Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the comments that elementary age is too young. We live in Upper NWDC so not much in our local area beyond volunteering with the elderly or local shelter, however those volunteer opportunities have age restrictions for liability reasons that do not allow our children to volunteer with us. For those recommending that we volunteer as a daily locally, please share recommendations for charities and service opportunities that allow elementary age children to volunteer.

Thank you.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the comments that elementary age is too young. We live in Upper NWDC so not much in our local area beyond volunteering with the elderly or local shelter, however those volunteer opportunities have age restrictions for liability reasons that do not allow our children to volunteer with us. For those recommending that we volunteer as a daily locally, please share recommendations for charities and service opportunities that allow elementary age children to volunteer.

Thank you.

Anonymous wrote:Flint Mission Project
https://flintmissionproject.org/

Jackson, Mississippi
https://www.ppm.org/mission-trips/jackson-mississippi

Maryland Food Bank
https://mdfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/

Deep Roots, ending homelessness
https://deeprootsinc.org/group-service-opportunities/

Appalachia Service
https://asphome.org/

Anonymous wrote:I would find an organization closer to home, like Habitat for Humanity, OP.

Habitat for Humanity
https://www.habitat.org/volunteer
If you want to travel, you can even travel OP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Poverty tourism at it’s finest. Do some actual goods and donate that money instead of exploiting poor people in the name of Jesus.

Are atheists serving the poor in the name of naturalism?

Anonymous wrote:This is the kind of volunteer tourism advocated in the recent documentary exposing the harms of mass-commercialized volunteer vacations where orphans are exploited and never a chance to form healthy long term attachments

Family Volunteer Vacations - Cuba, Africa, Asia, Central & South America

Meaningful, small group trips to Asia, Africa, Latin America, Australia & the U.S.!

Spend quality time as a family on an all-inclusive volunteer vacation.  Lend a hand, learn and explore the local culture.  Our expert local staff and distinctive portfolio of boutique lodges will make your trip enjoyable and unforgettable.
* Join local non-profits to protect wildlife in Africa, Australia, Asia and Latin America
* Super small groups to allow up close encounters with animals & access to communities
* Connect with fascinating people such as artisans, musicians and conservationists
* Explore natural wonders such as safari parks, waterfalls, and rainforests
* All-inclusive pricing covers meals, lodging, expert guides, and excursions – hassle free!
* Full-service travel support from our U.S.-based headquarters

Anonymous wrote:This is the kind of volunteer tourism advocated in the recent documentary exposing the harms of mass-commercialized volunteer vacations where orphans are exploited and never a chance to form healthy long term attachments

Family Volunteer Vacations - Cuba, Africa, Asia, Central & South America

Meaningful, small group trips to Asia, Africa, Latin America, Australia & the U.S.!

Spend quality time as a family on an all-inclusive volunteer vacation.  Lend a hand, learn and explore the local culture.  Our expert local staff and distinctive portfolio of boutique lodges will make your trip enjoyable and unforgettable.
* Join local non-profits to protect wildlife in Africa, Australia, Asia and Latin America
* Super small groups to allow up close encounters with animals & access to communities
* Connect with fascinating people such as artisans, musicians and conservationists
* Explore natural wonders such as safari parks, waterfalls, and rainforests
* All-inclusive pricing covers meals, lodging, expert guides, and excursions – hassle free!
* Full-service travel support from our U.S.-based headquarters

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Poverty tourism at it’s finest. Do some actual goods and donate that money instead of exploiting poor people in the name of Jesus.

Are atheists serving the poor in the name of naturalism?

I don’t think there are many atheists going on “mission trips” as their family vacation. Nobody said OP shouldn’t volunteer, it’s the mission trip tourism part that people are rightly calling her out on. She could drive 10 minutes to Ward 4 and have plenty of service opportunities if she wanted to.

God forbid she enter that crime-ridden neighborhood! No no no. OP wants a safe tourist destination where she can have fun on vacation yet have the impression she's really helping the poor residents who will fawn over her as the white savior that she is.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Poverty tourism at it’s finest. Do some actual goods and donate that money instead of exploiting poor people in the name of Jesus.

Are atheists serving the poor in the name of naturalism?

I don’t think there are many atheists going on “mission trips” as their family vacation. Nobody said OP shouldn’t volunteer, it’s the mission trip tourism part that people are rightly calling her out on. She could drive 10 minutes to Ward 4 and have plenty of service opportunities if she wanted to.