WWOOF Myths Held by WWOOFers
| WWOOF Basics |
In most voluntary activities, there is one party (receptor) which receives tangible benefits while the other party (donor) receives intangible benefits such as satisfaction. However, WWOOF is a special kind of voluntary activity. In WWOOF, the WWOOFer as well as the host, both receive tangible as well as intangible benefits. WWOOF is a true give and take relationship between the WWOOFers and hosts.
The presence of these tangible benefits in WWOOF has, however, been the prime reason for the existence of some myths about WWOOF. Some of these myths have been given below:
Myths about WWOOF held by WWOOFers:
Myth: WWOOF is an excellent opportunity to get paid work
Clarification: WWOOF is a voluntary activity and does not primarily involve paid work. Many WWOOFers are annoyed when they reach the organic farm and find out that they will not get paid for the work. These people do not have any interest in organic farming and become a WWOOFer only to get some money. How to deal with people who take up WWOOFing only to get paid work is a matter of concern for WWOOF organizations all over the world and this will be an important discussion point during the International WWOOF Organizers’ Meeting to be held in October 2006, in Japan. There are some hosts who do offer pay for your work, but you should clarify other details with them beforehand.
Myth: WWOOF means cheap travel
Clarification: This is again a big problem-causing myth about WWOOF. A WWOOFer works on an organic farm primarily for the experience and learning obtained through the work. Food and bed are just a few facilitating aspects of WWOOF. People who are confused about the aim of WWOOF often try to bargain with the host the number of work hours. There are others who are in a tourist mode and try to use WWOOF as a means of getting cheap bed and food. No doubt, such people cause bad experiences for themselves as well as the host.
Myth: The WWOOF organization will contact the hosts for me
Clarification: The role of WWOOF organizations is limited to providing a list of hosts, and it does not take any other responsibility including, contacting the hosts for the WWOOFers, arranging Visa for foreign nationals, and providing accommodation and food outside the farm.
Myth: I should have prior experience on organic farms
Clarification: Having prior experience in organic farming is not a necessity for becoming a WWOOFer. If you have prior experience, it always helps, but you can definitely enjoy WWOOFing without that. What is more important is that you should have a desire to learn organic farming. If you have no desire to learn organic farming techniques, please stay away from WWOOFing.
Myth: WWOOFing is always a pleasant experience
Clarification: In most cases, WWOOFing is a pleasant as well as memorable experience. However, there are certain exceptional cases when WWOOFing is not so much fun and you should be mentally prepared to handle these situations if you encounter any.
Myth: It makes no difference to the host if I don’t reach at my scheduled time
Clarification: Many hosts are troubled by the irresponsibility shown by WWOOFers in communicating with them. If there is even a slight change in plans, call the host and tell him/her. If you cancel your program, tell the host immediately; the host can accommodate another WWOOFer. If you are reaching late, inform the host; the host will get worried about your well being.
Is WWOOFing Always a Pleasant Experience?
Tips for WWOOFers
Myths about WWOOF
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