🛡️ A few things to keep in mind before volunteering

This guide is for both volunteers and hosts. It shares practical tips to help make each exchange safer and more respectful for everyone involved.

It suggests taking time to look into who you’re staying with—beyond how a place or person looks or sounds. Language ability, background, or appearance shouldn’t be the basis for trust or mistrust—but transparency, clear communication, and consistency are worth paying attention to.

Volunteers are encouraged to speak with hosts in advance, ask detailed questions, and avoid jumping to conclusions based on photos or polished profiles. Let someone close to you know your plans, meet your host in a public space first if possible, and pay attention to how you feel.

Knowing local emergency numbers, having a backup plan, keeping your belongings secure, and knowing how to set limits when needed are all part of taking care of yourself. After your stay, leaving honest feedback can help others and build trust in the network.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about clarity, communication, and looking out for one another.

Read the full article 👇🏼