Getting Started

Step-by-Step Guide

Steps for Chapter Leaders & WAVES Corps Volunteers

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1. Introduction to WAVES Corps Missions

Take a look at our WAVES Corps Info Pack for information on all missions.

Explore the rest of the WAVES for Development website to learn more about the organization, independent volunteer opportunities and the work we do. After reading about the work of each program, contact us about the area and destination that most interests you. To start a chapter of that program on your campus, contact us to get started. Your Corps Advisor will serve as your main contact as you start your chapter and prepare for your mission.

2. Official Chapter Recognition (University Campuses)

After establishing contact with your Corps Advisor, work with your university’s office of student affairs to register your WAVES Corps chapter on campus. Visit the <Chapter Creation> page for information and resources to assist in this process. Also, at this time, reach out to any existing WAVES Corps chapter on your campus to ensure open communication and collaboration between chapters.

3. Form Leadership Team

Invite dedicated friends and peers to apply for a position on your chapter’s leadership team. This team will help you plan the mission, recruit volunteers, fundraise, and prepare for your Corps project.  Refer to the <Leadership Team> section for more information.

4. Secure WAVES Corps Mission Week

WAVES works with university chapters to arrange trips at any time of the year. Work with your Corps Advisor to secure a mission week that will be posted on the WAVES Corps Calendar.

Steps 5-10 should include the participation of all WAVES Corps Volunteers

5. Mobilize Volunteers

Now that you have learned about the program and have set the dates for your first mission, spread the word about your chapter on campus and recruit volunteers to join! You will need to recruit at least 10 volunteers for WAVES Corps missions, but no more than 20. Work with your team to recruit more volunteers by posting flyers across campus, hosting info sessions, speaking in classes, etc. For more on mobilizing volunteers, visit the <Recruit> section.

6. Empowered.org Sign-Up & Contribution Deadlines

When you sign up for your chapter’s mission, you will need to join the Volunteer Activity for the mission on Empowered.org. As soon as you <sign up on Empowered> and join the Activity for your mission, 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 Corps Advisor. Review <Program Contributions>, <Contributions Schedule> and <Cancellation and Refund Policy>.

7. Fundraise

Connect with friends and family, and work with your entire WAVES Corps team to fundraise. Your Corps Advisor and the <Fundraise> section can provide you with the best practices for fundraising techniques, contribution deadlines, and other important information about fundraising for your mission.

8. Travel Prep

You must verify that you are eligible to travel on the mission by ensuring that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your mission begins and by fulfilling any visa requirement for Peru. Your should also review the safety information for Peru and visit a doctor to receive any desired vaccinations or medications before traveling. Further information about travel preparation can be found in the <Travel> section.

9. Book Travel

Once your have recruited volunteers for your mission, your Chapter Leader will work with your Corps Advisor to book plane tickets. You should become familiar with the information in the <Travel Policy> section to better understand the travel booking process.

10. Mission Preparation

Each WAVES Corps program requires a different level of preparation. Be sure to check your program’s <Mission Preparation> section as you begin organizing for your mission to ensure it’s success.