Explore Your Motivation for International Volunteering

All these motivations, and others, come from a valid place. Undoubtedly, international volunteering can be a force for good. Over the years we have seen how it can foster connections, contribute to expansion of world views and strengthen bonds of solidarity that cross borders, land, and sea.

Experience tells us, however, that good intentions are not enough. If you are thinking about international volunteering, it is crucial to take time to look at motivations and assumptions also, even if this means deciding not to travel and getting involved in action for global justice from here in Ireland through activism, solidarity and advocacy.

Most people who travel from Ireland to volunteer overseas have a relatively high degree of social mobility – they are white, European, hold an Irish passport, and belong to higher socio-economic groups. Indeed, the path to the Global South is well- worn with the shoes of this demographic. We spotlight social mobility here not to create guilt but to acknowledge the inequalities that are with us. This is a good place to we start if we really want to prepare ourselves for volunteering.