Amber and I founded this website on the premise that we have something to give to the global community – though not necessarily that we can “change the world” in that big, expansive, fundamental change that this phrase implies. Lately, I’ve had to face this question a little more. As we do outreach for GiveYourGap and make our plans for nonprofits to visit in each location, we’re challenged (in a positive way) to make our intentions and philosophy clear. Below, I’ve laid out some perspectives in the discussion about how travelers can “do good.”

Here’s one, from Matador Network: (for those of you interested in travel (aka, all of us visiting GYG!), you should check out Matador Network. It is: “an independent media company based around travel culture worldwide.” with great resources and tips for travel, and also some articles on how to “do good” while traveling.)

Matador lists out “10 ways travelers can change the world”, citing real examples. This article is a quick, easy read. So in Matador’s perspective, (or perhaps just a bloated title for this article), Yes, travelers can make a difference.

Here’s another perspective, from PEPY Tours founder Daniela Papi. The PEPY mantra is centered not “learning” – not “volunteering.” Using her multitude of experiences in Cambodia, Daniela has crafted a fine-tuned philosophy that puts us, as tourists/volunteers, as the explicit beneficiary of our travel as learners. PEPY tells us the most important thing we can do while traveling is to learn.

And here’s yet another take, which I picked up from Freedom From Hunger’s Facebook page: “The Greedy Giver.” According to this author, giving is basically “greedy.” Skees writes, “Giving gives more to us than to the supposed recipient.” Since Thanksgiving has just passed, think of the Thanksgiving Day volunteer giving food away at a shelter. At the end of the day, the person who feels the best about this act of kindness is the volunteer.

Is there a conclusion to be drawn from these varying perspectives? Maybe so. Skees wraps her article up with this thought: “Giving is greedy, and that’s OK. I believe the key is to remember to ask, “What’s needed?” and actually listen to the response.”

As for GiveYourGap, we’re taking note from the debates and feedback. Amber and I still believe that we have something to give, but we can also be more explicit about how much we stand to gain from our year “giving back.” Yes, we’re college grads, but that doesn’t really mean anything in terms of how much we actually understand the developing world, other cultures, other peoples’ needs and what role we play in them. It *should* give us the sensitivity and ability to learn, and we certainly are hoping for that. I have an inkling though, that this will be an ongoing discussion for years to come.

Until next time! -Kim

P.S. Slightly lesser-known but just-as-good community Tripping.com has a cool blog focused on social change: http://dogood.tripping.com/.