Information For First Time VolunteersThe AYUDA experience
Being a part of the AYUDA team is an experience of a lifetime. As you will learn,we do not offer the typically insulated, “study abroad” type of program, but rather the opportunity to truly engage in and impact the communities in which we work. Volunteers find fulfillment and perspective while working in challenging contexts as they tangibly impact the lives of children living with diabetes, and our team members consistently report that the personal connections that they established with the children, their families, the community, and the other teammates during their volunteer experience were some of the most moving of their lives. Whichever program you choose, an unforgettable experience awaits you. Selected volunteers will first meet the team as they train at the Volunteer Training Program (VTP) in Washington, DC, then travel to the host country to work with AYUDA's local partner individual or organization. During their time in the country, the team will undertake various types of diabetes education and empowerment projects, which may include diabetes camps, youth empowerment training, diabetes education sessions with international specialists, grassroots community outreach pioneered by youth leaders, train-the-trainer programs, and family education workshops. See Programs for specific details on each Country Program. Who we're looking for...Because AYUDA was founded on the principle that youth can serve as powerful agents of positive change , we believe that our success rides on the quality of our volunteer team. That said, AYUDA seeks volunteers who are leaders (self-motivated, initiative-driven, creative, unique personality), team players (cooperative, dedicated, can compromise and strategize), and thrive in challenging environments (adaptable, focused, energetic, positive, flexible). *You are not required to have diabetes or prior experience with diabetes, but we encourage you to get involved if you do! Our team is usually 50-50% people with and those without diabetes. *AYUDA does not specify a strict age cut-off for our volunteers, though we only accept applicants under 17 in exceptional cases, due to levels of maturity and experience as well as liability. Most of our volunteers are of undergraduate or graduate age, though there is certainly no upper limit! *Spanish proficiency is required of volunteers in our Spanish-speaking programs (Ecuador and Bolivia) Recruitment PresentationsAYUDA's Director of Volunteer Development will be traveling during the month of February to various universities and medical centers to present information sessions about volunteer with AYUDA. Find the presentation nearest you! In the Country ProgramAYUDA volunteers will work as part of the team that comprises local youth leaders, international medical professionals and American volunteers. Volunteers go through orientation, cultural training that may include a homestay (program-depending), and some cultural excursions. The team collaborates with local volunteers to carry out outreach projects, and also prepares for the main portion of the program—the major outreach sessions or the camp (again, depending on the program). See Programs for more details. Fundraising RequirmentEach volunteer is required to fundraise a certain amount to help sponsor the camp. Please note that this requirement will cover all transportation (to the training and country programs), other food/lodging costs, and more importantly, the sponsorship of the local children with diabetes to attend the program. The intention is not to have our volunteers pay for their experience, but rather to give our volunteers an opportunity to actively engage in helping the children we are serving before arriving to camp. AYUDA will provide all accepted applicants with fundraising materials in order to assist with fundraising efforts. Learn more Research, Credit, and FundingAYUDA and Campo Amigo Ecuador are internationally recognized by colleges and universities, health organizations, and diabetes associations throughout the world. In the past, our volunteers have often received both undergraduate and graduate level credits and/or scholarships for their experience working at camp. Please take the opportunity to pursue these options if you are still affiliated with such institutions. Furthermore, volunteers who wish to arrive in Ecuador earlier and/or conduct their own research while volunteering with AYUDA are encouraged to do so. Each volunteer is required to fundraise a certian amount to help sponsor the camp. Please note that this requirement will cover the roundtrip domestic airfare and hotel for the designated training location, roundtrip international airfare to Ecuador, a stipend to the host family in Ecuador, the transportation and personal costs of attending camp, and the sponsorship of children living with diabetes in Ecuador. The intention is not to have our volunteers pay for their experience, but rather to give our volunteers an opportunity to actively engage in helping the children we are serving before arriving to camp. AYUDA will provide all accepted applicants with fundraising materials in order to assist with fundraising efforts. Additional QuestionsPlease contact our Director of Volunteer Development: Kendra Hennig Email: khennig@ayudainc.net Address: 1700 North Moore Street Suite 2000 Arlington, VA 22209 Tel: (703) 600.8209
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AYUDA
