Chapter Creation

National and Chapter Relationship

WAVES Corps university chapters are separate groups that affiliate with WAVES for Development. There is a distinction between WAVES’s 501(c) 3 status and that of WAVES Corps university chapters. Corps are led by student volunteers who are WAVES members and who adhere to WAVES’s mission and vision by closely following the guidelines and regulations of WAVES. WAVES provides the guidance and support to empower students who volunteer in direct service. There is consistent mutual dialogue and learning between WAVES Corps student members and WAVES For Development.

Chapter Formation Process

WAVES recommends that students follow a step-by-step approach to founding a chapter, recruiting members, and planning for projects. Although it is important to always understand your overall objective, each step should be completed before advancing in the process.

Benefits of Leading a Chapter

• WAVES Corps leadership provides personal and professional benefits to each person who becomes a part of WAVES.
• Develops leadership skills
• Offers an opportunity to utilize academic skills in a real-world experience
• Helps create a national network of like-minded individuals working in the nonprofit and private sectors
• Provides opportunity to improve entrepreneurial skills
• Allows student to make a real difference in the world by creating positive social, economic, and environmental change

Step by Step Process

1. Introduction to WAVES for Development

Visit our main website at http://www.wavesfordevelopment.org to learn more about the organization and the work we do. After reading about the work of the organization, select which of the three WAVES Corps programs that interests you most. To start a WAVES Corps on your campus, contact us at info@wavesfordevelopment.org to be assigned a WAVES Corps Advisor.

2. Official Chapter Recognition – 1^st month of semester

After establishing contact with your Corps Advisor, work with your university’s office of student development 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 – 1^st 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 plan the Corps, recruit volunteers, fundraise, and prepare for your WAVES Corps project. See the leadership team document for responsibilities.

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

WAVES for Development works with WAVES Corps chapters to make trips happen at any time of year. Work with your Corps Advisor 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 – 1^st 6 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 8 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 Advisor to build a plan.

 6. Empowered.org Sign-Up & Contribution Deadlines – within 3 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.  Your Corps Advisor will help you with this.

As soon as 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..

A sample funding timeline looks like this:

4 weeks after group formation: $250 non refundable deposit

4 months before trip: 33% of trip cost

3 months before trip: airline tickets

2 months before trip: 33% of trip cost

1 month before trip: 34% of trip cost.

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. Fundraise – Ongoing once Empowered site is live

Connect with friends and family, and work with your entire chapter team to fundraise. Your WAVES Corps Advisor 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 – 3 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 6 months after your trip 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.

9. Book Travel – 3 months prior to travel

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

10. Trip Preparation – 1 to 2 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.