As a WWOOF host, you play a key role in creating a rewarding experience for both you and your volunteers. Finding the right match between your farm and your WWOOFers is crucial for a smooth and rewarding stay. To ensure a great fit, it is important to properly screen potential volunteers before you accept their Visit Request – that means saying “no” when necessary.
Why Screening Matters
Think of hosting WWOOFers as finding a new member for your farm family. Just like with any new addition, you want to make sure they align with your farm’s needs and values. Proper screening helps ensure that both you and your WWOOFers have a fulfilling experience. When you are in conversation and you find that expectations match up, everything runs smoother afterward.
Tips for Effective Screening
- Be Clear About What You Offer:
When a WWOOFer sends you a visit request, start with clear, honest communication about what your farm is all about. Outline the types of projects they will be involved in, the living arrangements, your lifestyle, and your farm’s schedule. This helps potential WWOOFers understand what to expect and whether your farm is right for them. - Ask the Right Questions:
Continue your conversation by asking smart questions to gather key information. Ask about their previous experience, why they want to WWOOF, and any special needs or restrictions they might have. This helps you gauge whether they’ll thrive at your host farm. - Do a Phone Call:
Before accepting their request, make sure to have a quick chat, either by phone or video call, to gather insight into a WWOOFer’s personality and enthusiasm. This is your chance to discuss your farm’s specifics and see if their expectations align with what you can offer. - Check Their Reviews:
Click on a WWOOFer’s profile and read through a few of their reviews to get an idea of the impression they left on previous hosts. If the WWOOFer doesn’t have any reviews but does have past WWOOF stays (also visible on their profile), you can reach out to the WWOOFer’s past hosts directly to ask them their opinion. - Try a Shorter WWOOF Stay Before Extending:
While many hosts prefer if WWOOFers stay longer, we often suggest starting with a confirmed two-week stay, at first. We recommend chatting with them after that time to discuss how the visit has been going so far. This allows both you and the WWOOFer to get a feel for how well you work together before committing to a longer stay.
How to Say No Gracefully
Sometimes, during the process, you might find that a WWOOFer is not the right fit. Here’s how to handle it with tact and respect:
- Be Honest but Kind:
Let the WWOOFer know politely that you don’t think it’s the best match. A simple, “After reviewing your profile, we feel that our farm might not be the best fit for you. We wish you the best in finding another opportunity,” works well. - Be Timely:
Let them know as soon as you make your decision. This helps them by allowing them to move on to another opportunity. Don’t forget to return to your Messages to formally decline their Visit Request on the platform.
Hosts are not expected to accept every single WWOOFer that sends them a visit request. Properly screening WWOOFers and knowing when to say no ensures the best possible experience for everyone involved. Happy hosting!