J.K. Rowling is known for shutting people down on Twitter (see: exhibits A [1] and B [2]) and now she's speaking out against another idea: "voluntourism." Over the weekend, the Harry Potter author tweeted about her charity called Lumos [3] before someone asked her to retweet a message about an organization that offers volunteer experiences in orphanages abroad. In a series of messages that have now gone viral, Rowling expressed that such organizations do more harm than good.

As often happens when I tweet about the charity I founded, @Lumos [4], I have just been asked to retweet an appeal from another charity...

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [5]

...this one offering volunteer 'experiences' in an orphanage in an extremely poor country. @Lumos [6] does not support #voluntourism [7].

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [8]

She explained how these orphanages can break up families that already exist.

#Voluntourism [9] is one of drivers of family break up in very poor countries. It incentivises 'orphanages' that are run as businesses.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [10]

The charity I have just been asked to support offers (doubtless well-intentioned) Westerners 'volunteer experiences' in child institutions.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [11]

And how these organizations pitch themselves as resume boosters.

One of the advantages listed for your orphanage volunteer experience is that it will give you a CV 'distinguisher'. #voluntourism [12]

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [13]

The #voluntourism [14] charity tells volunteers that they will be able to 'play and interact' with children 'in desperate need of affection.'

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [15]

Willingness to cling to strangers is a sign of the profound damage institutions do to children #voluntourism [16]

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [17]

Globally, poverty is the no. 1 reason that children are institutionalised. Well-intentioned Westerners supporting orphanages...

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [18]

... perpetuates this highly damaging system and encourages the creation of more institutions as money magnets. #voluntourism [19]

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [20]

Never forget, 80% of institutionalised children worldwide have close family who want them back. They are not orphans. #Voluntourism [21]

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [22]

She also noted how these orphanages won't solve the larger issues that require systematic change.

These children and these countries need social care and health systems that keep families together. #Voluntourism [23]

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016 [24]

This, in short, is why I will never retweet appeals that treat poor children as opportunities to enhance Westerners' CVs. #Voluntourism [25]

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2016
[26]

Please, if you are considering volunteering in a foreign orphanage, read this first https://t.co/PIsy49iKeP [27] pic.twitter.com/ZWOSNke4Wi [28]

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 22, 2016 [29]

Many people on Twitter praised Rowling for bringing attention to the issue.

.@jk_rowling [30] as an adoptee from forced adoption,I salute you!These unethical practices are child trafficking & can lead to illegal adoptions

— Angela Barra (@AngelaMBarra) August 22, 2016 [31]

JK Rowling going off on #voluntourism [32] was the most badass thing I've ever seen. Yes yes yes. pic.twitter.com/P2OudRvTTo [33]

— Katelynn (@shutupKatelynn) August 21, 2016 [34]

@jk_rowling [35] Oh so glad to see this - I wish more people spoke out against #Voluntourism [36] not just in realtion to children either

— Mary Earnshaw (@MaryEarnshaw) August 21, 2016 [37]

#voluntourism [38], @jk_rowling [39] breaks it down like a fraction! Thank you for highlighting this exploitation!

— Alycee (@jazziz2) August 22, 2016 [40]

You can learn more about the possible harms of "voluntourism" here [41].