Terms of use and safety notice
Voluntouring.org is an independent web project run by a small team of volunteers. It is not a travel agency, NGO, or intermediary, and it does not represent any government or official institution.
We are committed to promoting safe, ethical and meaningful volunteer opportunities around the world. While we try to publish only projects that appear decent, educational and reasonably safe, we do not screen or verify every host, organisation or volunteer. Many opportunities are informal, and information can change quickly.
The website, the Facebook groups connected to Voluntouring and all related channels function mainly as noticeboards where people share opportunities and experiences. We neither endorse nor guarantee any of the opportunities listed on our platforms.
Volunteering, especially abroad, involves risks and uncertainties. The safety and well-being of both volunteers and hosts are their own responsibility.
Our liability ๐ซ
Voluntouring.org is not liable for any damages, losses, inconveniences or problems arising from:
- the use or misuse of the website, Facebook groups or any of our content;
- failed, disappointing or harmful volunteer experiences;
- conduct by third parties, including hosts, volunteers or other users;
- any decision made based on information shared on our platforms.
Use this website, the Facebook groups and any listed opportunities at your own risk.
How to verify if a host or organisation is legitimate ๐
Before committing to any opportunity, we recommend taking these steps:
1. Check their web presence
Ask for their website, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn profiles. Look for
testimonials, reviews or pictures of past volunteers. Search their name on the internet and see if information is consistent.
2. Schedule a video call ๐ฒ
Call the host on Zoom, WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram. A video chat before your trip can help you get a real sense of the project, the people and the living conditions.
3. Trust your instincts
If something feels wrong, do not ignore it. Never feel pressured to go forward with an opportunity that makes you uncomfortable. You always have the option to say no, change plans or leave.
๐ Most hosts are well-meaning, but there are exceptions. Be careful, ask questions and read our safety guide for more tips.
๐ Read our guide to a safe volunteer experience
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Be wary of money requests ๐จ
Never send money to a host before verifying them.
Unfortunately, some scammers ask for advance payments for fake fees, visas or other โbureaucraticโ costs.
If someone asks you for money before your arrival, be very careful. Check them thoroughly and, if you suspect fraud, report it to us. We will investigate and may remove any suspicious listings.
๐ก Your reports help us keep this platform safer for everyone.
Important things to keep in mind ๐
By using Voluntouring.org and our related Facebook groups, you agree to:
- take full responsibility for your choices, communications and experiences;
- release Voluntouring.org from any liability connected with your participation in any opportunity listed or discussed on our platforms;
- understand that our platforms are noticeboards where users publish their own content and that we cannot guarantee the truth, quality or legality of each opportunity;
- acknowledge that this platform is offered free of charge to promote volunteering projects with free accommodation and food (with occasional exceptions, especially in low-income areas where full hospitality may not always be possible).
If you are a victim of abuse, fraud or inappropriate behaviour:
- Please contact us with clear information. If the report is serious, we may remove the hostโs listing or, in the case of a problematic volunteer, make efforts to limit further contact, for example by tracking their IP address or social media profile when available.
- Also consider reporting the incident to local authorities, especially in cases involving harm to people or animals. Only the relevant authorities can take legal action.
๐ Your feedback helps us improve the safety of the community, even if we cannot always intervene directly.
Sharing negative experiences and naming people
You are welcome to share your volunteering experiences, including difficult ones, but you should do it responsibly.
- In public comments or posts, please avoid publishing full names, exact addresses or other identifying details when making accusations.
- If you had a very bad or unsafe experience with someone you met through our website or Facebook groups, send the details privately to the admins (including links, dates and a short description of what happened).
- Admins are not judges, lawyers or mediators, but we can keep internal notes and may remove posts or block users when we receive serious and credible reports.
Final note โ๏ธ
We do our best to provide a reliable and inspiring platform, but:
- We make no guarantees that the site will be error-free, uninterrupted or always up to date;
- Any information you use or download from this site is used at your own risk;
- You remain responsible for your own safety, decisions and actions at all times.
