Evaluating Summer Service and Volunteer Programs for Your Child
Many students and parents have asked for guidelines when it
comes to choosing a summer service program, especially one that involves
travel.
It is not possible for me to evaluate every program out
there – or even a small fraction of those. However, I am happy to provide the
Pingree community with a list of things to look for when choosing a program.
1.
First and foremost, I advise people to closely
examine their reason for choosing a travel service program. What do you want from this program? What does
your child want? These trips are usually rigorous and challenging (as they
should be!), and are generally unadvisable if the main goal is résumé building.
2.
In the spirit of putting one’s money where their
mouth is, I always look to see if the program offers financial assistance
to interested students whose families are not able to pay for the entire
program. In other words, many organizations proclaim that they work toward
social justice – do they truly provide opportunities to a diversity of
participants, or is this a full-pay program only? Programs that do not provide
support to students from a diversity of backgrounds run the risk of reinforcing
the status quo, instead of challenging it.
3.
One of the most important elements for
evaluation is the organization’s relationship with the community being
served. Do they have community partners who choose projects based on local
needs? Are the projects in keeping with the cultural values of the local community?
Additionally, the programs that I have found to be the most effective seek to
employ as many local people as possible, whether as cooks, advisors,
carpenters, translators, or project supervisors.
4.
Beware of “voluntourism.” Will your child
be participating in a service activity that exists solely for the benefit of
the travel organization? Many companies create their own service projects that
are not based on the needs, culture, or people where they occur. The best
summary and explanation of this that I have come upon is from the Unite For
Sight organization:
There are many organizations whose programs
rely solely on visiting volunteers to provide healthcare or other services.
These "worst practice" programs usually take the form of
"voluntourism," "volunteer vacations," and short-term medical missions. Volunteers involved with
these programs may perceive that they are making an impact since they do not
see or meet any local health professionals providing care or services in the
region, therefore leading the visitors to believe that there are no local
health care providers. However, they do not see health care professionals
because such volunteer programs are not linked with the local healthcare
infrastructure. By ignoring local healthcare providers, these programs
undermine the local healthcare infrastructure, create additional barriers to care,
and cause harm.
5.
Pay attention to how people and communities
are portrayed by this organization. At Pingree we emphasize a
strengths-based view of communities, rather than deficit-based. I am always
wary of organizations that portray people in their weakest moments in order to
draw people to their organization.
6.
Many people have questions about the cost of
programs. I can only answer that, by and large, prices for these programs
will vary significantly due to the multitude of variables involved in international
travel. It is absolutely acceptable to
ask for a breakdown of trip costs. Do not be alarmed when you see that a
certain percentage goes to administrative or staff costs. This is largely a
flexible number that different organizations keep track of and report in a
variety of ways. Check to see if the following elements are covered as part of
the fee you will pay:
a.
Visa and passport fees
b.
Air and ground transportation
c.
Three meals a day (some may only provide two. In
this case you will need to budget for the third).
d.
Insurance
e.
Materials for service activities
f.
Any required reading materials
7.
If possible, contact past trip participants and
leaders (organizations usually have a database of participants who are willing
to speak on behalf of the organization). They are usually the best resources.
Whether the person had a positive or negative experience, always ask for
specifics. Their criteria for a positive or negative review will not
necessarily align with yours.
8.
Remember that travel always involves some
element of risk. Evaluating the past safety record of each program is important in
making your decision. But just as important is examining the systems that
organizations have for minimization of risk, and plans they have for
emergencies. What is their risk management policy? How do they contact families
in the event of an emergency?
9.
Speaking of risk… remember that your child
will most likely be presented with opportunities to break a rule here and there
(drinking, night swimming, ditching the group to go sight-seeing). While it is
important to ask about the supervision in place to prevent these transgressions,
it is also important that you and your child have a discussion about their responsibility to minimize risk.
If your child is still working to develop a strong sense of personal
responsibility – as well as responsibility for the well-being of the people
around them – they may not be ready for independent travel yet. There are many
organizations that offer service opportunities to families. On top of this, the
North Shore is full of non-profit organizations that would love to have teenage
volunteers, especially for a long-term commitment. This could be an excellent
opportunity for a student to develop the sense of responsibility that they need
for future independent travel.
10. And,
finally, trust your gut. The fact that a program gets five stars in its ratings
and everyone raves about it doesn't mean that it’s right for you and your
child! There are tons of programs out there and once you and your child decide
that they’re ready for this experience, you will be able to find an
organization meets your needs and values.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
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