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Volunteer downloads

Start your volunteer experience today by downloading the WAVES Info Pack.

If you are ready to submit your application then get started with our online application form.

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Testimonials

  • As I left Lobitos this time, it was with a quiet but irrepressible sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that Henry will continue to fuel this creative cycle, amplifying and sharing the story of his town and WAVES—the organization that has brought so many good people there to teach and to learn. - Forest Woodward -
  • "I walk away with from this feeling like so much has happened, so much was achieved and there are so many stories to tell and a lot of great experiences to share" - Raffael Schmidt
  • "I just want to thanks all the WAVES staff for the 2 weeks that I spent in this very special place that I will visit again and again, for sure." - Caio
  • This is a great stop-off for people spending an extended time in South America. - Marieke
  • It's a great atmosphere for teamwork and cooperation. - Jeremy Koons

The Timeline

1. Introduction to WAVES for Development

After reading about the work of the organization, select which of the WAVES Corps programs that interests you most. To start a WAVES Corps on your campus, contact us to get started.

2. Official Chapter Recognition – 1st month of semester

After establishing contact with WAVES, work with your university’s Student Affairs Office to register your WAVES Corps chapter on campus.  Read the Chapter Creation document for information and resources to assist in this process. Also at this time, reach out to any existing WAVES Corps chapters on your campus to ensure open communication and collaboration between your chapters.

3. Form Leadership Team – 1st month of semester or earlier

Invite dedicated friends and peers to apply for a position on your chapter’s leadership team. This team will help you organize the Corps, recruit volunteers, fund raise, and prepare for your WAVES Corps project. See the leadership team document for responsibilities.

4. Secure Travel Dates – 1st month of semester or earlier

WAVES for Development works with WAVES Corps chapters to make trips happen any time of year. Work with us to secure a week that will be posted on the WAVES for Development Calendar.

Steps 5-10 should include the participation of all Corps volunteers.

5. Mobilize Volunteers – 1st six weeks of semester

Now that you have learned about the program and have set the dates for your first trip, spread the word about your chapter on campus and recruit volunteers to join! You will need to recruit eight to 12 volunteers for all programs. Work with your team to recruit more volunteers by posting flyers across campus, hosting info sessions, speaking in classes, etc. Coordinate with your WAVES Corps Coordinator to build a plan.

6. Empowered.org Sign-Up & Contribution Deadlines: within three weeks of recruiting WAVES Corps volunteers

When you sign up for your chapter’s trip, you will need to join the Volunteer Activity for the WAVES Corps on Empowered.org. Once you sign up on Empowered.org and join the Activity for your Corps, 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 WAVES Corps Coordinator. The estimated cost is $1075 for one week and $1,375 for two weeks not including airfare.

Here is a sample funding timeline:

Funding Timeline


Obviously you may need to compress this timeline based on the timing of your trip. Making your trip work tends to be about effective fundraising and strong utilization of the Empowered platform. Make this a priority!

7. Fundraising: Ongoing once Empowered site is live

Connect with friends and family, and work with your entire chapter team to fundraise. Your WAVES Corps Coordinator can provide you with best practices for fundraising techniques, contribution deadlines, and other important information about fundraising for your trip.  WAVES is also willing to help coordinate group fundraisers (e.g. movie screenings) to build the awareness of your trip and reach your fundraising goals.

8. Travel Prep: three months prior to travel

You must verify that you are eligible to travel on the trip by ensuring that your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip begins and by fulfilling any visa requirements for your destination country. You should also review the safety information for Peru and visit a doctor to receive any desired vaccinations or medications before traveling.

9. Book Travel: three months prior to travel

Once you have recruited volunteers for your Corps, your Corps Leader will work with your Corps Coordinator to book plane tickets.

10. Trip Preparation: one to two months prior to travel

Each program requires a different level of preparation. Each Corps will be given a chance to review a complete itinerary before their trip.

11. Get on a plane and head for Peru

Timeline

 

Step by step chart

Stetp by Step chart key