Stony Brook Muslim Students Association

One of the greatest things about Stony Brook is the amazing opportunities and doors that it opens for us students. And that includes abroad volunteer trips! As former Vice President of the Public Health Brigades and member of the Alternative Spring Break Outreach, I can say that these trips were hands down the best parts of my college experience. These opportunities allow you to see how the other half lives and although these are amazing opportunities, not everyone agrees with the idea of them.

 

The argument against them is that when you go you’re “not really helping.” Meaning that those big bucks that you’re spending to go abroad could have been donated to a charity instead. Or that the unskilled work that you’re doing is not efficient and is taking jobs away from people who actually need the money.

 

Those are extremely valid arguments but can be easily avoided. If you are planning on going on an abroad trip here are some helpful tip you should definitely know or look into!

 

1. Research. The most important thing is to do research on the organization you plan on going with. Find out exactly where the money is going to and what you will be doing.

2. Safety.  Especially if you are going out of the country you want to make sure you are safe. Check for security, where you will be staying, check online for any environmental or health issues that might affect you and take necessary precautions to ensure your utmost safety such as shots and immunizations!

3. Convincing your parents. They might throw the “why don’t you go to (insert country where they grew up) and volunteer there?!” or “if you can’t even help at home, how do you expect to go help strangers?” If this does happen, it is coming from a place of fear or concern. Letting your child go into an unknown country to volunteer abroad is a scary thought. Although we may not realize it in the moment, our parents have our best interests in mind. Just be honest with your parents, tell them why you really want to go, how it will benefit you, and if you don’t already have it, build trust with your family and inshAllah your parents will understand and grant you permission to go.

4. Check your intentions. Sadaqah means charity and it's one of the pillars of our very faith so check why you’re doing it and keep yourself grounded. Don’t fall into the trap of building a “savior complex.”

5. Be respectful of the people you are helping. I’m not saying not to post pictures of this trip you went on but be mindful. For example, if you are helping rebuild a home, know that this is their lives. It's not just an instagram picture or a number of likes for them. If you’re posting a picture of the family whose house you helped rebuild, ask for permission to post a picture of them first. Also, provide some background information and education for people seeing the pictures. Maybe your story will inspire others to donate their time or money toward helping others!  

 

Whether you choose to go on a volunteer trip, donate to a charity, visit the sick, or even pass on a smile out of the goodness of your heart, it all counts as charity so make the most of your youth and health to help those in need while you can and God willing we can continue to do good in this world for the sake of pleasing our Lord and seeking reward in the Hereafter! Ameen.

"Every act of goodness is charity."  (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 496)

 

*Disclaimer: these trips are a personal choice and the responsibility of the individual. Volunteer trips are not affiliated with the MSA or the Islamic society.