Volunteering with Changes for New Hope |
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Volunteer Skills Needed First, we would like to say that it takes a special kind of person to be a true volunteer. Secondly, we would like to say that our special kind of volunteer will have a high level of maturity and dedication to the project where we are working. We have common sense guidelines that are in place for the safety, courtesy and mutual respect of our volunteers and staff. 'Nuf said.
Ideally, volunteers will be proficient in Spanish, though not absolutely necessary. Lessons are available. A day in the life of a volunteer may include working with the children to teach different subjects, art projects, networking, fundraising, recreational activities with the children, grunt work such as being the day's "gopher'" (go for this, go for that) picking up supplies, and spending quality time visiting with families of the children. This is a general idea and by no means an exhaustive list. We want you to be a happy volunteer. Volunteer Placement Logistics Our volunteers may number from one to several based on our specific needs at the time of inquiry. A volunteer should be able to stay for at least 1 month, however shorter times can be considered. A flexibility will be needed to adapt to, what may be for you, a dramatic lifestyle change. Huaraz is in a 3rd world country. Water is boiled before you drink it, taxi cars are 10 years old, food in restaurants are quite different.
Having said that, a volunteer can expect an experience that will deeply move you. It is because the needs are so vast that everything and anything that you do with the children and the project makes an enormous impact. It is why Changes for New Hope was created. The volunteer fee which is used to keep our project going is only a one time $200. If you are ready and up to the task, contact us. Serious inquiries only please. You will add a dimension to your life you never thought was possible. The Question Reagarding Volunteer Fees.... Why should I have to pay a fee to volunteer with your project? This is an excellent question that every non-profit organization is asked and it deserves to be addressed properly. First, our experience has shown us that people place intrinsic value on what they pay for. Volunteers that come to us ready to put their compassion in action never seem to have an issue with contributing a nominal $200 for the betterment of the project that they came to help. Conversely, experience has shown us that volunteers who arrive insisting that they should contribute nothing, financially or materially, the quality and quanity of their time is a direct reflection as well. These observations seem to be a universally common occurence among every non-profit that we have communicated with. The second reason is equally as valid. While it isn't : All about the money: it isn't : At All about the money: either. Without the financial support of international sponsors and volunteer fees, how would a non-profit continue? We are opposed to excessive fees by any non-profit organization, particularly when they do not directly benefit the cause they purport to help. Keep in mind the key word here is : reasonable fees: Our $200, one time, volunteer fee is nominal as our volunteers have found, is used to continue our work here with the children and have effectively separated the 'wheat from the chaff ', so to speak. We trust that helps the potential volunteer to understand why volunteer fees are in place and that one can agree that it is necessary for the survival of any non-profit organization. Volunteer Application Form
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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, It is the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead           |
