Things to remember as a volunteer

Valued volunteering starts with bringing the right expectations and attitudes to the experience. You should learn how to manage culture shock and use social media responsibly.

10 tips for being a valued volunteer

  1. Be a sponge – listen to your host organisation and the local community. They are the experts!
  2. Bring a positive attitude.
  3. Be respectful of cultural differences and traditions.
  4. Learn before you do – research your host organisation, the country and culture before you go, and keep learning when you get there.
  5. Do the work that is valuable to the organisation, not just the work that is the most fun.
  6. Be flexible and open to change. Go with the flow – sometimes your work might change based on the needs of the organisation.
  7. Don’t take photos of children and make sure you gain informed consent before taking a photo of an adult.
  8. Make sure your social media challenges stereotypes and portrays the local community with dignity.
  9. Make the most of your placement – build relationships with the people you are working with, explore your surroundings, try new things and challenge yourself to get outside your comfort zone!
  10. Keep learning and stay involved when you get home. Hopefully your time away inspires you to educate yourself and act on the issues impacting your local and global community.

Culture shock

On placement you might feel frustrated and homesick – which is completely normal. Over time you will begin to develop strategies to adjust to your new environment, you will make friends and you may never want to leave!

When you arrive home you might experience 'reverse culture shock' – yes, it’s a thing, and it is very common. You might have trouble readjusting and relating to friends and family about your experience – especially if you have spent time in challenging environments while abroad.

The best thing you can do is to talk to friends and family or a health care professional about how you are feeling – don’t bottle it up, and don’t isolate yourself.

Using social media

Stop before you Snap! Think before you Tweet!

Social media can sometimes promote stereotypes. Alternatively, it can help us to understand the complex world we live in.

Follow this checklist when using social media during your volunteer placement:

  • Ask yourself: "What is my intention with sharing this post?"
  • Gain informed consent from the person in the picture and/or the caretaker. If you can't explain why you are taking the photo, find a translator.
  • Know the name and background of the people portrayed.
  • Offer the person in the photo, a copy.
  • Avoid sweeping and simplified generalisations, and include informative text with names, place etc.
  • Be respectful of different cultures and traditions.
  • Ask yourself: "Would I have appreciated being portrayed in the same manner?"
  • Avoid sensitive, vulnerable situations and locations such as hospitals and health clinics.
  • Don't portray yourself as the hero in the story conveyed.
  • Challenge the perceptions; bring down the stereotypes!