1. Eligibility

Volunteers may be selected from all social and economic groups without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, religion, and political affiliation or physical/mental disability.
The volunteers must submit a consent letter from the agency or supervisor in their home country or university who has agreed to support their fieldwork to AAROH.

2. Recruitment

Recruitment for volunteers will be coordinated through the Volunteer coordinator in a thoughtful, planned manner suiting community and local needs.

3. Application Requirement

When an individual expresses interest in volunteering for AAROH, the volunteer applicant should complete an application form available at http://aarohnepal.org/aaroh- volunteer/aaroh-volunteer-form.php

For groups of volunteers, obtain a group leader contact name, address, telephone number and any other relevant information that will help in assigning work.

4. Orientation and Training

In order to develop an effective, beneficial, and successful Volunteer Program, preparing volunteers for the kinds of duties and responsibilities they will be asked to assume is critical. Volunteer Coordinators or placement supervisors will provide an orientation and training for all volunteers prior to placing them in field. Orientation and training is a requirement for all volunteers and can be conducted on an individual basis, with small groups, or included with staff.

5. Signed Agreements, TOR or volunteer form

All volunteers must sign a prepared statement agreeing to follow all policies and requirements related to the volunteer assignment including those related to security, confidentiality of records, and other privileged information.

6. Reports to be completed

Volunteer Coordinator will compile a report of volunteers/interns, hours worked.

7. Liability and Risk Management

8. Volunteers workplace policies

A. CONFIDENTIALITY: All information volunteers have access to relating to specific clients, members, patients or cases, including but not limited to the identities of clients, members, patients, recipients or applicants for assistance, amounts and types of payments and services, and social background information pertaining to specific individuals or families, is to be held in the strictest confidence and may not be used or released for any purpose. The volunteer coordinator of the facility or your supervisor will go over confidentiality regulations specific to their facility.

B. DRUG FREE WORK PLACE POLICY: It is the policy of AAROH that unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance in the work place is prohibited.

C. HARASSMENT: For the purpose of this policy, “work place harassment” shall be defined as sexual harassment or any inflammatory comments, jokes, printed material and/or innuendo based, in whole or in part, on race, color, religion, age, sex, disability or national origin. Any form of work place harassment or discrimination is contrary to this Policy and shall be regarded as discrimination. It shall be considered a violation of this Policy for any volunteer to engage in work place harassment of any employee or recipient. The aggrieved person shall immediately report to the supervisor or chain of command.

D. INTERNET & COMPUTER USAGE:All Internet access and use must be limited to actions.Volunteers are authorized to work with computer systems on an inquiry-only basis.

E. NO SMOKING POLICY: Smoking is not permitted within the school premise except in designated areas.

F. VOLUNTEER/INTERN DRESS: Baggy pants or calf-length skirts with a loose top are appropriate for women. Men should wear a shirt at all times. Men’s knee-length hiking shorts are fine. Nudity is particularly offensive. Whether bathing in a stream or at a village tap, men should wear shorts or underwear; women can wrap in a loongi (sarong) and douse themselves as the village women do. Only sport a swimsuit if well secluded from village eyes. Public affection is likewise frowned upon.

G. TAKING PHOTOS: Most Nepalese don’t mind being photographed, but some do. Ask first, especially if photographing ceremonies or older people. Try instead to establish a friendly rapport with a few words or gestures. Be respectful when photographing people. Always ask first and accept when the answer is “no”. Never offer money.

H. GREEN VOLUNTEERING

You can also help out by following these guidelines:

Litter Free: Carry all your trash (including toilet paper, unless you thoroughly burn it on the spot) to your campsite. Ask the supervisor to designate separate places for biodegradable and others (i.e., bottles, tins, plastics, foil, batteries etc.) which should be packed out to Kathmandu or the next refuse pit

Lady Details: Sanitary napkins and tampons should be wrapped well and packed out. Take batteries back to your Kathmandu for safe disposal.

Toilet Sites: In the village toilets are hard to find so be discreet and keep away from holy sites. Otherwise, pick a spot away from water and religious sites. Bury all excreta.

Biodegradable Washing: When bathing or washing clothes near streams, use biodegradable soaps and a pan for rinsing. Toss soapy water away from the stream.

Do Not Disturb: Make sketches or take photos rather than collect flower, plants and seeds. Take care while walking through farmland and always stay to the uphill side of livestock on trails side culture and your impact lingers long after you return home.

I. UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL BELIEFS

There is a strong animistic and shamanic tradition. Belief in ghosts, spirits, and witchcraft is widespread, especially in rural areas. Never travel alone at night. Religious sites can be as obscure as a pile of rocks, or faded cloth hung from tree branches.

Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men the traditional palms together “Namaste” greeting is preferable.

Don’t eat beef among Hindus.

 

J. SAFETY CAUTIONS

Security: Watch your gear carefully. Don’t be showy with expensive items, and always lock your baggage.

Eating and Drinking: Never eat unpeeled fruit or vegetables unless you know they’ve been adequately soaked in solution. Drink only after water is boiled or iodized. Always wash your hands before eating.

Try not to complain about facilities or the service. The campsites, toilets and food may well be basic. But remember that you are in a remote village area where everything needs to be carried in. Above all, remember that you are representative of an outside culture and your impact lingers long after you return home.