Before you embark on your much thought of and planned volunteer trip remember that you are responsible for the organisation that you choose and what you get on the other side ............. This is your money so you should how and where it goes.

Look for an ethical organisation by looking beyond their wording and marketing "stuff"

• look at the way the organisation presents itself
• and markets its programmes;
• and what's in it for the host community!

1. Look at the pictures and words the organisation uses to tell you about their developing world partners.
2. Be wary of the BIG sending organisations
3. Look for an organisation that matches volunteer skills to the project
4. Does the organisation ‘select' its volunteers?
5. Do they provide pre-departure and return briefings?

Question the organisation you want to volunteer with

1. Exactly what work will I be doing? Can the organisation provide me with a brief job description?
2. Does the organisation work with a local partner organisation?
3. Does the organisation make any financial contribution to its volunteer programs? If so exactly how much is this?
4. Does the organisation have policies on eco and ethical tourism? If so, how are they implemented?
5. What time frame is the volunteer programme run on?
6. Can the organisation give you precise contact details for your chosen programme?
7. What support & training will you receive?

Questions you should ask yourself

1. Are you ready to be an ethical volunteer?
2. Are you willing to inform yourself as much as possible about the country and community you are about to travel to?
3. Do you feel ready to take on the volunteer job you are applying for?
4. Are you ready to travel as a learner and a guest?
5. Are you prepared to be professional?
6. Are you prepared to be flexible?
7. Are you ready to take responsibility for your own health & safety?

Read More from the source: Ethical Volunteering and Comhlámh