From Marina King ’16:
Is all help actually helpful? Is it possible to volunteer abroad without changing one’s profile picture to an image of one surrounded awkwardly by a BUNCH of children? Does aid BENEFIT a community, or does it more nefariously work within the neocolonial system to keep that community oppressed? WHAT is “voluntourism”?
“Voluntourism” is the practice of paying to go abroad and volunteer with a non-profit organization. As for the other questions, SHOFCO-Wes is working on the answers. Come through to talk about issues concerning volunteers abroad, western perceptions of development, and more in an engaging and informal environment. Professors (including the spectacular Robyn Autry), recent alumni, and current students will be there to discuss the inherent problems and possible solutions to these hot button topics. We’ll be looking at sociological, governmental, historical, and personal perspectives. Please stop by for a great and informative event!
Date: Thurs, April 16
Time: 4:15 pm
Place: 41 Wyllys Room 115