soopastryheart

It’s one thing to be an idealist striving to do good in this world (which is always a positive thing). But another thing entirely to be misguided/naive about your position and presence. Check your inflated sense of self-importance at the door, then go off to save the planet. Solid read by Pippa Biddle, worth checking out in its entirety.

“Before you sign up for a volunteer trip anywhere in the world this summer, consider whether you possess the skill set necessary for that trip to be successful. If yes, awesome. If not, it might be a good idea to reconsider your trip. Sadly, taking part in international aid where you aren’t particularly helpful is not benign. It’s detrimental. It slows down positive growth and perpetuates the “white savior” complex that, for hundreds of years, has haunted both the countries we are trying to ‘save’ and our (more recently) own psyches. Be smart about traveling and strive to be informed and culturally aware. It’s only through an understanding of the problems communities are facing, and the continued development of skills within that community, that long-term solutions will be created.”

– excerpt from “The Problem with Little White Girls (and Boys): Why I Stopped Being a Voluntourist” by Pippa Biddle. Also found on Medium.