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Volunteering with AYUDA changed my perspective on life. Seeing the children at Campo Amigo—some of whom do not even have access to a proper supply of insulin at home—has challenged me to take full advantage of the tools and resources I have available in my diabetes care and life overall.
Seeing the lack of education across the globe, however, from the underprivileged of Ecuador to the developed country of Bermuda, about the reality and challenge of living with diabetes has inspired me to not waste my knowledge and understanding."
Caitlin Valentino
Returning volunteers will be expected to take on new roles of leadership and play a more pivotal role in the mentorship of new volunteers and the administration of the Country Program in which they are participating. A returning volunteer is able to apply for different leadership roles specific to the program in which the returning volunteer wishes to participate.
Returning Volunteer
Applications for returning volunteers:
Expect a slightly different application process. Though the application is shorter, it focuses on your achievements in past programs, interactions and goals with AYUDA throughout the whole year, and your reflections on your role within the volunteer program.
The applicant pool gets more and more competitive every year, so please put your best effort into answering the questions thoughtfully. Demonstrate your commitment and passion, and give concrete ideas on how you will contribute to the team's success.
Every year, AYUDA’s applicant pool becomes increasingly selective. We try to balance our team based on program needs and team dynamics, and for this reason, we may suggest that you consider a different program better suited to your skill set or place you on a waiting list.
Once you have submitted your complete application:
You will be contacted for a phone interview
You may be invited to participate in a group interview in your local area
Experienced Volunteers, Volunteer Mentors & Volunteer Mentors in training
Volunteer retention is an important goal for AYUDA. Not only is it to key to the success of our programs in-country (our partners and the communities we serve benefit from working with familiar faces) but it provides an avenue of growth for volunteers within the organization. Increasingly, AYUDA aims to find new ways for experienced volunteers to support us in-country in positions of increasing responsibility (according to individual skill-sets) both within and outside our traditional volunteer programs.
Are you interested in returning to volunteer in-country with AYUDA?  If you have already volunteered with AYUDA and are interested in returning, there are now several potential opportunites for you. These include: 1. Opportunities to be an experienced volunteer, volunteer mentor, or volunteer mentor-in-training within our current program scheme. Click here to read about our 2013 Programs.
2. At least one new opportunity open to only experienced volunteers for next summer in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. 3. Invite-only opportunities. Please read the descriptions below for types of volunteer roles we are looking to fill. To apply to the 2013 Program as a returning volunteer, please click here.
Roles for Returning Volunteers
Please note: All returning volunteers will be expected to fundraise for AYUDA. Depending on the opportunity, the fundraising goal might be subject change.
Experienced Volunteers: Have participated in-country in at least one program with AYUDA (this does not have to be within the previous year). Typically experienced volunteers are interested in a variety of opportunities, including project-based opportunities, or opportunities based on a specfic skill set. Volunteer Mentors: Volunteer Mentors are experienced AYUDA volunteers who want to participate in the Summer Programs but are looking to take on additional leadership roles within the organization. Volunteer Mentors play an integral role in supporting the AYUDA volunteer team in volunteer recruitment and selection, as well as training and retention. Volunteer Mentors also collaborate with AYUDA local partners by participating in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the local diabetes projects. Volunteer Mentors must be available for the entire duration of the AYUDA Summer Programs, and commit to a year-long contract. They are expected to participate in a minimum of two consecutive in-country projects within the 12 month period of their role.
Volunteer Mentors in Training: Mentors-in-Training typically are in their second year of the program and are looking for an increased role within AYUDA, but have less experience. They will work with AYUDA staff and the Volunteer Mentors on training, project planning and implementation, but will take a lesser role in these activities.
Please read the current program descriptions and dates before starting your application.
If you haven't yet participated in-country that means you're a new volunteer (new applicants have a separate application process here)
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