Volunteering
Volunteering is a term that is used particularly in the charitable sector.
A volunteer is a person who performs voluntary work for an organization at home or abroad.
World Doctors
Statute "The aim and purpose of the association is to create and promote an aid organization consisting mainly of South Tyrolean doctors, nursing staff, people working in the social sector and others in order to provide aid in areas of need and poverty in the Third World. The projects are mainly planned and implemented with partner organizations in the respective recipient country. The association relies primarily on the knowledge of South Tyrolean doctors who have experience in development cooperation and who are or have been active in developing countries, as well as on cooperation with local, national and international organizations."
The activities of the association are characterized by the absence of a profit motive, the missions are carried out by the members on a voluntary basis and without remuneration, exclusively out of solidarity and social awareness.
Prerequisite for volunteering
A volunteer assignment comes about if it is requested by the volunteer, the association and the local partner organization.
To organize an assignment efficiently, the association and partner organization must have a concrete need and define the area of activity in which the volunteer can apply his or her specialist knowledge and professional skills.
For logistical reasons (transport, accommodation, meals, etc.) and to avoid overlaps, the period of the foreign assignment must be precisely coordinated with the local partner organization.
For the association, the volunteer is an ambassador who brings back up-to-date information from the respective project, points out necessities and possible new project proposals and intensifies and improves cooperation with the partner organization.
Requirements
For statutory and structural reasons, World Doctors mainly places volunteers from the Trentino-Alto Adige region.
Training
In principle, only doctors and medical staff (nurses, midwives, etc.) with at least one and a half years of professional experience can take part in assignments. However, the Board of Directors may also send volunteers from other professional categories on assignments if necessary.
Language skills
A good knowledge of English is an absolute prerequisite for an assignment.
This not only enables communication within the projects, but is also essential when traveling or dealing with any concerns.
Social skills
Social and intercultural skills (empathy, ability to work in a team, independence, flexibility, patience, etc.) are a basic requirement for a successful assignment. The willingness to adapt to completely new realities and an understanding of other ways of living and working are required.
Duration of assignment
The duration of assignments depends on the project in question and is clarified on a case-by-case basis. However, in order for the volunteer's assignment to be of benefit to the respective project, a basic minimum assignment duration is specified.
Application
The volunteer must apply in written form, enclosing a detailed CV to the application and sending it directly to the association World Doctors. The documents are used to find out more about the volunteer's background, skills and motivation. This enables the volunteer to be assigned to a suitable project and to make the assignment positive and successful for both sides.
Requests for an assignment are submitted to the Executive Board and can also be rejected by the Board without giving reasons.
Travel and repatriation insurance
Volunteers must take out travel and repatriation insurance for their assignment. (White Cross or other). The expenses shall be borne by the volunteer.
Reimbursement of expenses
The entire project assignment is free of charge. Volunteers finance their work themselves.
Donations
Fundraising on behalf of the association World Doctors can only be made in consultation with the association. The volunteer or member discusses the use of the donation with the Board of Directors.
Contact person
World Doctors
Dr. Gabi Janssen Pizzecco
Managing Director
info(at)world-doctors.org