Voluntourism is a term which describes the combination of travel with volunteering at the destination traveled. The term was originally created in 1998 by the Nevada Board of Tourism to recognize individuals that volunteered and supported tourism. “Today, we create the term “VoluntourismNN”, announces Pete Parker of NPcatalyst, which represents “Voluntourism to the power of Northern Nevada”.
People travel to northern Nevada to visit family, scout for possible relocation, attend large conventions, or enjoy many of the area’s outdoor adventures. By blending acts of kindness with visits to the area, a great deal of good is generated. Creating opportunities to volunteer provides outstanding benefits, including:
- Meets the needs of busy people who wish to travel and volunteer
- Enables families to experience shared activities
- Introduces local organizations to new supporters
- Familiarizes visitors with the area’s people, activities, cultures, and community needs
“Quite honestly, who doesn’t benefit?, asks Parker. “Charities benefit by receiving great service and new supporters, while visitors gain greater knowledge of the community.”
The goals of our local tourism industry should include the hope that our visitors enjoy their stay and return in the future. Voluntourism plays a key role in turning the stay into an “experience” and, as such, creates an outstanding impression on each visitor.
The only issues around voluntourism are that local organizations cannot rely on travelers to volunteer, nor can they schedule their involvement. However, by promoting the opportunities through local media, hotels and lodges, conventions, businesses, and local organizations like Nevada Volunteers, many opportunities will arise. And, let’s face it; the 2,046 non-profit organizations in Washoe County have plenty of volunteer positions to fill.
As for the volunteering travelers, they recognize that their involvement is short-term. However, they also acknowledge that their impact may be felt for years to come. Additionally, the experience will open their eyes to new ways of thinking, new cultures, and new friends. The hope is that it inspires them to return back to the community, perhaps even to support the organization over the long haul.
So, effective immediately, we’re creating VoluntourismNN, or voluntourism to the power of Northern Nevada. It’s not another organization, but more of an initiative to welcome and invite visitors to become actively involved with our community. Seeking volunteer opportunities is easy, as visitors can visit www.NevadaVolunteers.org or a special connection-based campaign called www.SummerOfServiceNV.com. Additional information can be found through both websites or by calling NPcatalyst at 775-333-9444 or visiting their website at www.NPcatalyst.com.