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Q) How do your volunteer programs compare to those of the Peace Corps? A) Our volunteer program can be viewed as a short-term alternative to the Peace Corps. In fact, RWE was started by two Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who identified: 1. a great need of help for persons with disabilities in developing countries and 2. a great desire of Americans to volunteer overseas but because of commitments (financial, time, family, etc.) they are not able to dedicate the two years required by Peace Corps. Also, the Peace Corps is a United States government initiative, while Ready, Willing…Enable! is an independent organization and is not influenced by the government in any of our decisions. The benefit to our status as an independent organization is that our volunteer work is matched to the needs of the community, local people, and partner organizations with whom we work.
Q) In what countries do you operate? A) Ready, Willing…Enable! currently operates in only one country – the Commonwealth of Dominica, as well as Mexico. We help support a project in Paraguay with hopes of one day sending volunteers there as well.
Q) How do you ensure that a participant benefits from a short-term volunteer program? A) Ready, Willing…Enable!’s founders believe that the volunteer experience is truly realized when you are given the opportunity to learn about local culture and customs, as well as understand community development. RWE offers a balance of volunteer work, cultural and learning activities, and free time. This ensures that you are both learning about local culture and making a contribution within a relatively short period of time.
Q) What are the in-country accommodations? A) Clean, modest accommodations with shared occupancy rooms are the standard. Lodging arrangements always have basic amenities like linens and running water. As part of the Ready, Willing…Enable! program, local cooks prepare and serve daily meals and snacks based on the regional cuisine.
Q) Are there things we can bring with us to donate? A) By all means! We support many needy children and families. For an up-to-date list of the kinds of supplies and materials needed, please email us at info@rwenable.org
Q) I'm vegetarian. What kind of food will there be? A) All types of dietary restrictions can be accommodated for. We are happy to provide for these needs. Please let us know of any special needs in advance of your trip so that we cam make the necessary arrangements.
Q) Is the water safe to drink? A) To take extra precaution, RWE is providing safe bottled drinking water. Our staff will also inform you of health issues when eating and drinking outside of the RWE-provided meals.
Q) Can we go out for dinner? A) Ready, Willing…Enable! provides breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, participants are always free to independently explore local eating establishments. RWE staff are available to recommend wonderful, unique restaurants in the area.
Q) How safe is the Ready, Willing…Enable! Program? A) Safety is one of our top priorities. We have taken every precaution so that our participants remain safe. We inspect accommodations for safety, and inform local authorities that we are there so that they can keep a watchful eye out.
Q) Do I need to speak another language to volunteer? A) English is the official language of Dominica , though many of the locals also speak Kweyol. During RWE orientation, participants will have the chance to learn some basic Kweyol. You should not have much difficulty with interactions. In Mexico, many of our partner organization personnel speak English as well as Spanish. This allows volunteers with a variety of language skills to participate. Besides, a smile works in any language!
Q) Do I need any specific skills to volunteer abroad? A) No. Our placements are designed to accommodate all levels of skills and experience. We believe our volunteers should have three qualities: compassion, adventure, and flexibility.
Q) Is there an orientation before I leave for the program? A) Yes. We provide numerous services that assist the volunteer prior to departure. Participant handbooks are sent to all volunteers with valuable information about the country and project details. Once the volunteer receives it, our staff can answer all questions and provide any one-on-one guidance that is necessary. We also have an online discussion group in order to connect volunteers with one another before the trip.
Q) Will there be time to travel? A) Free time is available some afternoons, and most evenings. Excursions will be planned to local points on interest. If the planned excursions do not appeal to you, our staff can give you suggestions for places to visit, or you can create your own agenda. You may also choose to travel before or after the program (but this may affect the tax deductibility of your airfare).
Q) What types of projects are available? A) RWE firmly believes that whatever projects are implemented must come from the local organization that works there year-round. This helps to ensure that the project will be sustainable. With those thoughts in mind, volunteers should be prepared to help teach or assist in teaching: computer basics. cooking, sewing, woodworking, or another skill, along with some basic subjects. At times we will also engage in physical projects such as painting, landscaping, or building.
Q) How long can I volunteer? A) Our programs in Dominica are 9 days in length. They start on a Saturday and conclude the Sunday of the following weekend. Volunteers who wish to leave on the second Saturday may do so. Volunteers may also extend their trip. Please contact us for details.
Q) I have always wanted to volunteer in Africa. How will Dominica compare? A) You will find many of the things you see in Dominica will be how you may have imagined Africa. Most of Dominica’s population comes from African descent. Customs such as women carrying bundles on their heads, and lively music and dance, are just some of the things you may witness there. There are some advantages to being in Dominica. One, Dominica is far more politically stable than many African countries, making your visit much safer. Two, it doesn’t take near as long for you to get there! You don’t want to spend a good portion of your vacation on a plane do you? Third, Hello! You’ll be in the Caribbean! (or tell people the West Indies – it sounds more exotic that way).
Q) Can you tell me more about the community organization I will be volunteering with? A) Yes, please click on our Partner Organizations page.
Q) How much does it cost to volunteer abroad? A) For Dominica, the registration fee is $150. RWE then helps you fundraise the program fee which is a minimum of $800. For Mexico, the registration fee is $50. RWE then helps you fundraise the program fee which is a minimum of $300. For both programs, the more you are able to raise helps us provide even more educational opportunities for children with disabilities.
Q) What is included in the program fee? A) The program fee includes lodging, meals, ground transportation, language assistance, professional staff, informational documents, local phone calls, incoming international phone service, and local sight-seeing trips.
Q) Why do I have to pay to volunteer? A) All short-term international volunteer programs have a program fee which covers the expenses of operating the program. Below is an excerpt from a book on international volunteering that helps to explain the necessity of a fee.
from HOW TO LIVE YOUR DREAM OF VOLUNTEERING OVERSEAS Prospective volunteers are surprised to learn that many programs charge their volunteers a fee to participate. At first, this can seem ridiculous — Why should you pay money to work for free? Aren't you already forgoing income you could be making? Here are a few things to keep in mind while trying to understand why the vast majority of programs charge international volunteers a fee:
Ready, Willing…Enable! is an independent non-profit organization with no governmental or religious affiliations. Like all not-for-profit organizations that run international volunteer programs, RWE's programs are driven entirely by volunteer contributions.
Q) Is the program fee tax-deductible? A) The fee is tax-deductible for all U.S tax payers. All donors are issued a letter thanking them for their donations, as well as providing them with an acknowledgement for their tax records.
Q) How do I fundraise? A) Once you register and pay your registration fee, RWE sends you materials on the country you will be volunteering in, the projects you will be assisting with, and a guide to assist you with fundraising.
Q) How far in advance do I need to sign-up? A) We encourage you to enroll at least 2 months before the start date of the program. This will be to insure you enough time to fundraise the necessary money, as well as prepare for your working vacation. We will accept enrollments with less advance notice if there is space available and enough time to take care of the necessary arrangements. The program may close when it reaches maximum capacities, so we encourage you to register as early as possible.
Q) What is your age policy? A) The minimum age requirement for volunteers in our program is 18 years old. Youth 8 years of age and older may participate if a parent or guardian is also participating in the program.
Q) Can I go in a group with friends, colleagues, or relatives? A) Yes, you can go in a group as long as the program is not overbooked. You, along with others traveling with you, may even wish to fundraise together.
Q) Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be a Ready, Willing, Enable volunteer? A) Please call us to discuss with our staff. We will do our best to make the necessary arrangement.
Q) Do I need a visa in order to travel to a Ready, Willing, Enable program? A) For U.S. citizens, a U.S. Passport is required to visit Dominica. When you register, our information packet contains information on how to obtain a U.S. Passport. Special visas are not required.
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