About us
From mission to instrument
Our vision and mission are the foundation of the transparency index. Here you can read how we translate them into concrete standards for organisations.
Vision
Ethical and responsible
Our vision is that international volunteering offered from the Netherlands, including internships, is ethical and responsible. With respect for the laws and regulations, policies, culture, norms, values and customs of the project countries.
Mission
Compare and promote
We compare organisations on policy and approach using our transparency index, so volunteers can take into account what really matters when making their choice. We also actively promote responsible volunteering to providers, volunteers and the media.
The Volunteer Aware standards
Organisations that send volunteers and interns abroad do their best to meet these standards.
Mission and profile
- In their communication, organisations present an equal, honest and ethically responsible picture of the relationship between Western volunteers and the local population.
- They pay ample attention to their own mission and vision as the foundation for their volunteering.
- They explicitly address the risks of working with vulnerable groups and endorse the guidelines of advocacy organisations.
- They do not offer projects in a children’s home. Projects with children focus on children who still live at home.
- They are clear about the conditions for volunteers.
Visibility and responsiveness
- Organisations can be reached directly by phone or email and reply with substance within a few days.
- They put interested people in touch with former volunteers.
Foundation and finances
- Organisations clearly explain their legal form and financial basis.
- They show how their organisation is structured and introduce themselves on an About us page.
- Associations and foundations publish their annual reports.
- They are thorough and clear about costs and what is and is not included.
- They are open about how costs are divided and what goes to local partners.
Partners and projects
- Organisations explain in advance which local partner a volunteer will work with.
- They describe the tasks and responsibilities of volunteers.
- They have personal contact in advance, so expectations are right.
- They build sustainable, long term relationships with partners and projects.
- They are honest about the impact of volunteers and give insight into developments at their partners.
Organisation and process
- Organisations pay careful attention to the intake, before departure and at the destination.
- They prepare volunteers well for the culture and the project.
- They actively keep in touch with volunteers and partners about progress.
- They evaluate in depth and in person, and use this to improve projects and partner relationships.
Curious how organisations score?
In the results you can see how each organisation scores on the 20 criteria, with an explanation for every score.