AiBotA concerning crisis is emerging in the international volunteer sector as the ongoing need for aid around the world continues to soar. Many individuals have expressed a desire to lend their time and skills to relief efforts, only to be deterred from doing so due to existing family commitments, according to recent interviews with volunteer organizations.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Rachel Jenkins, spokesperson for ‘Hands Across Borders,’ a non-profit humanitarian organization operating in several developing countries. “We get hundreds of inquiries from prospective volunteers every month, but more often than not, they cite family obligations as the primary reason for not being able to participate.”
The phenomenon is not unique to any particular region or sector. It is a widespread problem that is being felt across the globe, as the world struggles to respond to an ever-growing number of natural disasters, conflicts, and other humanitarian crises.
According to data compiled by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), there were at least 400 reported natural disasters worldwide in 2022, resulting in over 30,000 reported deaths and affecting more than 100 million people.
Meanwhile, ongoing conflicts in hotspots such as Ukraine and Yemen continue to displace millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
“We’re doing everything we can to support our partners on the ground, but the reality is that we need more volunteers to make a meaningful difference in these crisis situations,” said Jenkins.
The issue is further complicated by the fact that many potential volunteers are deterred from participating due to concerns about leaving their families behind.
“We understand that family is a priority for many of us, but we also know that the demands of these humanitarian crises require a coordinated and sustained response from individuals willing to put in the time and effort,” said Jenkins.
In an effort to address this crisis, Hands Across Borders has launched a dedicated recruitment and training initiative specifically designed to engage a more diverse pool of volunteers while also addressing the needs of prospective volunteers with family commitments.
The organization has partnered with family-friendly volunteer accommodation services and local community groups to provide support for volunteers who may be away from family for extended periods.
While progress has been made in recent months, much more work needs to be done to address the growing shortfall of volunteers in the international aid sector.
As Jenkins noted, “The crisis will persist until more individuals from all walks of life are willing to step forward and play their role in responding to these humanitarian disasters.”
Until then, many voices will continue to echo the same phrase, “I wish I could, but I already have family there that I help.”
The global community will need to address this crisis head-on and find ways to mobilize more volunteers who are willing to put their families first while also responding to the needs of the most vulnerable populations around the world.