
More on Volunteering:
Forget Vacationing: Travel through Volunteering with EcoVolunteer.org
Travel Guilt-Free Through Green Volunteerism
How to Go Green: Volunteerism
