TAKE ACTION

Pledge to End Orphanage
Volunteering & Tourism

GOOD INTENTIONS / Most of us…
>> Believe that volunteering in orphanages is a good thing
>> Would encourage and commend people who volunteer at orphanages
>> Have or would consider donating to an orphanage that hosts volunteers

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES / In fact…
>> When children living in orphanages encounter a “turnstyle” of hundreds of short-term volunteers, they often experience devastating trauma when volunteers leave
>> When well-meaning volunteers and donors support orphanages, they actually perpetuate a global industry that recruits children and packages them to attract profit

PLEDGE TO DO BETTER…
>> Join a growing global movement that recognizes the harmful impact foreign volunteers and visitors have on children living in institutions. Take the pledge to end orphanage voluntourism!

HOW TO TAKE THE PLEDGE
Share background information about the negative impact of orphanage volunteering and tourism with your group.

If your group is moved to take action, follow these steps:
STEP 1 | Select a person to spearhead the pledge initiative
STEP 2 | Secure support (and permission) from your group
STEP 3 | Submit our online pledge form and we will recognize you on social media
STEP 4 | Ripple effect! Call on your networks to take The Pledge

THE PLEDGE

In recognition of the harm caused by institutional care for children (so-called ‘orphanages’), and the role that foreign volunteers play in perpetuating the existence of a global orphanage industry, we commit to the following:

WE WILL NOT
>> Encourage or promote orphanage “voluntourism”
>> Engage in short-term volunteering or visits to residential institutions for children
>> Donate to orphanages that accept foreign volunteers on short-term trips

WE WILL
>> Raise awareness about the harms of visiting and volunteering at orphanages
>> Encourage, promote and redirect our time and money to towards programs that support family preservation while working with local authorities and communities