Vision Board

Before you begin your volunteering adventure abroad, take time to reflect on your inner motivations, dreams, and expectations. Creating a vision board will help you clarify your intentions and visualize your journey. This is a personal and creative process, take your time and connect with your thoughts, emotions and body.

What you will need:

  • A piece of cardboard or paper (A3 or larger)
  • Magazines, newspapers, printed or cut out images 
  • Scissors and glue
  • Coloured pens
  • Optional: digital tool (like Canva or Pinterest) if you prefer a virtual board.

Instructions:

  1. Reflect first
     

    Take some time to write or think about the questions below. Let your answers guide what you’ll put on your vision board:

  • Why did I choose to volunteer?

    Think about your values, passions, or situations that inspired you to join this volunteering experience. What matters to you?

  • What do I hope to discover about myself during this time?

    Consider personal growth, skills, independence, or relationships.

  • What are my biggest hopes and fears for this experience?

    Name your dreams. Also, be honest about any uncertainties — your board can include courage too!

  1. Choose Symbols & Images

  1. 2.

Look for visuals, words, or colors that represent your answers. You can use:

  • Pictures that inspire you

  • Quotes or words (“what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger☺”)

  • Symbols representing challenges and strengths

3. Arrange Your Board

Place the elements on your board in a way that feels meaningful to you. For example:

  • Divide it into sections (such as hopes | fears | growth goals)

  • Create a path or journey across the board

  • Group the visuals around key emotions or values

Give it a title – name your board so that it reflects your vision for your volunteering experience.

5. Share (if you want to!)

If you feel comfortable, share your vision board with your group or a peer. Sharing helps deepen reflection and build connections with fellow volunteers.

Guidance for mentors/facilitators

  • Provide enough time (30–40 minutes) and materials for reflection and creation.

  • Normalize creativity: there’s no right or wrong way to make a board.

Encourage optional sharing in pairs or small groups. Use questions like:
What title did you give to your board?
Which image do you feel most connected to?
What might this board remind you of when the journey feels hard?