Volunteer Training

 

 

Once volunteers have been selected for one of AYUDA’s programs and agreed to participate, AYUDA staff provides support and guidance to its volunteers prior to beginning their programs with regard to travel, health & wellness guidelines, country-specific orientation and fundraising strategies.


 

Our staff is dedicated to the empowerment and happiness of its volunteers.   


AYUDA's Volunteer Training Program


The purpose of the Volunteer Training Program (VTP) is to prepare AYUDA volunteers to serve as effective agents of change in the respective diabetes communities in which they will volunteer.

The VTP is held at AYUDA’s headquarters in Washington, DC and brings together volunteers from all the programs in a given year to prepare them for their respective program experiences that lie ahead.  The VTP allows the volunteers to get to know each other, get to know AYUDA's staff, build relationships with the individuals who will be participating in their respective Campo Amigo and Field progras, and become invested in the mission of the organization.

 

 

As the chart below demonstrates, the five major training themes comprise the backbone of Leadership Development.  We believe Leadership is not just taught, but rather developed through action.

 

Leadership Development

 

1.  AYUDA

 

 

Volunteers learn about AYUDA’s mission, objectives, philosophy, and history, as well as about the diverse volunteer programs and opportunities.

 

 

2. Team-building & Mentorship

 

 

Volunteers strengthen their team bonds, get to know each other, and prepare to work effectively as a team.  They prepare for their roles of mentorship in the variety of contexts that they will encounter in their respective program.

 

 

3.  Fundraising & Advocacy

 

 

Volunteers learn to be effective advocates and fundraisers by practicing articulating AYUDA’s mission and describing their program.  Additionally, they collect fundraising strategies and materials as they share best practices and technological tools.

 

 

4. Foundations in diabetes management

 

 

 

Volunteers learn the fundamentals of diabetes management, train in hands-on peer-based practicum sessions, practice medical Spanish communication, explore the psycho-social issues surrounding diabetes, and practice the diabetes lifestyle.

 

 

5.  Specific Country Program Training

 

 

Volunteers learn about their program’s history and needs, their host country culture, prepare outreach strategies, and discuss safety issues.

 


 

Why are all volunteer are involved in fundraising for AYUDA?
 

Conducting your own fundraising campaign is a prerequisite to participating in any of AYUDA’s volunteer programs.

 
Developing and running your own fundraising campaing not only builds your leadership skills, but it also enables you to become more familiar with AYUDA’s mission and objectives as you improve your ability to effectively raise awareness for the organization.
 
A large percentage of the funds raised are used to cover local program costs.
 

 

What fundraising support do volunteers receive?
 
The AYUDA staff is dedicated to ensuring the success of your fundraising campaign and provide guidance and assistance along the way.  AYUDA provides volunteers with the following resources in order to ensure that they complete their fundraising campaigns successfully:
 
  • An extensive fundraising toolkit
  • Examples of fundraising materials created by volunteers in previous years
  • Press releases & media materials
  • Photos & video to provide visual appeal