The dilemma:

I am thrilled to be accepted as an international development volunteer by an NGO connected with my faith. However, I am upset – the orientation material they sent says I can’t bring my holy books to give away. How could it be wrong to spread the joyous word of God?

Glossary Note: In Canada, the term NGO is short for nongovernmental organization, usually applied to international aid or development charities. In some countries, all charities may be described as NGOs if they are not under the direct control of a government.

Jane’s Response:

Your NGO is probably planning to explain this restriction at an orientation session. I?ll try to give a generic explanation here, but I urge you to ask them directly. They can answer in the context of the specific type of work, country being served, etc., and I cannot.

Also, this column will not address proselytizing in a general sense; it will focus on whether it is ethical within the context of international volunteering with an NGO.

There are four key things the NGO is probably taking into account:

1. Service to the vision and mission

The NGO must devote its efforts and resources to its purpose, which is usually about how the service in developing countries will help to create a better world — one with greater social justice, equality, health, education, economic opportunities and other such positive ideas. Your volunteering must focus on serving that mission.

Such service can only be done through effective partnerships with local residents, communities and organizations. Good partnerships are based on trust and respect, not on having a stranger come and tell them that what they believe is wrong. That can be perceived as very disrespectful, particularly if someone from an economically developed country appears to be treating the citizens of a developing country as less advanced in their beliefs.

Respect for partners means listening to one another and abiding by agreements. The local partners will have specified what they need, based on lessons learned from lots of practical experience. If bibles or other holy books were not part of their request for aid, then it is not up to volunteers to decide to add them; that would require mutual agreement. Without that, partnerships carefully built over a decade or more can be destroyed in a short time.

As well, international development work is usually aimed at helping those most in need. But some people will forgo assistance, however desperately required, if receiving it means that they or their children have the scriptures of another religion forced upon them. Food aid should not be linked to Sunday School attendance, for example, to use an actual example I have read about. Your efforts to hand out copies of your holy book could result in children dying of hunger or disease when they could have been saved.

I understand that you would not be your intent, and that you might find their choices mystifying. However, you need to understand how your offer would be perceived by some, and the consequences of that.

2. Ability to continue in that country

NGOs can only operate if they are allowed to bring in volunteers, hire trucks, engage local workers, travel within the country and much more. The government approval may be implicit or explicit, but the approval can most certainly be withdrawn. The NGOs make commitments to provide certain services and programs, such as temporary shelters and well digging. If they are found to be carrying out unauthorized activities, they could be prevented from continued work. The disruption and notoriety could also make life quite unpleasant for the local partners who are essential to their work.

In other words, handing out these books could end decades of service to the people of a host country, and word would spread to other countries in the region too.

3. Economic development

Even if your holy book is also their holy book, international aid is also intended to help develop the local economy. If there is approval from local partners for distributing books, they should be bought from local suppliers, in local languages. Such purchases would provide employment opportunities for everything from translators through publishers, printers and delivery people.

4. Safety

Anger over a perceived attempt to convert the local residents could put you and others at risk of personal injury. People have strong feelings about their religion, and might see your efforts as denigrating their god or the teachings of their holy leaders. Their anger could end up being directed at the others from your organization, or people from all NGOs, including locals who have agreed to work with you.

So what can you do?

Many volunteers have dealt with this same issue. From what I understand, they have found the right answer is to model the teachings of their religion. As a foreigner, you will be watched closely. If you live an upstanding life, that will say more about your religious values than any book.

If, for example, your religion says you should not steal, be careful how you use the resources of the NGO organization. Using them for personal benefit is, and will be perceived as, stealing.

If you are directly asked about your moral code or beliefs, you can answer such questions. Ask about theirs in return, and avoid sounding judgmental. But if they do not raise the issue, it is best that you avoid it.

Remember that every major religion has some version of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That thinking can provide a common bond that allows safe discussions of each other?s beliefs.

You may not yet realize that you are embarking on a life-changing experience, where your assumptions about what is right and wrong may be both reinforced and challenged. Your ethical grounding can be strengthened while there, through reflection on your values and a willingness to apply them in new ways based on the insights you will gain.

And thank you for volunteering to serve others, leaving the company of your family and friends and the comfort of your home country to do so. Without people like you, progress towards health, social justice and more would be greatly slowed.

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Because nonprofit organizations are formed to do good does not mean they are always good in their own practices. Send us your ethical questions dealing with volunteers, staff, clients, donors, funders, sponsors, and more. Please identify yourself and your organization so we know the questions come from within the sector. No identifying information will appear in this column.

To submit a dilemma for a future column, or to comment on a previous one, please contact editor@charityvillage.com. For paid professional advice about an urgent or complex situation, contact Jane directly.

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