Comments on: Disaster Response Volunteer, or Morbid Tourist? http://www.rerunaround.com/2010/05/disaster-response-volunteer-morbid-tourist/ Tue, 03 May 2011 07:00:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Kirsty http://www.rerunaround.com/2010/05/disaster-response-volunteer-morbid-tourist/comment-page-1/#comment-375 Kirsty Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:33:23 +0000 http://www.rerunaround.com/?p=591#comment-375 Hey Sean! How are things? Still in Haiti? Nice post. What you wrote about the self righteous vs the selfless is an interesting point. I'd argue that there are very few volunteers that are completely, 100% selfless (as in there are usually some selfish motivations, no matter how small a part they might play) but I do think you have those who expect gratitude and those who just get on with things. In my experiences with HODR it's a constant battle to keep some volunteers motivated when they don't see immediate appreciation for what they're doing. I get sick of hearing those complaints, but I guess it's human nature to want to feel important and have recognition for all of the good work being done. But it's really refreshing to see so many volunteers who don't care about having a pat on the back after a hard day's work and they're the people who motivate me. Hey Sean! How are things? Still in Haiti?

Nice post. What you wrote about the self righteous vs the selfless is an interesting point. I’d argue that there are very few volunteers that are completely, 100% selfless (as in there are usually some selfish motivations, no matter how small a part they might play) but I do think you have those who expect gratitude and those who just get on with things.

In my experiences with HODR it’s a constant battle to keep some volunteers motivated when they don’t see immediate appreciation for what they’re doing. I get sick of hearing those complaints, but I guess it’s human nature to want to feel important and have recognition for all of the good work being done.

But it’s really refreshing to see so many volunteers who don’t care about having a pat on the back after a hard day’s work and they’re the people who motivate me.

]]> By: CY http://www.rerunaround.com/2010/05/disaster-response-volunteer-morbid-tourist/comment-page-1/#comment-374 CY Sun, 18 Jul 2010 04:20:51 +0000 http://www.rerunaround.com/?p=591#comment-374 really great post. good firsthand perspective on this. I've never done disaster response and commend you for your sacrifice. enjoying your blog stay safe really great post. good firsthand perspective on this. I’ve never done disaster response and commend you for your sacrifice.

enjoying your blog
stay safe

]]> By: Corbin http://www.rerunaround.com/2010/05/disaster-response-volunteer-morbid-tourist/comment-page-1/#comment-358 Corbin Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:39:13 +0000 http://www.rerunaround.com/?p=591#comment-358 Great post. I've been really wanting to dive into the whole volunteering thing lately, but have yet to do so, partly due to my lack of skills. Surprises me to hear that so many doctors and people of importance and value could be like that. But i suppose it makes sense if they're the type who are just there to add it to their autobiography and brag about to their coworkers and such. I think the idea of just doing the right thing is what really makes me want to get out and partake in volunteering. Great post. I’ve been really wanting to dive into the whole volunteering thing lately, but have yet to do so, partly due to my lack of skills. Surprises me to hear that so many doctors and people of importance and value could be like that. But i suppose it makes sense if they’re the type who are just there to add it to their autobiography and brag about to their coworkers and such. I think the idea of just doing the right thing is what really makes me want to get out and partake in volunteering.

]]> By: Nomadic Chick http://www.rerunaround.com/2010/05/disaster-response-volunteer-morbid-tourist/comment-page-1/#comment-348 Nomadic Chick Tue, 18 May 2010 23:49:25 +0000 http://www.rerunaround.com/?p=591#comment-348 Man, this superb post reminds me of that conversation I overhead my boss having. The same boss who booted me out the door. He seemed to view Haitians as savages needing order, but he wasn't about to give any or offer a genuine hand toward it. Even though his expertise would have helped the relief effort immensely. And NO, I'm not saying this because I was laid off - it's what I observed wayy before that happened. As someone about to volunteer, we'll see what I discover. Doubt I could top this insightful article. Man, this superb post reminds me of that conversation I overhead my boss having. The same boss who booted me out the door. He seemed to view Haitians as savages needing order, but he wasn’t about to give any or offer a genuine hand toward it. Even though his expertise would have helped the relief effort immensely. And NO, I’m not saying this because I was laid off – it’s what I observed wayy before that happened. As someone about to volunteer, we’ll see what I discover. Doubt I could top this insightful article.

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