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Volunteer Information
Packet
2014-2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
Global Brigades Overview
A.
Welcome
3
B.
Introduction
4
C.
What does GB do?
5
D.
Programs
6
University Chapters
A.
Join a Brigade
8
B.
Resources
10
C.
Contributions
13
D.
Start a Chapter
17
E.
Next Steps
18
WELCOME TO GLOBAL BRIGADES
Greetings volunteer,
Welcome to Global Brigades! We are thrilled that you are taking action and
volunteering your time to support the mission of Global Brigades. You are now
joining more than 6,000 annual volunteers from over 400 campuses across the
globe that systematically work together to deliver programs in rural
communities of Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. As a member of
Global Brigades, you commit to fulfilling the very significant role of a brigader a passionate volunteer mobilizing towards positive social change. What you’re
about to embark upon is nothing less than a journey. A journey of inspiration,
hard work, connection, commitment and more than anything – an international
experience like you’ve never had before. What you and your fellow volunteers
have in front of you is an opportunity to really change lives. The most important
step now is the first step – to get involved and to make a difference.
Every individual’s participation is crucial to the progress of every program and
every project in the rural communities of Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua and
Panama. In order to be fully prepared for the experience you are about to
embark upon, please take time to carefully read through this Volunteer
Information Packet. Included in this packet is information regarding the GB
Programs and various resources available to volunteers.
As you are preparing for the brigade, it is very important that you are in touch
with the Chapter Leader of the brigade. All of the information enclosed in this
packet can also be accessed from our website: www.globalbrigades.org.
Our team and the communities of Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama
are looking forward to your arrival.
Sincerely,
Christie George
Director of Student Affairs
[email protected]
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
Global Brigades is the world’s largest student-led global health and
sustainable development organization. Since 2004, Global Brigades has
mobilized thousands of university students and professionals through nine skillbased service programs to improve quality of life in under resourced
communities.
Brigades Def’n. Groups of passionate volunteers who mobilize toward positive
social change.
Mission
To empower volunteers to facilitate sustainable solutions in under
resourced communities while fostering local cultures.
Vision
To improve equality of life, by igniting the largest student-led social
responsibility movement on the planet
Global Brigades works with rural communities in Ghana, Honduras,
Nicaragua and Panama to address the major health and development
needs in the region through a holistic and sustainable approach.
Since 2004, 19,000 volunteers worked along-side 450,000 community
members in Central America and Africa.
WHAT DOES GLOBAL BRIGADES DO?
Global Brigades implements nine health and development programs, making
up a holistic service model for under resourced communities.
The current focus is in rural areas of Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua and
Panama.
GHANA HONDURAS NICARAGUA PANAMA
Why ten programs? Each program has been developed to address the health,
socioeconomic, legal and environmental needs identified by community members
in the region of focus. Each program is implemented through brigades and
followed-up by in-country team members working with community leaders.
Architecture Business Dental Environmental Engineering Human
Rights Medical Microfinance Public Health Water
What is a brigade? A brigade is a group of passionate volunteers who mobilize
abroad to foster positive social change. Every brigade is led by volunteers and
organized by the prospective university chapter from the US, Canada, UK, Ireland,
Germany and Switzerland. During the brigade, the group of volunteers work
alongside community members to achieve the objectives of the specific program.
How is it sustainable? Each program is supported by volunteers who fundraise
for the brigade programs, which covers the logistical costs of the brigade, the
specific project costs, and the resources to perpetuate the programs between
brigades through in-country team members. Through our in-country teams, and a
continuous cycle of brigades throughout the year, communities receive consistent
medical care, entire water systems, latrines/eco-stoves/cement floors, sustainable
agricultural projects, and access to financial resources such as loans and the
creation of bank accounts through the creation of community banks.
Other countries? Global Brigades currently does not run brigades in other
countries, however, team members continually assess opportunities based on the
growth of chapters and volunteers and the sustainability of the programs in the
current countries. To learn more about how these countries were chosen and the
long term vision, please read further on our website, www.globalbrigades.org.
PROGRAMS
ARCHITECTURE
MISSION: We work to improve in-home infrastructure and economic production in
Global Brigades’ communities by designing and constructing small scale or in-home
projects such as chicken coops, roofs, and additional rooms that will enhance
community members’ health, their quality-of-life and income.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Since 2013, for every 8 volunteers, 1 family has
a safer and more functional home.
BUSINESS
MISSION: We empower rural communities in Panama and Honduras, without access
to financial services and business guidance, to become more economically stable by
providing micro-enterprise consulting, financial planning assistance and strategic
investment.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? For every 1 volunteer, $100 is loaned to a
micro-enterprise. For every 5 volunteers, 2 community members will receive business
consulting.
DENTAL
MISSION: We provide immediate, restorative, and preventative dental services in
rural communities without access to oral care otherwise. Our current focus is in
Ghana, Honduras and Panama.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Since 2009, for every 1 volunteer, 62 teeth
were extracted by licensed dentists in remote villages without access to dental care
otherwise.
ENVIRONMENTAL
MISSION: We empower rural communities in Panama to reverse degradation and
preserve their environment through reforestation, sustainable agriculture, waste
management, and education programs.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? In 2011, for every 1 volunteer, 100 trees are
planted, which equates to 4,000 pounds of CO2 being offset per hectare per year.
ENGINEERING
MISSION: Engineering Brigades volunteers work with local engineers, technicians and community
members to assess water problems, select feasible solutions, map and survey community land, plan
and design water projects, and provide technical follow-up on completed systems
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? The first Engineering Brigade surveyed and designed
10647 meters of pipeline, performed assessments of the current water crisis and analyzed the water
in rural communities.
PROGRAMS
HUMAN RIGHTS
MISSION: We empower rural communities in Panama with limited to no access to
legal resources with the professional guidance and education to resolve their civil and
property disputes.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? For every 1 volunteer, 1 community member
has access to legal justice. For every 4 volunteers, 1 family secures their property of
land.
MEDICAL
MISSION:. We work with licensed medical professionals and community health
workers to provide comprehensive health services in rural communities with
limited access to health care. Our current focus is in Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua and
Panama.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? In 2011, for every 1 volunteer, 60 patients
were seen by licensed doctors in communities that may not have had access to health
care otherwise.
MICROFINANCE
MISSION: We provide rural community members in Honduras, Panama and Ghana a
community banking system, with access to loans, financial literacy programs, and
education to increase production and foster a culture of savings and growth.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? In 2010/2011, for every 1 volunteer, 1.4 bank
accounts were established and 1 microloan was given.
PUBLIC HEALTH
MISSION: We empower rural Honduran and Panamanian communities to prevent
common illnesses through in-home infrastructural development, community leader
training, and health education.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? For every 1 volunteer, 1 water storage pila can
be built. For every 15 volunteers, 2 families can benefit from all five health
infrastructure projects.
WATER
MISSION: We empower communities to access sufficient clean water through
infrastructural development, water treatment, community leader training, and
education.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? For ever 1 volunteer, 3.9 community members
are given direct access to clean and sufficient water.
JOIN A BRIGADE
PARTICIPATING IN A BRIGADE
Volunteers can participate in any of the nine international brigade programs by joining an
existing chapter or founding a new chapter at their university
As a brigade participant you commit to the following:
●
Joining at least a 7 day long brigade in Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Every
brigade advances the project being implemented in the community.
●
Following the 12 steps outlined on the next page to prepare for a brigade.
●
Fundraising to support the sustainability of the program (details on page 13).
●
Attending regular chapter meetings to learn about the project, the culture and history of
the country and to prepare for the brigade and educational workshops
Upon arriving in-country, volunteers will be accompanied by in-country team members and
spend the week working on a skill-based project for one of Global Brigades’ nine programs.
Whether it is constructing a school with Architecture Brigades, providing health care with
Medical Brigades, building a water system with Water Brigades, or using their talents on any
other brigade, students can make a real & sustainable difference by volunteering.
RESOURCES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
Student leaders and volunteers have four main resources to support and guide
them throughout the process of starting a chapter and preparing to volunteer
abroad.
1. Global Brigades Advising Team – Resource for Chapter Leaders
2. Volunteer Resource Site – Resource for all volunteers
3. Empowered.org – Fundraising platform
4. Global Brigades social media sites – Connect with GB and volunteers
JOIN A BRIGADE
STEPS TO PREPARING FOR A BRIGADE
1.
Introduction to Global Brigades! Visit our main website at www.globalbrigades.org to learn more
about the organization as well as the work that each of our programs do. Once you have chosen a
program, join the chapter on your campus or contact a GB Program Advisor to start a chapter or
join one nearby.
2.
Go to the Volunteer Resource Site to start learning about the brigade and review all of the
information you need to know prior to the brigade.
3.
Secure a brigade week: Global Brigades works with university chapters to make brigades happen
at any time of year. The Chapter President works with the GB Program Advisor to secure a brigade
week.
4.
Mobilize volunteers: Spread the word about your chapter on campus and recruit volunteers to
join! For more on mobilizing volunteers, visit the Recruit section.
5.
Empowered.org Sign-up & Contributions: When you sign up for your chapter's brigade, you will
need to join the Volunteer Activity for the brigade on Empowered.org. Then you can post your
$250 pledge and begin fundraising for the rest of your program contributions and airfare by
following the payment deadlines established by the Chapter President and Program Advisor.
Before fundraising, review the Program Contributions, Contributions Schedule and Cancellation
and Refund Policy.
6.
Fundraise: Connect with friends and family, and work with your entire brigade team to fundraise.
Your Program Advisor and the Fundraising section can provide you with best practices for
fundraising techniques, contribution deadlines, and other important information about fundraising
for your brigade.
7.
Travel Prep! You must verify that you are eligible to travel on the brigade by ensuring that your
passport is valid for at least 6 months after your brigade begins and by fulfilling any visa
requirements for your destination country. You should also review the safety information for your
destination country and visit a doctor to receive any desired vaccinations or medications before
traveling.
8.
Book Travel: Once you have recruited volunteers for your brigade, your Chapter Leader will work
with your Program Advisor to book plane tickets. You should become familiar with the information
in the Travel Policy section to better understand the travel booking process.
9.
Brigade! Each brigade program requires a different level of preparation. Be sure to check out your
program's Brigade Planning section as you begin organizing for your brigade to ensure that your
brigade is a success.
RESOURCES
CHAPTER ADVISORS
The Global Brigades Advising Team is made up of recent graduates who have been
involved with brigades or have had experience with student leadership and
development work. The team lives and works in Nicaragua to serve as a liaison
between students on campus and staff in in Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua and
Panama. The advisors work full-time and remain in constant contact with students
and faculty members throughout the year. In addition, to guiding and sharing
resources with the Chapter President/Brigade Leader, the Chapter Advisor is
responsible for working with the leadership team to book travel. Lastly, the Chapter
Advisor will be sending a Pre-departure Packet 40 days prior to the brigade.
What should you contact the advisor for?
Chapter Advisors are an excellent resource for information regarding chapter
activation, brigade preparation and planning, supply organization, and the history of
Global Brigades. Though advisors are available to everyone, volunteers should reach
out to their Chapter President/Brigade Leader first.
RESOURCES
VOLUNTEER RESOURCE SITE
The Volunteer Resource Site (globalbrigades.org/volunteer-tools-home) provides a
Step-by-Step guide on how to start a sustainable chapter and prepare for a successful
brigade. Please go to the Volunteer Resource Site to find information regarding the
programs, past projects, program contributions, fundraising, recruitment, safety ,
policies and travel. All of the information you need for your brigade can be found on
this site and if you can’t find what you are looking for please contact the Chapter
President/Brigade Leader or the Chapter Advisor.
EMPOWERED.ORG
Empowered.org was created in order to provide an online presence for each Brigade
group to mobilize volunteers, fundraise, and to share their experience with others.
Every Chapter will have its own customizable page. Volunteers create profiles and
join the Chapter’s page to fundraise for the Brigade. Empowered.org makes it easy
for people to support our cause because it allows students to fundraise online while
sharing pictures and stories. Donations and funds raised through Empowered.org are
tax-deductible, and when a donor completes their donation online, they will
automatically receive a tax receipt. Use the guidelines on the Volunteer Resource Site
to set up your account. The platform is open to any organization, not just GB.
Contact empowered.org at [email protected]
SOCIAL MEDIA SITES
Global Brigades has a strong social media presence that will allow you to get daily
program updates, read interesting articles about our work, see photos from your
brigades and other GB projects, and watch videos and other interactive media about
sustainable development issues and the communities we work in. We also want to
hear directly from you! Use our social media platforms to share your own
perspectives, blog posts, Facebook updates, and upload pictures and videos about
your experiences empowering communities.
Our sites include:
Find us on Facebook
Where: www.facebook.com/GlobalBrigades
Why: See tagged photos from your brigades, stay connected with the friends you
meet on your trip, get daily updates about GB programs, and learn about job,
internship, and special contest opportunities.
RESOURCES
SOCIAL MEDIA SITES CONTINUED
Read our Blog
Where: www.globalbrigades.org/blog
Why: Get weekly updates about the successes and outcomes of your brigade
projects, learn about and comment on sustainable development issues, and read
monthly student profiles.
Sign up for our Newsletter
Where: globalbrigades.org/blog/?page_id=1693
Why: Read monthly in-depth updates about major Global Brigades initiatives, new
partnerships, and community profiles.
Follow us on Twitter
Where: twitter.com/GlobalBrigades
Why: Get GB updates sent straight to your cell phone – a quick and easy way to stay
on top of all the latest developments.
Add your photos to SmugMug
Where: globalbrigades.smugmug.com
Why: Share your photos on this photo-archiving site with tons of great pictures from
past Brigades! Instructions: globalbrigades.org/blog/?p=2805
Watch our videos on Vimeo
Where: vimeo.com/user4543852
Why: Our Vimeo site is a great place to check out Program videos, learn more about
our work, and use our videos in information sessions!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Where: youtube.com/user/BrigadeVideos
Why: Watch short videos about the communities we work with, hear firsthand
accounts from our beneficiaries, and watch interviews with volunteers and GB staff.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Global Brigades is a registered charity in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and
Ireland. Donations from those countries to those entities are eligible for tax deductions.
When donors complete a donation online, they will automatically receive a tax receipt. The
receipt will be emailed to the address donors submit when they donate. Global Brigades is
in the process of incorporating in Canada, Germany and Switzerland.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION
The Total Contribution is the contribution to sustain a brigade. The Total Contribution
consists of the Program Contribution and Airfare Contribution. Please view the Booking
Travel Section for more details on airfare. All money is received by the relevant GB entity
and unrestricted to use at their discretion to perpetuate the mission of the organization.
Total Contribution = Airfare Contribution + Program Contribution
PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS
Every volunteer plays a critical role in the systematic sustainable work of Global Brigades.
The funds you raise towards your Program Contribution not only help fund the projects
during the brigades, but the continuation & follow-up work being implemented throughout
the year, as well as all GB’s supplemental programs. All donations to Global Brigades are
used to perpetuate the mission of implementing sustainable and holistic development work
by supporting the operation of existing programs and allocating resources directly to the
community projects.
Country
Ghana
Honduras
Nicaragua
Panama
Brigade
length
10 day
7 day
9 day
7 day
U.S.A.
USD $880
USD $750
USD $930
USD $790,
$820 Med
Canada
CAD 880
CAD 750
CAD 930
CAD 790
Brigade
length
10 day
10 day
10 day
UK
£550
£650
£680
Europe
€650
€750
€780
**More detailed information about longer brigade options can be found at
globalbrigades.org/volunteer-tools-home
CONTRIBUTIONS
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
All volunteers are asked to adhere to a Program Contribution schedule set by their
Chapter Presidents to support their international project. All contributions generated
by individual volunteers are on behalf of their entire group and programs.
90 days prior to Brigade
Initial Pledge: US - $250, Canada - 250 CAD, UK - £150, Europe - €200
Contributed when participant has committed to brigade four months before the
brigade. The initial pledge is non-refundable for all participants as it is immediately
sent from the charity to the entities in Ghana, Honduras, Panama or Nicaragua to
support project preparation in the community and its perpetuation. The date is set
by the Advisor and Chapter president.
60 days before brigade departure date
Second Contribution: US - Airfare cost or $800 for C.A. Brigades and $1800 for Ghana.
Canada - 750 CAD(Total 1000 CAD),
UK - £550 (Total £700),
Europe - €400 (Total €600 and Honduras/Panama Total €1300)
* More details can be found on the volunteer resource site
The second contribution should be on the volunteer’s fundraising account 60 days
before departure. The contribution amount will be allocated towards the program
contribution and airfare.
14 days before brigade departure date
Last Contribution: Total Program Contribution and Airfare Contribution
The last contribution is equal to the remaining amount of the total Program
Contribution and Airfare Contribution and should be on the volunteer’s fundraising
account 14 days before departure.
CONTRIBUTIONS
HOW DOES GB SPEND THE PROGRAM
CONTRIBUTION
Brigade logistics
Includes all food, water, lodging, security, transportation, translators, and all staff
involved in logistics.
Program specific contributions
Community Investment Fund (CIF) is the direct investment into the project during the
brigade week and varies based on each program. Speak with your chapter leader or
program advisor for more details about your program’s CIF.
Contributions to community programs, education, and student leadership
Contributions are distributed to in-country and student programs. In-country
community programs include Patient Referral System, Community Health Workers
Program. Contributions support education initiatives at Sociedad Amigos de los Niños
and Flor Azul. The student programs contributions are allocated to the Student
Leadership Conference and President & Chairperson Scholarships.
Program sustainability and perpetuation
This includes the funds for all in-country operations involved in preparation before
and after brigades. These funds ensure the continuity of work when volunteers are
not in country. This includes items such as cost of training/maintaining student
advisors, program developers , investments in transportation, and maintenance for
the compounds where students stay during brigades.
Insurance
Every brigade volunteer is covered by Core Travel Insurance. The details of the policy
can be found under the Insurance portion of this packet.
CONTRIBUTIONS
NOT INCLUDED
IN PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS
Airfare Contribution
All Global Brigade chapters are strongly encouraged to book travel through Global
Brigades in-house travel agency, Empowered Travel. A group booking ensures that no
volunteer is denied boarding at the airport, that all volunteers travel together and are
seated together when possible, and that donations raised towards airfare are tax
deductible. To initiate travel booking, chapter presidents should contact their
Program Advisor.
*For the Travel Booking Process for UK and Europe groups, speak with your Advisor.
Exit & Entrance Fees
Honduras requires a $37.40 exit fee when leaving the country and is frequently
subject to change. Nicaragua requires a $10 entrance fee upon arrival to the country.
Entrance and exit fees are included in the airfare for Ghana and Panama.
Visas
Volunteers that are non-US citizens may have to get a visa in order to enter
Honduras, Nicaragua, or Panama. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact a local
embassy or consulate to find out what type of visa is needed and to start the visa
application process. For Ghana, all nationalities are required to apply for a visa. The
visa application process depends on country of residence. Instructions on applying for
a Ghanaian visa from the US can be found at www.ghanavisahouston.com and on the
Student Resource Site under Travel Policies. For more info visit www.visahq.com or
www.cibt.com More info can be found at www.visahq.com or www.cibt.com
Vaccinations
It is each volunteer’s responsibility to obtain the necessary vaccinations and refer to
family or travel doctor and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.
cdc.gov) for information on the latest vaccination recommendations and
requirements. All volunteers traveling to Ghana are required to have proof of yellow
fever vaccination (yellow card). In order to work on medical/dental programs, proof
of vaccinations is required.
Spending Money
Volunteers are encouraged to bring an extra $100-200 for souvenirs and any
additional food and beverages outside of included meals. In Honduras you will have
the option to purchase GB merchandise supporting university scholarships for young
women in Honduras.
START A CHAPTER
BEING THE CHANGE! MAKE IT HAPPEN
If you are interested in a specific Global Brigades program that does not exist on your
school’s campus, you can start a chapter at any undergraduate or graduate university
in countries where a Global Brigades entity has been established. Currently, these
countries include USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Switzerland and Germany.
The first step in starting a Global Brigades chapter on your university campus is to
contact the Program Advisor of a specific brigade program; see the contact
information page at the end of this packet. The Program Advisor for the program of
choice will serve as your primary contact as you establish the Global Brigades chapter
on campus and throughout the brigade planning process.
As a Chapter Leader, your university chapter makes a commitment to go on at least
one brigade a year in conjunction with Global Brigades’ approved partners in
Honduras, Panama, or Ghana. Every Global Brigades program implements
community-driven projects, which are accomplished through student-led, week-long
brigades prepared and organized by these university and college chapters. Global
Brigades’ in-country staff prepares and maintains the work of brigades by following a
structured community and project selection process, fostering strong community
relationships and administering training for community leaders.
If you are interested in starting a new Global Brigades Chapter on your campus,
contact [email protected] to be paired with your region’s Chapter Advisor.
NEXT STEPS…
Now that you have basic information about your upcoming
brigade, please make sure to go to the Volunteer Resource Site
at brigaders.wikidot.com for more important details! Also be
sure to attending weekly meetings and go through the needed
steps to properly prepare.
We look forward to seeing you in Ghana, Honduras, Nicaragua
or Panama!
“Somewhere on this planet,
someone has a solution to each
of the world's problems.
It might be one of us.
With your help, we can build a
more hopeful world.”
Marianne Larned
“In every community, there
is work to be done. In
every nation, there are
wounds to heal. In every
heart, there is the power
to do it.” Marianne
Williamson
.
.
.
.
.
ARCHITECTURE BUSINESS DENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL.ENGINEERING.HUMAN RIGHTS MEDICAL MICROFINANCE
.
PUBLIC HEALTH WATER
www.globalbrigades.org
.