Voluntourism is the new term that I keep seeing popping up everywhere. It is the wonderful term that describes exactly what groups like Enchanting Challenge promote–tourism with a service spin. Voluntourism is the wonderful way to see the world while leaving a positive mark upon it. And the trend is catching on!
The other day while surfing through Idealist.org, my normal every-day wake-up routine, I came across an organization that seemed especially beautiful: SalaamGarage. I have to admit that it was the title that drew me in right away (I know, I know, don’t judge based on titles…). But how could I not be taken with an opener that begins with the beautiful word, Salaam, meaning peace in Arabic? It just takes your breath away and makes you stop in your tracks!
Upon further research, I learned that SalaamGarage is a wonderful organization and a leader in voluntourism. SalaamGarage organizes trips around the world where the participants visit a unique destination and partner up with an NGO in that region to work on a project that is calling for attention. The volunteer himself/herself CREATES the project together with the NGO, based on what they think is most pressing. This is really beautiful because then the volunteer is a real mover-and-shaker with this work; they are even a part of the creation stages.
While on their visit and contributing to their project, the participants become citizen journalists, or independent writers that transcribe their experience and pass the lessons on to others through their writings. This does not mean that SalaamGarage trips are limited to professional writers. No, it is open to everyone, and it encourages everyone to discover their own voice. You can write (or rather transcribe your experience) in whatever medium you prefer–whether it be through social media like Twitter or Facebook; your own blog or publications; or photographs; or anything else you can think of!! These transcriptions then become independent media projects that help to show the outside world what beautiful projects you are taking part in (helping to spread the word about what needs HELP!).
As their website points out, because of their profound relationships that have taken a decade to create, SalaamGarage is able to lead you to people and places that are not normally on a tourist’s radar. SalaamGarage gives you the chance to make an intimate impact upon a region and a people.
Alright, you sold yet? Wait til you hear the list of places you can travel to! Right now, SalaamGarage is planning an Indian Voyage, for which sign-up’s are being accepted until June 15th!! So hurry up and get your signature in, they are waiting for you!! The land of tea and sari’s is calling your name…I can just hear it…Can’t you?!
Check out what Max Gladwell (one of my Idealistic heroes) wrote about SalaamGarage in the Huffington Post on May 9th:
Tags: Enchanting Challenge, SalaamGarage, Service Trips, Voluntourism
If you like SalaamGarage, you will love inside/out: journeys for your inner self in the outdoors, where humanitarian work meets adventure travel. Humanitourism™ trips from inside/out combine meaningful volunteer work with active adventure travel all over the world, creating greater connections between travelers and the places they visit. The volunteer work is on underserved or under recognized projects (not helped by NGOs or any others) where they, the community decide what is most pressing, not an NGO or outsiders. Humanitourism™ is a one of a kind experience.
Hey Zoe! Inside/out sounds amazing! I can’t wait to explore it more!! Keep in touch!