It might seem redundant to mention that one of the founding values for our association is that of peace. Indeed, you need only scroll through our Statute to realize that one of our purposes is ” to disseminate news and information that will enable daily life choices suitable for peaceful coexistence among peoples.”

Even if it might seem unnecessary, WWOOF Italy’s Board Community wants to call attention this obvious point, in order to keep the focus high, to remind ourselves of the right direction, to let those who approach our association know what inspires and guides us.

We therefore find it useful to recall that WWOOF Italy promotes the culture of peace among peoples and non-violence and condemns all forms of war. At the present time, we particularly want to express our closeness to the Palestinian people and condemn the brutal aggression they are suffering from the State of Israel.

If you do not recognize yourself in the values of peace and peaceful coexistence among peoples, WWOOF is not the association for you: in fact, not sharing these principles would not allow you to be welcomed peacefully by other members.

However, we also invite our members not to judge individuals by the actions of the governments of the countries to which they belong: there are WWOOFers who come to Italy fleeing dictatorial regimes, others who are in open opposition to the violent policies of those who govern them. To reject their visit request by a host farm just because they come from these countries, prejudicially and without knowing anything about their views, is an act of discrimination not in line with our principles.

Some members, in order to make their position more explicit, have chosen to add the words FREE PALESTINE to their profile, in order to state their point of view clearly to WWOOFers who send them visit requests. If, as a host, you do not intend to offer hospitality to those who do not identify with this principle, it might be helpful to include this phrase in your description.

The inhumanity of what is happening in Palestine is now there for all to see: but let’s not forget that there are dozens of other conflicts around the world, more on the fringes of the spotlight, some of which are being cupped in these very days. We continue to think that the practices and relationships that WWOOF puts in place also point to alternative ways and can add their own building blocks so that these sufferings can one day come to an end.

If you would like to learn more, or would like to better clarify what the connection is between a natural farming association and the concept of peace, please take a look at this paper: