Travelers' Philanthropy Handbook - Center for Responsible Travel

Chapter 4:Engaging Tourism Businesses in Travelers’PhilanthropyHow Companies Can Establish and ManageTravelers’ Philanthropy ProgramsBy Jane CrouchResponsible Travel Manager, Intrepid Travel"To give money is an easy matter in any man’s power. But to decide to whom to give it, and howlarge and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easymatter." AristotleWhen your company is ready to establish a travelers’ philanthropy program, it is important to dothorough research and create a project plan. This may sound like basic common sense, but it issomething that is often overlooked by individuals and businesses when they are swept up intheir wish to help a situation or a community. A heart-driven reaction to injustices and inequitiesmay be your initial and important motivation. But even while your emotions are running high youshould strive to gain a broader perspective and become as widely informed as possible. Theinformation you gather will allow you to make sound decisions and set your course of action in apragmatic and intellectually-driven manner. By doing your research and creating a plan, youare not ignoring the issue that initially sparked your desire to help or the problem that inflamedyour passions. Instead you are taking steps to ensure that the assistance you provide isgrounded on a complete understanding of how your support can be most effective.'Help' that is solely based on emotionalreactions may unwittingly further exacerbate acommunity’s problems. For example, by givingto the begging child, you (and the child) maygain some instant gratification, but suchdonations may actually contribute to keepingthat child out of school, thereby holding him ina cycle of poverty by denying him aneducation. Try to look at the problem or issueyou want to address as a business challengeto which you will bring your management skills.Use your initial passion to fuel your travelers’philanthropy project, inspire a commitment toexcellence and create the enthusiasm that will encourage your colleagues and clients to joinyou.115Intrepid’s English teaching project, Dusun Village, Borneo.Credit: Suzanne King.