Voluntourism is one of the most powerful ways to share your skills and energy with a new community as part of a business trip or vacation. This emerging trend might seem catered to individuals or community groups, but it’s perfect for businesses looking to cement doing good as part of their culture and give back while doing business. What is voluntourism, and what has been the impact of voluntourism on Baltimore?
Voluntourism 101
Volunteer tourism, or voluntourism, allows individuals, families, school groups, community organizations and businesses to give back when they take a trip. Sometimes it takes the form of a group going abroad to help underprivileged children. Other times, when attending an event or conference the Baltimore Convention Center or other location, a group will help at a local soup kitchen or planting trees at a local school.
The Benefits of Voluntourism
Just like volunteering somewhere outside of your business, voluntourism on a trip to Baltimore will benefit your employees and company through:
- Encouraging teamwork and team building;
- Positive socialization;
- Helping those in need;
- Improving employee retention and engagement;
- Learning about and participating in opportunities they could also engage in near the location of your business;
- Team building in a positive environment that is separate from traditional team building; and
- Demonstrating your company commitment to service, improving the world around you and putting your values into practice.
The Impact of Voluntourism on Baltimore
At Business Volunteers Maryland, we work with businesses visiting the Baltimore area to find ways to give back. When you visit our area for a convention or something similar, you can participate in team-building projects that make your travel experience special while helping out the community you are visiting.
Encourage Your Employees to Volunteer with Business Volunteers Maryland
Business Volunteers Maryland is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the community by creating strategic connections between businesses, nonprofits and individuals. We help companies like yours to establish and expand community impact efforts while achieving your business goals. To learn more about our services and learn more about volunteering as a team, contact us by calling (410) 366-6030.