BeWelcome.org: Changing Lives Through Hospitality Exchange

Bewelcome.org
4 min readDec 4, 2023

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Peter’s Volunteer Story

Introduction

Welcome to the world of BeWelcome.org, a global community that believes in the power of hospitality exchange to bring people together. In this blog, we will explore the journey of Peter, an international computer programmer, who found solace and support through BeWelcome during challenging times. Discover how this platform has transformed the lives of thousands, and how you too can become a part of this incredible community.

A Community Built on Kindness

Peter’s story begins during his exchange student days in California. Facing financial difficulties, he stumbled upon career talks that offered free pizza. Little did he know that attending these talks would lead him to discover hospitality exchange. As the doors to his European home closed, Peter found comfort in the fact that thousands of strangers around the world had open doors to welcome him in.

After saving some money from a summer job, Peter embarked on a journey to visit his exchange friends in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Russia. It was during this trip that he experienced the incredible hospitality of dynamic individuals who hosted him. This experience inspired him to open his home to others in the future.

Joining BeWelcome

Upon graduating, Peter embarked on working holidays in various countries. It was during this time that he discovered BeWelcome and decided to join in May 2020. What drew him to this community was its philosophy of equality and inclusivity. Regardless of origin or financial status, everyone is welcome on BeWelcome. It is a platform where sharing is encouraged, and volunteers actively contribute to the growth and development of both the website and the community.

A Warm Welcome

Upon joining BeWelcome, Peter introduced himself through forum posts and suggested new features. To his surprise, several longtime members reached out to him through private messages, answering his questions and guiding him through the platform. This warm welcome made Peter feel like a valued member of the community from day one.

The Unique Charm of BeWelcome

What sets BeWelcome apart is the spirit of generosity that permeates the community. Ordinary members like Peter and your can take the initiative to make things happen. Whether it’s creating activities for upcoming events, designing the site, writing code, or hosting guests, BeWelcome thrives on the active participation of its members.

Be Welcome is more than just a consumer app; it is a community built on trust, both online and in real life. Transparency is a core value, evident in the financial reports shared with members. Peter was encouraged to contribute towards the site’s low running costs, knowing that every small contribution helps sustain this wonderful platform.

BeWelcome volunteers at the 2023 General Assembly in Grenoble, France.

Active Involvement and Initiatives

Peter’s involvement in BeWelcome goes beyond being a passive user. He actively participates by sharing his ideas and initiatives with the community. One of his first initiatives was about data import, which led to the motivation for others to welcome new members interested in preserving their old data. Peter also engages with organizers of meetups, discussing ideas for renaming their activities to better reflect the spirit of BeWelcome.

In addition to online video chats, Peter has shared mockup sketches of potential site improvements in the feature requests group. He has even set up a local server with the open-source code, with hopes of building new features in the future. Peter understands that non-technical ideas are equally valuable, and he actively contributes to discussions on promoting BeWelcome by collaborating with other groups.

Hopes and Expectations

Peter’s hopes and expectations for BeWelcome.org mirror the vision of the entire community. He dreams of BeWelcome becoming a catalyst for positive global change. However, he acknowledges that this won’t be an easy feat. BeWelcome relies on the active participation of individuals like you to flourish.

Peter encourages you to take action by inviting three friends to join the BeWelcome community. He believes that by recognizing the value and potential of this platform, you can make a difference in people’s lives. Create activities in your local area, collaborate with existing meetup groups, and become an active member of the BeWelcome community.

Ultimately, Peter hopes that one day, you will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face, bridging the gap between virtual connections and real-life friendships. BeWelcome is more than just a platform; it is a community that has the power to change the world.

Conclusion

As we conclude Peter’s journey through BeWelcome, we invite you to embark on your own adventure within this incredible community. BeWelcome offers a unique platform for individuals to connect, share, and support one another. It is a place where kindness and generosity thrive, and where your voice matters.

Remember, a platform alone cannot change the world, but a community can. Join BeWelcome.org today and be a part of a movement that is transforming lives through the power of hospitality exchange. Welcome to BeWelcome, where strangers become friends.

Join today for free at BeWelcome.org — the largest free hospitality community!

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Bewelcome.org

Bewelcome lets you share a place to stay, connect with travellers, meet up and find accommodation on your journey. It is and will always be a free, open source.