“In contrast to those who suggest that we act as soon as the whistle blows, I suggest that, even before the whistle blows we ceaselessly try to know the world in which we live — and act. Even if we must act on imperfect knowledge, we must never act as if knowing is no longer relevant.” (p. 6)   —Mahmood Mandami in Saviors and Survivors Some thoughts on ‘voluntourism’ First, a definition The usage of the term ‘voluntourism’ has increased exponentially in the last half decade and, for many, it carries negative connotations.  For some voluntourism is one manifestation of the overtly disparaging “slacktivism” meme that has gained a lot of traction as well.  This wikipedia article does a nice job reviewing the history, current status and controversies surrounding “volunteer travel.” A conversation with a Jordanian aid worker This semester I am teaching a class on the humanitarian sector, and I recently … Continue reading Voluntourism in Amman?