Participant Reflections on Short-Term International Volunteering Benefits, Concerns, and Perspective Change
their own words
How Volunteers Were Impacted by Their Trip Experience
Awareness of Advantages
“The first time I saw extreme poverty, I was filled with pain and shame To realize that I have so many more resources than the majority of the world and still want for more was a difficult reality to face I was also angry and confused that God could allow such disparity. It really caused me to re-examine my understanding of God, sin, and what it means to be blessed I no longer see myself as blessed but rather as privileged ”
Surprise at Happiness of Intended Beneficiaries
“It definitely showed me that the people of Jamaica are extremely joyful despite their living situations ”
“It made me realize that they are grateful for what they have, and they seemed genuinely happy making me change my perspective of them and my life ”
Limited Capacity of Short-Term Volunteering
“I hoped we would be able to help the people, but our trip was just a drop in the bucket It did nothing We couldn’t even engage in a meaningful way ”
“I saw a need for more help, but specifically from locals What I, as a foreigner, can do is extremely limited ”
“We were only there a week How much could we actually help in a week?!”
Potential Concerns of Short-term International Volunteering
Concerns about Power Inequities between Volunteers and Intended Beneficiaries
"The power that Americans have over other cultures is undeniable, and most Americans are totally unaware of this dynamic We so often diminish the dignity (and surely on some occasions, safety) of those we aim to serve or partner with ”
“Care needs to be taken to avoid Americans having a pitying attitude or 'saviour' mentality ”
Trip Activities that Pose Risk to Child Development
“A large percentage of our time was spent with abandoned/orphaned children in a children's home I regret the time spent bonding with children (who have already suffered trauma from abandonment) only to leave two weeks later and not return I imagine it did far more harm than good ”
“I believe the potential harm was forming relationships with these kids and connecting with them, and then leaving them "
Lack of Volunteer Preparation
“Potential harm for children if guests are not trained and are not supervised Children need to be protected at all times and guests could be dangerous ”
“Sometimes since we weren't really trained for some of our activities, so hopefully are [sic] work stays good and doesn t hurt anyone ”
Potential Benefits of Short-term International Volunteering
Benefits to the Volunteer
“Students and leaders were able to deepen their own faith and understand different cultures, as well as develop connections with people from different backgrounds Our team grew together through training, processing time, and going through a challenging week of mission and service together ”
Benefits of Building and Strengthening Relationships
“To just love the person in front of you Stop for this one ”
“Deepening relationships with partners living in the area and ability to connect community here to community there.”
Benefits of Supporting Local Efforts
“I think the biggest benefits were for the church we partnered with We went down to build a relationship with our sister church in Peru, and I think that as organizations the two churches are much closer after the trip.”
“Potential benefits for the ministry if team members continue to support the works of the ministry prayerfully and financially ”
What Participants Would Change About Their Volunteer Experiences
Increased Preparation Prior to Volunteering
“Better communication, we didn t know what we were doing until we got there ”
“There needs to be more training on privilege and how that impacts missions, encouraging people to find mission right around them, better use of resources to support the people in-country without enabling ”
A Focus on Learning Rather Than Doing
“Less talk, more listening ”
“Change the focus of earlier trips to learning and supporting instead of doing ”
“Take a perspective of learning from them first! The mission or focus should not be a 'rescue' from westerners but instead a collaboration for learning on both sides ”
Not Participating in the Trip
“I would not have gone. I would have just donated the money to a trustworthy cause in the country ”
“I wouldn’t have gone Instead we would’ve given the cost of our trips to established organizations who employ locals to good and honest work for a fair wage ”
“I would not return to an orphanage I would want to support groups that are providing quality in-home care for children (like foster care or guardianship homes with relatives) ”