1c. Lead investment in the development of a voluntourism strategy.
OBVB Role:  Lead Other Organizations:  Local non-profit organizations who already have a volunteer program that could be adapted for visitors. Timeline:  2024 and Ongoing Success Metrics:  Number or organizations participating in the program, volunteer hours generated by hospitality workforce and/or visitors. Considerations:  Consider using software to manage the volunteers in the program. Desired Result:  Attracting conscientious visitors. PROGRESS : May 2024  – On May 18, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau partnered with Our State to host a voluntourism event at Elizabethan Gardens in celebration of the magazine’s newest special issue, North Carolina Outdoors! Attendees traveled from Fayetteville, Greensboro, Raleigh and other areas of the state to participate and spent two hours tending to the grounds and working in the Greenhouse Nursery area. 2023  – In conjunction with the launch of a non-profit directory on OuterBanks.org, volunteer opportunities are now promoted on NPO profiles and event listings on the OuterBanks.org, with the goal of connecting visitors (and full-time/part-time residents) to the organizations that make the Outer Banks such a special place to live, work and visit. 2023 and Ongoing  – Proactive voluntourism messaging launches from Outer Banks Visitors Bureau staff efforts, including leveraging blogs, social media and paid advertising.