What do we think about paying to volunteer at NGOs?
Hi, I have been volunteering at a few NGOs and have recently come across a lot of them that ask you to pay to volunteer. A "membership fee" an "act of charity" or "showing gratitude to the community". I get that NGOs need funding to run their initiatives and they may put the money to good use but when someone is volunteering and not asking for a payment/reward/compensation for the work they are doing with you, they are contributing their time, energy and also paying for their commute to faraway locations themselves, I see it as very off putting and unfair. Branding this as contribution to community betterment is even more unfair. Rather other ways of funding from governments, corporations, individuals who want to help and crowdfunding is imo, a way better approach. Like what do you mean I can't volunteer for my community if I can't afford to pay a nominal fee of 1500rs to join you and "support the cause". Even if we trust that you would put it to good use and not fill you own pockets with it, as most people volunteering are broke college kids I think this process should not be a norm.