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Exploring motivations and perceptions behind global volunteerism.
Have you ever thought about volunteering abroad?
We all have our reasons for wanting to help others, but what drives those decisions? In this interactive experience, we explore the truth behind the appeal of volunteering in ‘developing’ countries and examine how perceptions shape our motivations.
Join us on a journey to understand what really motivates people to volunteer abroad and how we can all make a more ethical impact.
About the project
About the project
This is not a real volunteer program ****
While you may be used to seeing ads for volunteer programs abroad, this site was developed as part of the ‘Flipping the Narrative Campaign’ which focuses on dismantling the White Savior Complex in global development. This site is part of that campaign and is a research study exploring the motivations behind volunteering. We're interested in understanding why people choose to volunteer in other countries, especially in regions often 'associated' with poverty or need.
Through interactive content, reflective questions, and a survey, we aim to uncover the deeper reasons that drive these decisions, and highlight the ethical considerations involved.
By the end of your experience, we hope you'll have a better understanding of the complex dynamics that come with volunteering abroad and the White Savior Complex.
**Please note that ethical considerations were made when developing this website for research. You can view them here.
Why Is this Important?
Why Is this Important?
Volunteerism can be a powerful tool for good. However, if not done ethically, it can sometimes have unintended negative effects—like reinforcing stereotypes, creating dependency, or even overshadowing local efforts to solve their own problems.
Through this interactive project, we want to shed light on some of the ethical concerns surrounding volunteerism abroad, and provide an opportunity for you to reflect on your own motivations. What does it mean to help others? How do we ensure that our help is truly helping?
Image from Flipping the Narrative Campaign (White Savior Complex & AI) Research
Image from Flipping the Narrative Campaign (White Savior Complex & AI) Research
Image from Flipping the Narrative Campaign (White Savior Complex & AI) Research
To read our first report conducted as part of this campaign on the White Savior Complex and AI click here
To read our first report conducted as part of this campaign on the White Savior Complex and AI click here
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