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www.go-mad.org
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Logo Contest Winner |
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Go M.A.D. would like to congratulate Maria as the winner of our Logo Contest!
She has also done design work for Peace Boat, Pepy Ride and many other NGOs in Japan and around the world. You can find some of her work at
www.todesignto.com
Thank you MARIA!
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TIPS FOR GROUP VOLUNTEER TRIPS
First-time volunteers often seek opportunities to work as a group.
Members could be old friends, co-workers, students, or strangers
coming together with a common vision. Group Volunteering is a great
way to learn more about each other, expand on previous ideas and
skills and gain some new ones, and enjoy sharing the thrills and
challenges of volunteering as a team in exciting, often exotic places.
Thus far, Go M.A.D. has led 8 successful Group Volunteer trips to
projects in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and India. We will be
leading more, and are looking for Trip Coordinators . Step up and lead
our next trip or join a pre-organized one! We seek to make the most of
our volunteering abroad by 1) fundraising and promoting the project
before departure 2) organizing all accommodation, transportation, and
meal arrangements with project directors beforehand 3) designing an
activities plan for each day of volunteering. From teaching to cooking
to hiking to writing, there's plenty to do at Go M.A.D. projects!
Tips for those interested in joining or leading a Go M.A.D.'s group
volunteer trip abroad:
- The group needs to evaluate all members' availability, their
interests, and goals for a volunteer trip abroad. If a Go M.A.D.
project has already been chosen, then ask the following: what kinds of
activities do volunteers want to be engaged in? what talents and
experiences are they interested in sharing? Can you coordinate
fundraising events before departure?
- One person should take the role of Group Coordinator. This person will
receive all communications from the project director(s) on behalf of
the group, and will be responsible for communicating with all group
members by email/phone.
- The Coordinator will also try to ensure that everyone is comfortable
with the details of their travel itinerary, transportation, volunteer
activities, accommodation and costs before departure.
- You must give project directors sufficient lead time to organize your
volunteer activities, accommodation and transportation (if they've
offered) Please write/call them EARLY!
Once you have chosen a Go M.A.D. project, be sure to ask the project
director(s):
- the exact times/dates volunteers will need to be there ; the location
to go upon arrival
- costs - a sometimes tricky subject. Some projects have detailed their
cost expectations depending on the length of stay. Others don't expect
a certain amount, but of course a financial donation will help
strengthen the work they are doing. Go M.A.D. encourages ALL members
to fundraise locally before leaving. Trip Coordinators can also
suggest to their members a certain donation amount on top of the
project's expectation. Every last penny counts!
- about the availability and booking of accommodation
- if there are restaurants, stores, and internet cafes in the area
- if there are dietary restrictions at the project (if eating there)
- what tools and resources will be provided, and what the volunteers are
expected to bring themselves (should they organize a donation drive
before departure?)
- how volunteers should dress ; weather conditions ; other details of
the country
- other items to bring (ie. mosquito repellent/nets, hiking shoes, bed
sheets, medical kit)
While volunteering:
- the group should discuss all planned activities and times with the
project director(s) as soon as possible upon arrival. Take notes,
remind members often, and be on time.
- confirm responsibilities and commitments with organizers
- take pictures, video, and jot down journal entries as often as
possible
- don't wear yourselves down. If you notice a group member expressing
symptoms of fatigue, heat stroke, or sickness, tell them to go lie
down and/or see a doctor. Health is an important but often overlooked
factor of volunteering. Take care of each other!
- Have fun!
Afterwards:
- ask all group members to write about their experience. What did they
like / dislike? What did they learn? What do they wish they could have
done that they didn't get to do? What do they wish had been different?
What do they hope for the next time? Share these results with the
group, as well as with Go M.A.D. members. Everyone can learn from
others' experiences abroad. Please share!
- Consider making your very own Volunteer Profiles for the Go M.A.D.
site. Don't forget to include a pic of yourself or a scene from
volunteering.
Q's? Interested in joining a group or stepping up for Group Coordinator? Check the site often or drop a word to Rachel Allen at
gomadfunds@gmail.com
Hope to see you out&about making a difference soon!
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