Psychosocial impact of volunteering in the migration context of Tenosique, Tabasco

Psychosocial impact of volunteering

Abstract

Volunteering has become a viable choose for those people as a resource of citizen participation, being a proactive choice, it is therefore, the aim of this investigation was to know the social and emotional impact that volunteers have based on the experiences they accumulate during their volunteering stays. The data collection has been carried on southern border of Mexico, which is a geographic space where diverse migratory flows converge; in this area, you cand find the Migrant shelter “La 72”, located in Tenosique, Tabasco. This project has a system where professionals from different disciplines and countries carry out volunteer stays at their facilities.  The data was gathered from semi structured interviews with the volunteers, during their stay at the shelter, they are responsible for providing support and basic care to people in irregular situations in Mexico, these people who are in this “irregularity” imply a risk transit and vulnerability to human rights. All the information obtained was interpreted based on analogical hermeneutic methodology, that allowed us to understand these experiences through qualitative research. It was finally found that these experiences lead to changes within themselves that lead them to redefine themselves as people. This redefinition gives new meaning to their path, changing perceptions, goals, and life plans during and after their stay. One of the most significant findings is how solidarity and social responsibility come into play at some point during their stays to become a common factor among all the volunteers. Both concepts must be a key during their stay to carry out and remain effective in their volunteer work.