Q1: I just signed up for WWOOF-USA
how long will it take until I get my directory and online password?
A: You will receive your directory and online access information through
US Postal Mail. If you live in the continental US it takes approximately
7-10 business days. Outside the continental US, and Canada takes approximately
10-15 business days.
Q2: I never got a username and password for
the online directory how do I get one?
A: For security purposes we will send you a username and password through
US Postal Mail.
Q3: Why do I have to get my online log in and
user name by US postal mail? Why can't I just get it via the internet,
like with many other things these days?
A: We are working on upgrading our system to enable us to send the user
name and password to members shortly after signing up through email.
In the meantime we appreciate your patience.
Q4: I can’t find
the online directory. Where is it and how do I use it?
A: The online directory is located at www.wwoofusa.org.
Simply click on the box that says, “WWOOF-USA directory available
to members online see details.” You will then be prompted to enter
a username and password which can be found on the inside cover of your
paper directory which you will receive through US Postal Mail.
Q5: My annual membership is still active but
I don’t have the most recent directory how can I get the additional
host information?
A: We update the directory quarterly online, please log in to see the
new host farms. If you do not have your original online log in and username
send your name, date membership began, and current address via email
to info@wwoofusa.org. We will
need a few days to confirm your membership status and will then send
you a user name and password.
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Q6: How do I become a member?
A: Complete and send us your application form and payment (through postal
mail or online). You will receive a paper directory and user name and
password through the US postal mail. Then you are free to contact the
hosts you want to visit, to make plans, and go WWOOF!! DO NOT SHOW UP
AT A WWOOF FARM WITHOUT CONTACTING THE HOST AND MAKING ARRANGEMENT FIRST.
Q7: What forms of payment do you accept for
people signing up internationally?
A: You have two options 1) you can sign up on paypal with a credit card
2) you can mail us a international money order-IT MUST BE IN US DOLLARS!
Q8: What forms of payment can people signing
up in the US use?
A: If you are signing up from the US you have three options 1) you can
sign up on paypal with a credit card 2) you can mail us a domestic money
order 3) or you can mail us a personal check.
Q9: Does WWOOF-USA also include Hawaii?
A: Yes, when you join WWOOF-USA, you gain access to all US hosts, including
Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. WWOOF-USA provides a printed
directory of over 500 hosts in the US, with more than 40 in Hawaii.
Q10: Will WWOOF help me get a visa or work
permit?
A: NO. We CANNOT help you get a Visa, as we have neither the time or
the staff, nor the recognition as an institution to do this. You are
responsible to make your own visa arrangements. WWOOF is NOT about paid
working, and WWOOF organizations CANNOT help you obtain work permits.
You should not join WWOOF-USA as a means to getting a visa or work permit.
Most people outside the United States come WWOOFing using a holiday
or tourist visa. WWOOF-USA cannot assist with visas in any way, including
answering questions about visas or providing papers or letters of introduction
for visas. Please direct all your questions about visas to the United
States Embassy. You can WWOOF here on a holiday or TOURIST VISA.
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Q11: Mailbox/voicemail full/ why do you take
long to respond?
A: We are a relatively young non-profit organization with limited funding
and capacity. We only have one part-time employee to handle a lot of
work and we do our best to serve you but sometimes we take longer then
usual. NOTE: If you write to us with a question that is answered in
the following information provided, we will not respond to your e-mail.
Q12: Do you offer workers compensation or any
other insurance?
A: No, we do NOT offer workers compensation or any other type of insurance.
We are not experts on workers compensation or insurance so we can't
give you advice. Some hosts might have some types of coverage in their
homeowner’s policy. When you sign up for WWOOF-USA you assume
responsibility for whatever legal risk that entails. If you are a WWOOFer
we encourage you to get traveler, medical, and/or other adequate insurance.
Q13: How long will it take to find a Host?
A: This depends on variables such as, the time of year, the host you
want to go to, whether the host already has a WWOOFer, the nature and
quality of the your communications to the host, the work the host is
doing, etc. If you have the time, it is better to plan ahead in order
to make it more likely that you can stay at the places you prefer. Some
hosts like it and others prefer not to commit so far ahead. Ideally
a few weeks to a month is time enough in advance to make plans with
hosts. If due to unforeseen circumstances you must cancel your plans
to visit a Host, please be sure to contact the Host promptly to inform
them. If you have problems with a host, please tell us right away. Please
ensure you tell family and friends, where you are going, the name and
contact details of the host(s) you are going to, and be sure to update
this information to them as you move about. Hosts can be busy and some
hosts are in demand more than others for reasons of what they do, or
their location, and it can be that at such times a given host will be
unable to accept you. However we have not known of a WWOOFer who could
not find a host somewhere to take them.
Q14: I joined with a friend on a joint membership;
why hasn't my partner received an access code to the Internet site?
A: Joint membership is for two people traveling together. This means
you receive a single directory and only one email address will be registered
in our database.
Q15: Once I am a member of a WWOOF organization,
can I use the membership all over the world?
A: All WWOOF organizations are independent and you need to join each
one separately. The membership fees are small and cover the cost of
running each service.
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Q16: I’m not 18 years old
can I still WWOOF?
A: Not alone. Anyone under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or
guardian.
Q17: What do hosts expect from me?
A: The most important quality for a WWOOFer to have is to be able to
fit into the very different lifestyles that the hosts lead. You are
expected to be interested in what they do, work hard for up to 6 hours
a day 5 1/2 days a week, help with the chores (such as cooking and washing
up) and not create more work for your host. Hosts are all very hardworking
people mainly living on a tight budget and you should accept this fact
and respect it. WWOOFing is NOT a cheap holiday and way to travel. It
is a voluntary organization set up to teach people about the organic
movement and give them hands on experience and to help out organic producers
as organic production is very labor intensive. If you are solely looking
for a cheap way to see the USA WWOOF IS NOT FOR YOU. Always respect
the dates you arrange with your host, if you have to change them for
any reason you must give your host ample warning so that they can make
other arrangements. Please don't just not turn up, this can cause major
problems for your host (who has probably turned down other people as
they were expecting you to come). Please be responsible and thoughtful
and take your responsibilities seriously. If your stay is not working
out for your host, they can always ask you to leave, although with good
communication between host and WWOOFer it does not usually need to resort
to this.
Q18: What should I expect from a host?
A: A host should offer you basic accommodation and food, you should
check before you go exactly what this is as it varies greatly from farm
to farm. Some may have a tent only, others may ask you bring your own
tent. You may well need to take a sleeping bag. Most have a room for
WWOOFers. If you have special dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian,
vegan, etc.) or specific allergies (i.e. to animals) you should check
with your host that this is all right before you go. The host should
work with you at times and be willing to teach you about organic farming.
It is very likely that you will have to work on your own a fair amount
and many of the tasks may be mundane, but a lot of agriculture work
is! Once again check with your host what jobs you will be doing. If
for some reason the situation is not working for you discuss it with
you hosts and if a solution cannot be reached you are under no obligation
to stay if the situation is intolerable. Any feedback to us would be
appreciated.
Q19: My directory has not arrived and I leave
for the US tomorrow. What can I do?
A: Unfortunately the postal service is not always reliable and this
happens occasionally. All you need to do is contact us via email and
tell us the following information: name of member, date membership was
purchased, address at time of signing up, and form of payment (i.e.
paypal, check, etc); and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Q20: Can I bring my child/children with me?
A: Sometimes. A lot of the farms like to take people with children,
especially if they have children themselves. ALWAYS check with the host
first though and if you have young children who need a lot of your attention
discuss this with your host first. There are dangers on a farm and the
parent should be willing to take total responsibility for the safety
of their child.
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Q21: How many hours a day am I expected to
work?
A: The working hours depend a great deal on the work needing to be done.
We say that you should work up to 6 hours a day 5 1/2 days a week but
this needs to be flexible. During a harvest for example when a crop
needs to be collected you may end up working much longer hours, but
you should be given extra days off at the end to make up for this. Once
again good communication with your host at the beginning of your stay
should avoid misunderstandings about this.
Q22: Do I need to be able to speak English?
A: Many of the hosts speak languages other than English and it states
clearly in the directory which languages they speak. Do not go to a
farm where they speak only English if you can't speak it; this only
leads to misunderstandings and confusion. If you wish to learn English
choose a farm where they speak some of the language you speak and ask
them if they could speak English to you, or would be willing to exchange
English lessons in exchange for the language you speak.
Q23: Can I stop by your office in person and
pick up a directory?
A: No, you cannot stop by our office in person because we do not have
a public office; only a P.O. Box address.
Q24: Can I see a sample WWOOF-USA directory?
A: You can preview a sample of the WWOOF-USA directory of host farms
online, the sample directory includes all the information we provide
in the actual directory, with the exception of locations of host farms.
If you decide you would like to participate in the WWOOF program, you
will need to sign up for a membership, and then we will send you the
directory through the mail, which contains contact info for all the
farms. Please note, this preview has not been updated in about 2 years,
so it is just a sample, not all of our hosts.
Q25: How do I become a host?
A: Visit our website www.wwoofusa.org/host.html
and fill out the host application. The application asks for: farm
name, contact name, phone/ email, location (address and description
of land), a brief description of organic activities (crops, projects,
goals, etc.), suggested length of stay for volunteers, months of the
year you accept volunteers (i.e. do you take WWOOFers in the winter?),
accommodations (number and type), non-farming opportunities/ activities
(alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy,
etc.), expectations of work for WWOOFers, is transportation available?,
languages spoken, can you host children or pets?, special diets, and
any other specifics for your farm. To cover postage and printing, please
send a suggested donation of $5.00 along with your farm description.
Q26: Can I WWOOF in the winter?
A: During the winter months (Dec-Feb) we recommend WWOOFing in states
with a year-round growing season, such as, but not limited to, California,
Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii. Many hosts in other areas
also offer year-round opportunities in greenhouses, and such.
Contact WWOOF-USA
