The C.C.E. brought in 4 non-profit firms from around richmond. the firms’ representatives proceeded to talk about how and why you should not volunteer your time. kinda seem counterproductive doesn’t it? but the reasonings they gave though were very compelling arguments. The first reasoning was privacy of those being served, all to often do those volunteering forget that they are there to help others not help their public image by bolstering their instagram page. Another reason they put as “don’t be a Savior Barbie.” Expanding on this concept the representatives don’t want people who volunteer again to make themselves feel good, or again bolster their image. this is seen through who go to other places, Africa is stereotypical, to “save” those less fortunate than them. but as the representatives said, you need to think about the long term impact of your visit and how you affect the community not just while you are there. they said that your goal as a volunteer should be to make an impact to where the group no longer needs people to come in and help.
When thought about I completely agree with the representatives. the motives of a volunteer should matter. a person should never help someone to help themselves. it kinda completely defeats the whole point of helping people.
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