Volunteer Training

Once volunteers have been selected for one of AYUDA’s programs and have agreed to participate, AYUDA staff provides support and guidance to its volunteers.

AYUDA's Volunteer Training Program

Prior to volunteering abroad, AYUDA’s volunteers meet in Washington, DC to receive intensive training. Focusing on AYUDA’s founding principle of youth leadership and empowerment, the training program builds the foundation for the rest of the AYUDA experience. AYUDA’s breadth of focus- including community support, diabetes education, leadership building, and innovative education- allow AYUDA to deliver comprehensive support for the youth it serves while building the leaders of tomorrow.

The VTP is held at AYUDA’s headquarters and brings together volunteers from all the programs in a given year to prepare them for their respective in-country 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 programs, and become invested in the mission of the organization.

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.

Fundraising & Social Entrepreneurship

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 volunteers involved in fundraising for AYUDA?

The AYUDA volunteer fundraising requirement upholds the fundamental principles of AYUDA by preparing AYUDA volunteers to be agents of social change and ensuring that AYUDA remains a volunteer-based organization. AYUDA’s financial model is unique because it places an awesome responsibility on its volunteers as they contribute to a major part of the running costs of AYUDA’s programs - including the sponsorship of local diabetes projects. Without the support and fundraising capacity of our dedicated volunteers, AYUDA would not be able to implement its programs and local diabetes communities would have to be turned away.

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. See program catalog for details.

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