Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic  ( June - July 2012 )

Estimated Dates June 17th-July 7th 2012 

( dates are subject to minor change )

During this program, you will collaborate with local diabetes foundation “Aprendiendo a Vivir” based in Santo Domingo, the country’s capital. You will work closely with local staff, medical students and youth leaders to plan and implement community outreach projects to motivate and support children with diabetes and their families. In addition, the team will work together to run Campo Amigo Dominicano, a diabetes camping program targeting recently diagnosed children and their families. Simultaneous education sessions will also be run for other children and youth with diabetes.

Program Menu Local Partner Organization Local Project Objectives Volunteer Program Description Volunteer Requirements and Expectations Timeline Helpful Links

Local Partner Organization

Aprendiendo a Vivir (AAV)  is a local non-profit organization based in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic. The organization provides children and adolescents with diabetes the opportunity to improve their quality of life through educational programs that provide them with the tools and knowledge to better manage their condition, improve their nutrition and help them prevent future complications.

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Local Project Objectives

1) Empower youth to be role models and leaders of social change who share their knowledge with others
2) Allowing parents and children realize that Type 1 diabetes is a manageable condition
3) Strengthen current diabetes knowledge, beginning with the themes of leadership and self-esteem

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Volunteer Program Description

PRE-DEPARTURE PROGRAM

Pre-program training is well established at AYUDA. Comprehensive pre-departure training begins from the volunteer’s date of acceptance (mid-February 2012) to the end of in-country program. In 2011, AYUDA augmented its volunteer training process with an online electronic training program (VTP e-Course) to supplement in-person preparation sessions in Washington, DC (VTP Summit) and in-countries programs (Ecuador and Dominican Republic). Volunteers can expect to receive multiple support documents and online training via an ongoing e-course as well as direct support from the Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Mentors.

Volunteer Training Program e-Course  (February 2012-September 2012) 

Online training enables AYUDA to better prepare its volunteers for their experiences abroad and enhance long-term sustainability on the local level. Since AYUDA’s volunteers live, work and study across much of the US and other parts of the world, it is logical to provide a training platform, accessible via the internet, to provide some flexibility for its users. The e-Course will not only allows AYUDA to engage new volunteers immediately after their acceptance onto a program but also enables them to immediately create a comprehensive fundraising strategy. Volunteers are able to connect and bond with fellow volunteers as they share ideas and learn about the realities of living with diabetes in the communities they will be serving.

The course includes:

-Multiple internet and social media platforms to enable volunteers to connect with one another and prepare volunteer for their experience abroad
-Bi-weekly online group training sessions/conference calls
-Practical training/preparation (ie. how to set up an online fundraising page etc)
-Supplements in-person training programs in Washington DC and in-country

-Training focuses on 5 AYUDA focus areas and core values:

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

2. Fundraising & Social Entrepreneurship: Volunteers learn to be effective advocates, fundraisers, and social entrepreneurs as defined by AYUDA Volunteer Core Competencies. Additionally, they share fundraising strategies, best practices 

3. Cultural Training & Country Program: Volunteers learn about their program’s history and needs, host country culture, prepare outreach strategies, and discuss safety issues. This training is facilitated by AYUDA local partners so that volunteers understand locally defined priorities and objectives. 

4. Living with Diabetes: Volunteers learn the fundamentals of diabetes management, train in hands-on peer-based practicum sessions, practice medical Spanish communication, explore the psychosocial issues surrounding diabetes, and understand the diabetes lifestyle.

5. 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 programs. Though their education at the VTP, volunteers become invested in the future in diabetes care, advocacy, and social change.

-Weekend training session held at AYUDA/Ashoka Global headquarter Offices in Washington DC     -Unites all 2012 volunteers (Ecuador and DR programs), AYUDA staff, representatives from local partner organization, and other AYUDA stakeholders and facilitators  -        Program includes: group social activities, skill and team building activities, as well as didactic presentations from AYUDA local partners and experts in diabetes, youth leadership, social entrepreneurship      * Volunteer lodging, food, and group activities arranged and provided by AYUDA

Campo Amigo Dominicano Projects (2-4 Days)

- Diabetes workshop programs (target populations: newly diagnosed children, most at-risk children and their parents)
- Youth Leadership workshops- AYUDA volunteers can serve as:  Counselors (ages 5-18) (girls and boys), Sports Staff, Arts and Crafts Staff, Entertainment (skits, dances, game nights, etc), & Medical Staff

Wrap Up Session (1 Day): Santo Domingo

- Wrap up sessions, initial AYUDA and AAV evaluations
- Next steps: Becoming AYUDA Alumni

POST-PROGRAM

-AYUDA volunteers return to their respective communities and continue to serve as agents of social change

-E-course wrap-up sessions and feedback
-Post-program fundraising initiative support
-Volunteers become part of a broader network of AYUDA volunteers and self-select to participate in additional US-based AYUDA activities
-Volunteers apply and are selected to become Volunteer Mentors for 2013 programs 

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Volunteer Requirements and Expectations

Qualifications Character Roles Volunteer Training Program Date/Location Language Requirements Fundraising Requirements What's Provided What You have to Provide Safety and Health/Wellness Concerns

Qualifications
- Minimum age: 16
- All education levels can apply (from high school students to medical professionals)
- All backgrounds
- No prior diabetes knowledge required
- Intermediate Spanish* see details below
- Must fulfill program requirements (attend training, complete fundraising etc)

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Character
Outgoing, responsible, motivated, flexible, adaptable, creative, collegial and passionate about the mission of AYUDA

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Roles

Each AYUDA volunteer is expected to do the following:

- Uphold program approach by respecting local partners as primary stakeholders
- Be respectful of local customs and household rules, in particular during homestays (if applicable)
- Value cultural understanding in learning
- Understand and uphold program safety policies/protocols
- Serve as staff at Campo Amigo Dominicano and uphold the local responsibilities that accompany the role
- Participate in diabetes outreach and uphold the local responsibilities that accompany the role
- Communicate any concerns to AYUDA Volunteer Mentors or staff
- Evaluate Volunteer Training Program and In-country Program
- Rejoice in the success of others
- Demonstrate interest in social issues and working for solutions
- Represent AYUDA at all times, uphold AYUDA values, principles and work ethic

Volunteers will work to support AYUDA’s partner organization in conjunction with local youth leaders and medical students. At the camp, AYUDA volunteer can serve as:

- Counselors (ages 5-18) (girls and boys)
- Sport Staff
- Arts and Crafts Staff
- Night activities Staff (skits, dances, bonfires, etc)
- Medical Staff (MD, CDE, RN)
- Nutrition Staff

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Volunteer Training Program Dates and Times
Washington DC
March 30 - April 1 2012

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Language Requirements
Preferred: Intermediate Level of Spanish or more advanced [INTERMEDIATE: Medium vocabulary, some tense variation, simple oral communication in practical situations]

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Fundraising Requirements
$4950 pre-program (by Friday June 8th 2012)
$550 post-program (by Nov 1st 2012)

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What is Provided
- Flight reimbursement**(see Volunteer Fundraising & Core competencies document for full explanation)
- Volunteer Training Program (VTP) in DC
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
In Country
- Cultural Training Program
- Outreach Training
- Diabetes outreach projects
- Pre-camp training
- Campo Amigo Dominicano
- Pick up & drop off at airport
- Accommodation, breakfast
- Some group meals
- All project related transport and accommodation costs
- Funds invested in local projects

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What You will Need to Provide
- Travel to and from the VTP in Washington, DC (click here for more information)
- Travel to/from the Dominican Republic***(reimbursement available post program see Fundraising PDF (above) for more information)
-Travel insurance
- International health & emergency evacuation insurance
- Petty Cash for some meals, entertainment, gifts 
- Recommended in DC: $50
- Recommended for Santo Domingo: $400+

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Safety and Wellness Concerns
Safety & Wellness training will be given to all volunteers.

- Provide proof/copy of valid passport and VISA (if applicable for some non-US citizens)
- Provide copies of travel itineraries to AYUDA prior to departure for VTP and Dominican Republic
- Complete emergency contact information prior to participation in VTP
- Complete Health & Wellness questionnaire prior to participation in VTP
- Obtain and demonstrate proof of traveler’s insurance (AYUDA will provide volunteers with list of recommendations)
- Obtain and demonstrate proof of travel health insurance and emergency evacuation insurance
- Consent to online criminal background check once accepted to volunteer with AYUDA (fees will be covered by AYUDA)
- Adhere to AYUDA principles

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Timeline

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Helpful Links

For more information about the Dominican Republic, see these sites

- To read more about the realities of diabetes in the Dominican Republic - please click for English and Español

- US Consulate - Travel to Dominican Republic

- World Bank - Country Information

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