Interested in Volunteering In Barbados?
By: Caribbean Collaborative
Tags: Volunteering, Givingtuesday, Philanthropy, Giving

We highlight the many meaningful ways that you can give back to the island.

Volunteer with Barbados Sea Turtle Project

Since the launch of the Barbados Welcome Stamp in July 2020, people from around the world have taken advantage of the opportunity to work remotely in Barbados. With the threat of COVID-19 continuously rising in a new wave, plus the onset of winter, many companies have made the call to extend remote work timelines into 2021. Individuals and families are moving to Barbados to enjoy a safe environment for a relatively “normal” lifestyle; which includes enjoying beaches, working in cafes, indulging in restaurants and safely socializing.

This strategic move by the government of Barbados has triggered similar responses by many countries here in the region. It can be seen as a new type of tourism for longer term income generation.

‘Remote Work Tourism’ has the potential to impact multiple areas of the local Barbadian economy, possibly testing ‘a quality over quantity’ approach to our tourism product . The influx of capital through non short term stays has the potential for long term impacts as people use local island facilities. One key potential that is less explored is the human/social capital that has now entered our shores; “Welcome Stampers” have come with a plethora of experience and acumen and represent a myriad of jobs and companies.

As the nomad WhatsApp chat groups and Remote Work Facebook groups buzz with questions about where to shop, eat and socialize, we have also seen an interest in persons wanting to volunteer locally and get involved in the community. This presents a great opportunity to provide extra support for our local NGOs on the ground and to further develop the Third Sector eco system in Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.

For potential volunteers, the biggest questions are the HOW, the WHERE and the WHAT?

Things to consider:

How much time can I give?

much time can I give? Where can I go to ensure my safety but also the community I will engage with?

can I go to ensure my safety but also the community I will engage with? What can I do to add value to the organization in a sustainable way?

For regional organizations, the biggest questions are the WHO, the WHAT and the HOW MUCH?

Things to consider

Who are the volunteers and is it safe to engage with them?

are the volunteers and is it safe to engage with them? What can be they do to support the work we do as an organization

can be they do to support the work we do as an organization How much time and resources will it take our organization to bring on a volunteer?

With all these questions (and the many more they unearth) we wanted to break down some ways in which you can engage in safe, secure and sustainable community engagement and volunteerism during your time in Barbados:

1. Lend your expertise

Despite having a plethora of local talent, many NGOs are resource strapped and are unable to afford the hiring of technical support in key areas to help build their capacity. Consider reaching out to organisations such ASPIRE to offer your expertise, passion and networks to help inspire long-term social impact in Barbados as a volunteer.

ASPIRE is a local organisation that is working on strengthening the NGO sector through 12 month incubator programme. The Charity Incubator Programme guides leaders through a quality improvement process to strengthen stakeholder trust, organisation infrastructure, collaboration and access to financing. Their graduate directory lists organisations that have successfully completed their incubator programme.

You can also sign up as a mentor with The Prince’s Trust International. This organisation has been working with local partners in Barbados since 2016 to deliver education, employment and enterprise programmes that empower young people.

2. Host a fundraising event in person or online

A recent survey of regional NGOs by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre demonstrated that financial assistance is the biggest need for NGOs since being impacted by COVID.

While many NGOs have challenges with core funding, many do still have specific resource needs particularly around the Holiday season.

How can you help? Consider having a fundraising dinner party, or throwing an event at one of the local social spots.

If you can, you can also arrange fundraising online- there are many online fundraising platforms that you can take advantage of and activate friends and supporters overseas.

Many fundraising platforms are not accessible to local NGOs due to a number of reasons, and you can use your access to a US, UK, Canadian or European fundraising platform to assist a local organization.

The wonderful team at the Barbados Blood Collection Centre — Image via Skip to Malou blog.

3. Donate Blood

There is always a need for blood at our local blood bank. The Barbados Blood Collection Centre is an easy, safe and friendly space to donate your blood.

Giving Tuesday Barbados is hosting a month- long blood drive during the month of December to encourage more donations. Donations can be made by calling and making an appointment at the bank.

Local blogger, Malou, shared this detailed outline of the blood donation process in Barbados. If you have any specific questions and concerns, you can reach out to the team at the Blood Bank by calling 429–4307 or 836–7993.

4. Make it a family affair

There are a number of child friendly volunteer opportunities in the island, including dog walking with one of the many animal shelters (such as The Ark, Ocean Acres and Barbados RSPCA), and beach clean ups almost every weekend with organisations such as Dare to Care.

5. Sign up to our local volunteer newsletter

Caribbean Collaborative is a regional volunteer platform connecting people with organisations in need of skilled and passionate volunteers. We do this mainly via a weekly newsletter that outlines various volunteer roles; from more of the “hands-on type” of volunteering (such as soup kitchens) to more strategic partnerships and virtual volunteer roles (such as mentorship). We also manage a Volunteer Barbados Facebook group where we discuss various local initiatives.

6. Reduce - Reuse - Recycle - Refuse

Giving back also means supporting local campaigns to protect our environment. So don’t forget to use your reusable shopping bags. Skip the straws — plastic or paper and sort your recycling. While the local pick up of recycling isn’t as smooth as it could be (yet), you can maybe organize a pick up from friends every few weeks and do a drop off at one of the island’s recycling facilities, such as B’s Recycling Centre.

The Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust is a local trust that supports environmental initiatives on the island. Connect to find out more about local initiatives happening to protect and regenerate the island’s natural resources.

Image of volunteers via Slow Food Barbados

7. Support Local Farmers and Fisherfolk

Many people experience “sticker shock” when they do their first grocery shop on the island; as many people are shocked at the high cost of imported food.

While our supermarkets are a convenient option for most items that we don’t grow on the island, you could consider supporting local farmers for your local fruit, vegetables, dairy, poultry and meat. You can visit local markets or order directly from our local farmers or fisherfolk.

Slow Food Barbados has a list of local (and mainly organic) suppliers via their Local Buyer’s Guide.

There are great online options available for your convenience but also feel free to venture out. Check out FutureFarmersBB.com and FarmFinder Global to connect with local farmers.