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 independently 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. Volunteers and hosts remain responsible for their own safety, well-being, decisions and arrangements.
Our liability 🚫
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 assess a host or organisation 🔍
Before committing to an opportunity, we recommend taking the following steps.
1. Check their web presence
Ask for their website, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn profiles. Look for testimonials, reviews and pictures of past volunteers. Search for the host or organisation online and check whether the available information is consistent.
2. Schedule a video call 📲
Call the host using Zoom, WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram. A video conversation before travelling can help you understand the project, meet the people involved and ask to see the accommodation and living conditions.
3. Trust your instincts
If something feels wrong, do not ignore it. Never feel pressured to accept an opportunity that makes you uncomfortable. You always have the option to say no, change your plans or leave.
Most hosts are well-meaning, but exceptions exist. Ask questions, check the information you receive and read our safety guide before making arrangements. 🔐
Be wary of money requests 🚨
Never send money to a host before independently checking who they are and what the payment is for.
Some scammers request advance payments for fake fees, visas or supposed bureaucratic costs.
If someone asks you for money before your arrival, proceed very carefully. Ask for written details, check the organisation independently and use a payment method that offers appropriate protection.
If you suspect fraud, report the listing or user privately to us. We may review the available information and remove suspicious content when appropriate.
Your reports can help us keep the platform safer for everyone. 💡
Important things to keep in mind 📌
By using Voluntouring.org and our related Facebook groups, you agree to:
- take full responsibility for your choices, communications, travel arrangements and experiences;
- release Voluntouring.org from liability connected with your participation in any opportunity listed or discussed on our platforms;
- understand that our platforms primarily function as noticeboards and that we cannot guarantee the truth, quality, legality or continued availability of every opportunity;
- acknowledge that this platform is offered free of charge to promote volunteering projects with free accommodation and food, with occasional exceptions, especially in lower-income areas where full hospitality may not always be possible.
Reporting abuse, fraud or inappropriate behaviour
If you experience abuse, fraud or inappropriate behaviour:
- Contact us privately and provide clear information, including relevant links, dates, screenshots or other available evidence. In serious cases, we may remove a listing, restrict access to our groups or block the profiles involved.
- Consider reporting the incident to the relevant local authorities, especially in cases involving threats, fraud, exploitation or harm to people or animals. Only the appropriate authorities can investigate and take legal action.
Your feedback can help us improve community safety, even when we are unable to intervene directly. 🔐
Sharing negative experiences and naming people
You are welcome to share your volunteering experiences, including difficult or disappointing ones, but please do so responsibly.
- In public comments or posts, 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 information privately to the admins. Include links, dates and a concise description of what happened.
- Admins are not judges, lawyers or mediators. We may keep internal notes, remove content, limit participation or block users when we receive serious and credible reports.
Final note ⚖️
We do our best to provide a reliable and inspiring platform, but:
- we make no guarantees that the website will be error-free, uninterrupted or always up to date;
- any information you use or download from this website is used at your own risk;
- you remain responsible for your own safety, decisions, communications and actions at all times.
