Backpacking with a Purpose

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In 2006, our founders left home to do their own international volunteering. What did they find? Africa is not the Africa you see on TV. Isolating volunteer placements. Exorbitant prices.

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VOLUNTOURISMis one of the fastest growing trends in tourism and has become a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s a sector fraught with ethical issues but one bursting with opportunity.

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THE OPPORTUNITY Create safe spaces for cross-cultural dialogue. Create positive, lasting change in the world. Give someone a new perspective on their own world.

VOLUNTOURISM’S ROOTS/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Peace Corps, established in 1961 Gap years in the UK in the 1990s, early 2000s

CHALLENGES AND ISSUES

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What’s wrong with voluntourism?

“FAIR” TRADE AND COFFEE FARMING GUATEMALA

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It can be done respectfully, responsibly and ethically!

A SCHOOL OF MUD AND BRICKS MIDDLE EAST

It can be done respectfully, responsibly and ethically!

ETHICAL TRAVEL

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At the crux of Operation Groundswell’s philosophy is

WE WANT TO:» Experience the world in a genuine

way.» Respect the cultures we interact

with.» Make a meaningful difference.» Learn from our local peers.» Foster independence.» Grow, evolve, and continue to

engage.» All on the cheap.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

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Learning service through

VOLUNTEERINGCommunity-led

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ALUMNI PROJECT FUNDIt doesn’t stop there.

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HOW DO YOU ASSESS A VOLUNTEER TRAVEL ORGANIZATION?» What do they say you’ll be doing?» What’s the minimum time you can

volunteer?» Do they work with partners? If so, how is the

relationship structured? » Do they clearly state where the money goes?» Are you going to be learning before serving?» Do they clearly state their values?

THE BACKPACKTIVIST MANIFESTO

» Prepared to Change» Full Live Livin’» Conscientious» Respect» Humility

» Solidarity» Group-Focused» Thirst for Learning» Leadership

These core values guide us in all that we do:

QUESTIONS?Who has

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Stay Connected!

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@OGbackpackers OperationGroundswell

www.operationgroundswell.com