Five Things to Think About Before Volunteering in Haiti

Volunteers, both domestic and international, were an essential part of the early rescue, relief efforts in Haiti after the devastating January 12 earthquake. And now that the country is looking at long term rebuilding, volunteers will continue to play an important role. If you’re thinking of sharing your skills and embarking in a volunteer program in Haiti, here are a few words of wisdom to keep in mind before you go.

1. Not all Volunteer Work is Beneficial.
Immediately following the earthquake and still today, local people were being paid an average $5.00 a day by NGO’s, the UN and other agencies to remove rubble or do general labor. Though meager by most standards, these jobs were a valuable source of income for many. This example is important because volunteers should be assured that they are not taking potential jobs from local people at a time when so many are desperate for a source of income. Volunteers should know that they are filling in skills gaps that are not readily filled by local people.

2. Impact on Community
The very reason you choosing to volunteer and not spend your vacation at a resort is because you want to make an impact that will change someone’s life for the better. Not every volunteer position will do that. Before you go, ask yourself, how will what I am doing make a real difference today, tomorrow, and even years from now.

3. People Are Not Novelties
A few months ago, in a “tap-tap” I overheard a passenger complain “why are they taking pictures of us in our misery”, as an armored SUV full of international volunteers/workers drove by. Whenever one is traveling overseas, one must be mindful of respecting and preserving the dignity of local people, especially in a community facing hardship. The best way to do that is by choosing a volunteer experience that enables one to work side with local people to do the work AND to understand perspectives, the problem, the mission, each others roles, and the situation at hand.

4. You Are a Visitor Too
I’ve heard many terms for it: disaster tourist, voluntourist, etc. Whatever one calls it, there is nothing wrong with exploring while enrolled in an overseas volunteer program. In fact, it is an added benefit for both the volunteer and the local community, as long as one is mindful of the aforementioned points. Contrary to popular belief, Haiti was not destroyed. There are still many places left for visitors, from hip haunts, natural wonders, local hang outs, and let’s not forget the plethora of artisanal shops and artisans. Without the patronage from visitors, volunteers or otherwise, what will happen to these places, trades, and the people who depend on them for livelihood?

5. Sometimes You Do Have to Pay to Volunteer
People often ask: “why do I have to pay to volunteer?” Well, volunteering overseas is not like volunteering at your local library; it’s a big undertaking that involves a lot of logistical planning on the part of the receiving organization and entails big risks for both the volunteer and the organization. And because of this, there is a great financial cost to ensure safety and provide support to volunteers, so that they can do their work and have a worthwhile experience. Moreover, having volunteers share in the cost, allows more funds to be committed to the community project.

Volunteering in Haiti promises to be a great experience, a source of much needed skills, and an opportunity for more members of the international community to learn about the country. If you’re thinking of volunteering, there are many opportunities available with Beyond Travel.