The VWB Initiative
Volunteer & Voluntourist Handbook.
A. Who can or should volunteer.
Introduction.
Who is eligible to join a voluntourist or volunteer programme.
Who should volunteer.
Volunteers & voluntourists with special skills.
The individual wanting to do something on his or her own.
Families.
Those on career breaks, or post career vacation.
GAP year students.
School groups.
University groups.
Small group tours.
Scouts - or similar youth prganisations.
Corporate clients – (team building & CSR Programmes).
Internships with Track of the Tiger or VWB.
Virtual volunteers – and their role.

B. All about joining this particular project.
What is the VWB Initiative all about.
The pilot project – volunteer base – Pang Soong Lodge, Outdoor Education and Research Centre.
The programme options.
The programme costs.
Application and selection.
Voluntourists.
Volunteers.
Recommended reading.
VWB Project policies for volunteers/voluntourists.
Conduct and expectations.

C. The details of the work you’ll be involved in.
Tasks volunteers / voluntourists undertake or assist with when on a VWB Initiative programme.
Full task list – environmental and developmental.
Ecotourism related.
Education related.
Corporate team building related.
Adventure racing related.
Biodiversity improvement related.
Scientific study and research related.
English language teaching.
Community forest guiding.
Community centre development.
Computer training.
Provision of hydro-electric solutions.
Small construction task related work

D. A close look at voluntourism & volunteering.
Using a placement or booking direct
The VWB policy on placement agencies.
Paying to volunteer or taking an organized voluntourist programme
A simple check to determine where the money is being spent.
Ethical volunteering / voluntourism.
Some interesting questions – points for debate.
Q1. How do I know if the host community will really benefit from my volunteering?
Q2. Am I actually doing more good by volunteering than by just donating money?
Q3. If I only have a short time will I be able to make a difference?

E. Ensuring you come prepared.
Preparation
Useful documents to bring with you on a volunteer programme.
Insurance issues.
Clothing list.
Health and safety.
Personal medical kit.
Medicines.
Equipment.
Malaria.
Security.
Money
Communications.

F. Raising the funds to attend a programme.
Fundraising.
Potential sponsors
Corporate entities.
Community support groups.
Individuals.
Governments, foundations an educational institutions.
Securing sponsorship funding.
An example benefits package for a corporate sponsor.
How we can help your fundraising effort.
Suggestions on who to approach for volunteer project funding.
Volunteer handbook download

A. WHO CAN OR SHOULD VOLUNTEER

Introduction.
Volunteering (and to a lesser extent voluntourism) is without doubt one of the best ways to interact with and learn about a host culture at a grassroots level, and in an environment of friendship and mutual respect.What the individual volunteer understands, but many host country governments do not, is that:
Voluntourism is not a system where rich people get to ‘feel good’ because they give poor people money, but an opportunity for the ‘quality tourist’ to experience the ‘holy grail’ of tourism – being accepted into the host community, and learning about the culture and customs through direct involvement – as opposed to paying the middle man for access to a sanitised version of it.

The experience is further enhanced by the knowledge that by far the greater portion of your financial contribution goes directly towards improving the capacity of the host community to survive in the modern world, and is not soaked up before it reaches those who really are in need of it.

More often now, individuals frustrated by their government’s priorities regarding allocation of tax payers money, are forming part of a quiet rebellion, and making their own choices as to where they will allocate their time and funding to address some of the world’s more pressing problems

Who is eligible to join a voluntourist or volunteer group.

We have no minimum or maximum age restrictions on VWB Initiative voluntourist or volunteer programmes, but generally speaking most voluntourists & volunteers fall between the ages of 16 and 75, and perhaps more surprising some 75% of volunteers & voluntourists are well educated women traveling alone.

Who Should Volunteer.

Voluntourists or voluntourists with special skills.
Qualified nurses or emergency first aid practitioners, botanists, ecologists, environmentalists, and people from other areas of science able to carry out research work, or assist in research work as directed by experts.
ESL teachers able to help develop and /or teach a basic English language programme.

Teachers - able to help with the development of geography, biology, history etc.
Journalists, writers, marketing specialists.
It is quite likely that volunteers with special skills as listed above will be asked to undertake specific skills related tasks, instead of the scheduled work programme, if such tasks need doing, and if the volunteer is happy to do them.

The individual wanting to do something on his or her own.

There are more and more new era ‘high net worth’ individuals, who share the concerns of others of their generation about environmental and poverty reduction issues – and now have the wherewithal to make a difference.

Because of their lifestyle, they have very short holidays available to them, and want to use them to relax and to reduce stress.

A few days on a customised ‘volutourism programme’ on which they combine a few days with the rural or ethnic minority groups, and fund one of the high ticket items required (water tanks, greenhouses, small construction projects, elements of the nature trail, or sand bags, labour and wire for ‘check dam’ construction) - followed by time at an isolated beach, spa, or diving – is an option worth considering. Contact us for detail.

Families

Voluntourism is a great ‘life experience’ for younger members of the family, and time spent on a voluntourism or volunteer programme is definitely quality time for any family group.

We can invariably custom design voluntourism programmes to suit the special needs of families, yet allow them to fit into the main programme.

We can also accommodate families on our ‘volunteer’ programmes.
Those on a career break, or post career vacation.

Your options are basically the same as those available to individuals, although depending on the skills you have we may ask you to undertake tasks outside of those scheduled for a particular programme.

We are always on the lookout, generally for a husband and wife team (educators, scientists or similar) to take on a one year plus project management role on the VWB Initiative.

GAP year students.

If you have just finished school or university and are looking for a rewarding way to spend a part of your GAP year. Join one of our volunteer programmes and gain some valuable life experience, meet like minded people, and help others, whilst quite possibly helping yourself.

School groups.

If your school is looking for a programme that provides your students with the opportunity to help alleviate poverty whilst learning about global issues, different cultures and customs, as well as engaging in ‘outdoor education’ then a customised option built around one of the VWB Initiative’s programmes could be right for you.

In terms of educational options - We have access to 'guest lecturers' from local universities, and to representatives from NGO's with extensive experience in their particular fields. They are available to lecture on their particular subjects.

We work closely with our sister company, and well established partner the Maekok River Village Resort & Outdoor Education Centre.

We also work closely with Chiang Mai International School – our lesson plan development partner.

In terms of development programmes – we can provide your school with specific ‘one off’ small construction tasks in local schools, or related to our environmental programmes.

We invariably have a number of baseline studies – environmental and social – established by experts, that require ongoing data collection analysis that your school group can perhaps provide.
 
In addition to the voluntourism & volunteer programmes offered on this site, Track of the Tiger T.R.D. can provide comprehensive multi activity programmes throughout Thailand and beyond.

Universities

If your university is looking for postgraduate studies 'field trip' programmes related to cultural, social or environmental issues, you may well find suitable course material within the various projects that make up the scientific and other studies conducted by the VWB Initiative at Pang Soong Lodge, Outdoor Education and Research Centre.

We can invariably customize programmes to suit your needs, allowing you access to and involvement in our own 'research & development' efforts. See ‘Educational Programmes’ section 10.

We have access to 'guest lecturers' from local universities, and to representatives from NGO's with extensive experience in their particular fields.

These local experts can certainly add value to your own field studies programs.

You will generally be allowed access to whatever ecotourism studies data has been accumulated by VWB so far.

The voluntourist component could be part of a larger programme taking in other parts of Thailand or the region.
 
As a tour operator, with access to industry rates, Track of the Tiger T.R.D. can assist with ground handling, accommodation etc., for those parts of your programme anywhere in Thailand, outside of the element conducted at Pang Soong Lodge, Outdoor Education and Research Centre.

Small group tours.

The shorter duration options are popular with those combining 'voluntourism' with a conventional holiday to the north, and the latter for those who's main reason for travel is to support a voluntourism project.

Consider spending one or more days on one of VWB Initiative’s programmes, or perhaps customised to suit your needs, as a part of your holiday in northern Thailand.

Scout Groups - or similar youth organizations.

We can provide you with customised programmes along the lines of those offered to schools groups.

Corporate clients (team building and/or CSR programmes).

Track of the Tiger T.R.D. has an enviable reputation for the creative design and management of 'special events'; meetings, incentives, and team building programmes.

The company actively promotes voluntourism projects as team building exercises for the simple reason that the work engaged in can provide all the lessons of team building, whilst providing the client and his or her employees with the added satisfaction of having done some good for their host community.

Progressive companies may want to have individuals or groups of employees attend one of our programmes, or lead a team from the community on a project, under the umbrella of their 'Corporate Social Responsibility' programme.

Internships with Track of the Tiger – on the VWB Initiative.

We have a number of vacancies for non paid interns every year. This normally covers up to two foreigners, and for two Thai nationals. Although the positions are non paid we can cover living costs and some expenses.

Preference is given to those who have special skills that will help us move forward – (scientific, tourism related, photography, marketing etc.).

In some cases, meals and accommodation are provided free of charge, although we prefer to have interns find sponsors for their flights, meals, and accommodation.

Contact us providing a full resume, and stating your period of availability.

Virtual volunteers.

Virtual volunteers are individuals who, working from home in their spare time, assist the VWB Initiative with a wide range of tasks such as:

B. WHAT IS THE VWB INITIATIVE ALL ABOUT.
Track of the Tiger T.R.D. Co. Ltd., (Tourism Resources Development) and its non-profit arm – VWB – The Voluntourists Without Borders Initiative – is working with local rural communities to develop a sustainable ecotourism industry of world class standard, in northern Thailand. The industry is to be owned and operated by the rural and ethnic minority villagers, and built by the ‘hands on’ volunteer/ voluntourist labour and their donor funding, working alongside the villagers.

Their joint efforts will be aided by corporate (CSR) and individual sponsorship, as well as by tour industry support via the ecotourism, educational tourism, corporate team building, adventure racing, and scientific research market clients - provided by the private sector tourism development partner - Track of the Tiger T.R.D.

The Pilot Project Volunteer Base – Pang Soong, Lodge, Outdoor Education & Research Centre.
More detail.

The programme options.
Volunteer - More detail.
Voluntourist – More detail.

The programme costs.
More detail.

Application and selection.

Voluntourists – Invariably voluntourists will want to join one of our programmes for a specific period of time, dictated by the schedule of their pre-arranged holiday.

Unless they have specific skills that the project would benefit from, and for which we may be able make special task arrangements (scientists, teachers, professional photographers, etc.) they will be expected to fit into the VWB Initiative’s normal operating routine – and contribute to either the ‘environmental’ or ‘development’ programmes planned for the day.

The longer the booking lead time we have, the greater the chance of our being able to arrange a ‘special task’ programme for them.

Volunteers – The same conditions that apply to voluntourists, apply to volunteers.

However, there will be occasions when volunteers are students or scientists that have worked independently, or with us, to raise donor funding for a specific project they wish to undertake at or using the facilities of the Pang Soong Lodge, Outdoor Education & Research Centre.

Their projects will be planned to make best use of the manpower support – from voluntourists, volunteers, students, and villagers – available to us.

Recommended reading

It is strongly recommended that all participants read and print out areas of interest from the websites and reference materials listed below as these will provide valuable background information, help to put the project goals and activities into context, and allow you to gain as much from this experience as possible. 

1. The volunteer Handbook on http://www.voluntourists-without-borders.com
2. The rest of the VWB website.
3. Some of the pro and con voluntourism articles in our website archive section.
4. Lonely Planet Volunteer
5. Land on Fire – James Fan

Project Policies.

As a VWB Initiative programme participant, it is important to remember that you have a purpose to fulfill through your volunteer work programme and that your actions directly reflect on our organization, your home country, and yourself. 

We at the VWB Initiative take our volunteer commitment seriously and hope that you take pride in the work that you accomplish.  To ensure that the VWB Initiative has the best possible opportunity to fulfill its objectives, please read the project policies listed below.

All VWB participants must have traveller’s insurance prior to arrival in host country. Most importantly, this insurance must provide coverage for medical care.

The VWB Initiative has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs.  Offenders will be required to leave the project immediately.

The VWB Initiative allows a responsible level of drinking (for volunteers of legal age) during free time, however in these limited situations, alcohol is not to be kept at the project accommodations and never to be consumed during the work day.

Participants are never to be intoxicated for work. Failure to comply will result in appropriate conduct measures being applied, and serious offences may result in a participant being required to leave the volunteer project. 

The VWB Initiative programme participants are required to contribute to a safe and responsible program environment when volunteering, during the VWB programme or during their free time.  Please also be aware that VWB will not tolerate racial, social, sexual or religious discrimination on our programs.

During the two week volunteer project, VWB Initiative programme participants are expected to return to the group accommodations each night prior to a working day.  Participants may be permitted to leave the project accommodations overnight only when there are two consecutive free days, and the VWB staff must be fully advised of where and how they can be contacted.

Free days are Saturday night and Sunday. Please realise that the VWB Initiative cannot assume any responsibility for participants who leave the program overnight and any expenses such as transport costs, meals or alternative accommodations are the responsibility of the VWB Initiative participant. 

If a participant chooses to leave the program overnight when required to work the following day, the participant may be prohibited from rejoining the group/program at the VWB Initiative’s project leader’s discretion. 

Participants who voluntarily leave the leave the project at anytime prior to its completion with the intent of not returning or not returning within a stated time frame (see point 4 above) will forfeit their participation in the remainder of the programme. No refunds will be provided. Participants will be expected to treat all local staff, local village residents, VWB staff and Track of the Tiger staff with the up-most respect and consideration.

Participants should do their best to maintain a clean and tidy environment at the Pang Soong Lodge.

Participants must follow the direction of the project supervisors at all times and pay special attention to safety briefings and demonstrations.

Conduct and expectations.

Volunteers should have a positive attitude and an open mind at all times. It should be understood that they are guests within Thailand and should therefore strive to understand the country, its people and the culture.

Volunteers should be proactive during their time here – it is expected for them to find ways to participate on project work above and beyond their official duties. Ideas are always welcome to improve project work and processes and VWB will always be receptive to this.

Thai culture is a respectful one. Volunteers will be expected to dress appropriately when in public places or places where local people are present. This means that items like bikini tops for females and no shirts for males are inappropriate. If volunteers are unsure of anything in this regard, the onsite staff can advise.

To greet a Thai person, a volunteer should ‘wai’ and older Thai’s should be treated with the utmost respect.

The top of a Thai persons head should never be touched, as this is the closest part of the body to Buddha. In fact, most types of physical contact should be reserved for communicating with friends. Additionally, feet should never be pointed towards another person.  This is disrespectful.

Smoking is prohibited in sleeping rooms, bathrooms, dining areas, in vehicles and on the Project Trail itself. All cigarette butts must be disposed of responsibly.

When eating Thai food that is shared between a group, always follow accepted Thai etiquette closely:

Use the serving spoon that accompanies each shared plate of food to transfer a small amount of that food to your dish of rice, or soup bowl, then using your own spoon and fork, each that food item accompanied by your rice. Repeat the process at your leisure.

• DO NOT take spoonfuls of various shared items, and heap them on your plate buffet style.
  
  
• DO NOT use your own spoon or fork to transfer food from the shared dish to your own plate
  
  
• Ask for a shared dish to be passed to you if reaching for it requires you invade another diner’s
  table space.
  
  
• Eat slowly and quietly – banging of spoons and scraping of dishes is considered impolite.

C. DETAILS OF THE WORK YOU WILL BE INVOLVED IN.

The tasks voluntourists & volunteers undertake (or assist on) when on a VWB Initiative

programme.

Environmental – Work related to the conservation of wildlife and/or to the preservation/conservation of the ecosystem.
Development – Work related to capacity building and education.

Ecotourism related:

Outdoor education related:

The development of a wide range of ‘lesson plans’ for all age groups, on all related subjects, to be delivered from the pre-designated observation points along the main trail, in the lecture rooms, and in the Lodge’s research laboratory.

Typically – environmental science, geography, geology, botany, ecology, hydrology, social anthropology, sustainable tourism, ecotourism and more.

Materials development for the ongoing training of the local trail guides and VWB staff on all aspects of operating the Pang Soong Nature Trails as a community based ecotourism product.

Materials development for the environmental & ethnobotany related training programmes for the local school children – potential ecotourism industry employees.

Corporate team building related.

Adventure racing related.

• To review the potential adventure racing circuits with a view to designing man made elements for them, in support/addition to the natural challenges/obstacles already in place.
• To construct the man made obstacles to comply with world class safety standards.
• To design the operation, rules regulations and monitoring procedures for the courses.
• To design a crisis management programme for the product, that provides suitable responses to all possible crisis situations.
• To train the community forest guides in the maintenance of the courses.

Biodiversity improvement related.

• To establish a nursery and operating procedures for producing saplings from seeds.
• To produce enough saplings per year to provide the volunteer and local village labour workforce with the trees to plant along the paths as required.
• To devise and implement a scientifically correct monitoring system to record the incremental growth of the newly planted forest cover.
• To devise and implement a scientifically correct monitoring system to record the incremental increase in all categories of flora and fauna.

Scientific study and research related.

• To have experts conduct a wide range of environmental, ecological and social impact baseline studies using the Pang Soong Nature Trails as a field study area. Typically: botany, ecology, hydrology, social anthropology, sustainable tourism, ecotourism
• To develop follow up studies with high scientific integrity, providing incremental data gathering and research, as follow up to the baseline studies that can be undertaken by students, volunteers, voluntourists and villagers (given basic procedural training).
• The development of a template for grant funding applications, that can be used by those wanting to use the VWB Initiative projects for their own environmental/social impact related grant funded research projects.

Development – Work related to capacity building and education.

English language training.

To establish medium and short term English language training for the children of the 4 main schools in our catchment area. Our primary aim would be to equip them to play a viable role in the operation of their own ecotourism industry.

Community forest guide training.

To provide employment and establish training (interpretation, ethno-botany and English) for local community forest guides, with an emphasis on giving them the opportunity to develop and pass on their local knowledge to visiting scientists and interested tourists.

Community centre development.

To establish a village centre for the specific purpose of training villagers to explore ‘how to’ add value to the NTFP’s, & agro-forestry product, and to assist them in developing market demand, a supply chain, and brand image.

Computer training.

To establish a computer training programme, in order that those village folk who have the aptitude and the desire, can learn to undertake basic (and more complex) data entry work for fair trade rates, secured by the VWB Initiative through the corporate sector.

Provision of hydroelectric power solutions.

To install a small Pelton wheel type (no dam needed) hydroelectric plant on the Mae Lai stream that can provide power to the village and the various training centres at low or no cost.

Small construction related tasks.

Outside of the small construction tasks related to the environmental copmponent of the initiative (nature trails, nurseries etc.) there is a need for small constriction tasks to be undertaken at local schools in support of the development component. Here below are typical (current) examples.

D. A CLOSE LOOK AT VOLUNTOURISM AND VOLUNTEERING.

Using a placement agency or booking direct.
Using a placement agency offers you several advantages as follows:

Most host organizations, particularly the smaller less established ones, do not have the budgets or accumulated ‘word of mouth’ recommendations to attract the number and type of volunteers that they need.  The placement agency plays the role of ‘matchmaker’ between the host organization and the potential volunteer.

There are good and bad operators out there. Unfortunately, the rapid expansion of the volunteer & voluntourism industry has presented opportunities for shady placement agencies, as well as unscrupulous host organisations to flourish.

You the potential volunteer & voluntourists need to practice due diligence in selecting both.

Both the placement agency and host organization should be able to provide you with:

• A transparent breakdown of the pricing – how your money is to be spent, and accounted for?
• Whether there is any pre-volunteer placement training, what it consists of, how much it costs, and how it is delivered.
• Details of exactly what work you will be engaged on – as you must determine if it is a match for your skill
  set, and is it really beneficial to the host community.
  

DO NOT ACCEPT ANYTHING LESS

Paying to volunteer, or take a voluntourist programme.

Unless you want to ‘do it yourself’ route and secure a role as a self funded volunteer teacher in a developing country school, unsupported by a host organization, (okay if you are very experienced and know the project well) you would be better advised to work through a host organization.

Any host organization has operating costs to cover, and those costs are essentially borne by the volunteer / voluntourist, supplemented on occasions by grant funding and individual or corporate donations.

One of Track of the Tiger’s aims in starting the VWB Initiative, was to try and reduce what we felt as an unreasonably high amount of donor funding – in some cases 75-80% - going to ‘administrational overheads’ within host organizations and placement agencies - instead of direct to the front line where it is needed. 

For that reason, as shown in the programme pricing cost breakdown that accompanies every ‘volunteer / voluntourist’ programme, you will see that the VWB Initiative’s operating costs are minimal, and relate directly to on site operations.
Track of the Tiger T.R.D covers the ‘administrational overheads’ under the umbrella of its tour and corporate development business, as part of our own CSR programme.

We are in the process of applying for ‘foundation status’ for the VWB Initiative, and that will allow both the VWB Initiative and its prospective donors some financial advantages.(see related points under ethical volunteering and voluntourism)

The VWB policy on placement agencies – We see them as a legitimate partner in the supply chain, and accept that under the principles of ‘fair trade’ they must cover their marketing and operating costs, as well as make a reasonable profit. We believe the good ones are genuine stakeholders in our business model, and welcome their interest in the VWB Initiative.

We do however establish – and publish – the commission rate - to be paid to placement agencies, and this we hope will sort out the wheat from the chaff.

We also accept that many people prefer the DIY approach, or find us through friends, and do not feel the need for the services of a placement agency.

Therefore, to be fair to all parties concerned, we charge those coming to us direct the same price as they would pay if coming through a placement agency – but the ‘agent’s commission’ is paid directly into the VWB Initiative development fund and used, transparently, on the VWB Initiative’s project related expenditure.  

A simple check to determine where the money is being spent.

When reviewing any volunteer or voluntourism option we suggest you ask your placement agency, and/or the host organization (if booking direct) to give you a detailed breakdown of how your money is to be spent:

• Transport costs.
• Training costs.
• Accommodation and meals.
• Donations to the host project (and how they are to be spent).
• Operational overheads (programme supervisory staff costs, admin, marketing contributions etc.

Note* Both programme providers and host organizations will have operating costs. It is up to you to determine if you are happy enough with their distribution of your funds.

Note* Check the cost breakdown charts and expenditure explanation under volunteer options with VWB to see how we address this issue.

Ethical volunteering / voluntourism.

The volunteer & voluntourism industry in general has spurned many organisations who are perhaps taking unfair advantage of people’s desire to help. No doubt the increasing focus on the ethics of volunteering, will expose unethical practices. There are grey areas of course, and each individual should make their own decisions:

Some interesting questions – points for debate:

• Is planting grass for elephant feed a worthwhile task for a paying volunteer? – or would he or she be better utilized, receiving basic training on elephants and their plight, then working as a ‘elephant camp guide and fund raiser’ showing groups of visiting tourists around the camp, educating them as to the problems faced, and politely soliciting donations for the project.
• Is direct interaction with babies in orphanages by a never ending stream of foreign visitors a good thing? – or should the visitors tasks be confined to those  tasks that free up the professionals to provide the direct child care.
• Is repainting school buildings – obviously repainted by earlier volunteer groups – really a valid task, or is it waste of volunteer funding, time and opportunity. 

The Lonely Planet book ‘Volunteer’ addresses the ethics of volunteering / voluntourism quite well. Below, we restate the questions they feel you should ask, and provide responses to them from the VWB Initiative’s standpoint.

Q1. How do I know if the host country or community will really benefit from my volunteering?

Simply put:

• If you read and agree with the VWB Initiative’s vision.
• If you believe that the aims and objectives laid out are achievable.
• If you believe, having reviewed the volunteer & voluntourist ‘task list’ under roles and responsibilities – that you can make a positive contribution to achieving the VWB Initiative’s goals.
• If you feel that our operation is well managed and will employ your time and funding effectively in pursuit of the VWB Initiative’s goals.

Then the answer is a resounding YES.

Q2. Am I actually doing more good by volunteering, than by just donating money?
Yes. If you look at the tasks that we ask volunteers & voluntourists to undertake with the VWB Initiative, many of them are beyond the current skill or experience level of the villagers. However, working alongside skilled and semi-skilled volunteers on these tasks, they will soon pick them up.

The interaction you will provide the villagers with whilst working on the various tasks, and on your recreational breaks, will provide them with an ongoing lesson in the ways of foreigners, their culture – and how best to work with them. Remember, we are helping them develop an ecotourism product that they will operate themselves within 10 years.

In addition, volunteering allows you to get your financial contribution directly to the front line – where it is needed., and gives you a hands on role in putting it to work.

Q3. If I only have a short time to give, will I be able to ‘make a difference’?

Yes. Even a morning spent as an assistant teacher in a local village school will be of benefit to the host community.

The greater benefit however, will come from the sometimes quite emotional ‘awakening’ the volunteer experiences, to the need for the have’s to help the have not’s, that even your short experience gives you.

It comes from seeing for yourself, that these are not people looking for a hand out. They just want an equal (or even lesser) opportunity in life.

It comes from the fact that you will invariably walk away as an ambassador for change in the way our respective government’s address the world’s real problems.

E. ENSURING YOU COME PREPARED.

Preparation.

Both voluntourists and volunteers should read our website thoroughly, and in addition should familiarize themselves with as much about Thailand – climate, people, culture, economy, politics etc., as possible, so as to be ‘well informed’ on arrival.

Our parent website www.track-of-the-tiger.com has a comprehensive ‘information handbook’ section which provides much of the above detail and is a good starting point.

Useful documents to bring with you on a voluntourism or volunteer programme.

The following documents should be kept in a water proof zip lock bag.

• Passport (it generally needs to be valid for a period of 6 months after you return home – check with your Embassy)
• Valid visa – Not required if staying less than two months. (a proper volunteer visa is required for those staying with us for a longer period. Details of how that is obtained should be discussed with Track of the Tiger T.R.D.)
• International driving license.
• A copy of your itinerary (sometimes needed to show customs/immigration that you are indeed here as a volunteer and have a set departure date.)
• Criminal record clearance (if working with children).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Birth certificate (copy)
• Additional passport sized photographs.
• Photo ID.
• Copy of insurance document.
• Next of Kind contact detail.

Medical history notes (in the event that you need to seek treatment for illness or injury whilst in country)

Insurance.

It is important that you have your own insurance cover when volunteering. Although Track of the Tiger provides basic Thai tourism industry cover as required by Thai law, the amounts paid out for injury under these policies are minimal.

In upgrading your own insurance for the trip you would do well to consider the following:

• Age – many policy place restrictions and disclaimers on those older than 65.
• Medical – most policies do not cover you for pre-existing medical conditions.
• Activities – make sure that you are covered for the full range of activities you will be undertaking.
• Region/Country – make sure that the country in which you will be volunteering is not excluded under the insurance cover conditions.
• Period of cover – make sure that your insurance covers the entire duration of your volunteer placement.
• Repatriation – make sure that your policy allows repatriation back to ‘where you want it to be’ – not where the policy was issued.
• Losing stuff – make sure you have receipts (photocopies with you) for any high ticket items – camera, laptop etc. carried with you, to facilitate reclaim in the event of loss.
• Travel advisories – be aware that some insurance policies are invalid 7 days after your government has issues a ‘travel advisory’ for the country you are volunteering in.

Clothing.

• Loose fitting trousers x 2 for trail work and work in the forest
• Shoes with good grip for work on the trail and trekking through the forest – don’t bring expensive sports shoes – trekking shoes/boots are recommended i.e. North Face., especially as they WILL get wet
• Personal toiletries such as biodegradable shampoo, sun block, mosquito repellent
• Swimming suit
• Sport shoes for games
• Reusable water bottle
• Notebooks, pens, pencils
• Work gloves
• Hat and sunglasses
• Flashlight (torch) with batteries
• Camera with charger
• Basic first aid kit (see medical below).
• Few t-shirts / shirts for working
• Few pairs of shorts
• 3-4 pairs of socks and underwear
• Books to read, cards, games, Frisbee
• Spare towel (one will be provided for the bathroom)
• Day bag / small backpack for picnic lunch and water
• Long sleeved shirt
• Jumper / sweater (depending on the time of year)
• Flip flops
• Plastic bags to keep things dry
• Money for the tuck shop/internet/telephone calls

Please note: If you intend to ‘donate’ working clothing (clean) or footwear at the end of the project, please realize that it will be your responsibility to dispose of the clothing at the appropriate sources if your host organization is unable to utilize the clothing. 

Health and safety

The work on the project will vary but most of it will take place in natural forests. The Pang Soong Nature Trail follows the Mae Lai stream up and around multiple waterfalls – volunteers will walk through the stream, over rocks, across bridges, up and down potentially slippery hills etc – so some level of fitness and coordination is required.

Volunteers may be asked to cut bamboo, lay concrete, build railings and others – but all activities will be thoroughly explained before hand (safety, technique etc) and no volunteer will be forced to do anything they feel uncomfortable with or unsafe doing.

The nearest medical facility is Mae On Hospital 40 minutes away. Staff at the hospital can communicate in English and the hospital is always informed when the VWB Initiative is hosting volunteer groups.

The larger, international standard Chiang Mai Ram hospital is 55-60 minutes away in the city centre.

Clean water is provided at the water cooler and water bottles are provided when volunteers have extended time away from the Lodge working on the trail or in the village etc. We do however recommend that all volunteers bring along their own refillable water bottles.

Volunteers should take precaution against sunburn if spending time on the field, and drink lots of water at all times. Mosquitoes and other biting insects appear during certain times of the year, but not many due to the altitude of the Lodge.

Leeches are present in and around the streams and forest, (at certain times of the year) and all volunteers will be briefed on how to handle leech bites on arrival. Snakes are also sighted on occasion.

No specific vaccines are recommended, but it is highly recommended that you speak with your doctor before visiting and take his/her advice with regards this. Infrequent cases of malaria, dengue fever and others are reported in the area, but this is very rare.

Special medications should be brought with volunteers. However, there are many well stocked pharmacies in Chiang Mai, so items (often more than from western countries) can normally be located.

At least one first-aid qualified staff member will be in the general area at all times, depending on the location of the group, but all volunteers should bring a small first aid pack with antiseptic, bandages, band aids, pills for diarrhea and antihistamines, as well as Tylenol or similar. All volunteers should take out a comprehensive medical insurance package prior to joining a VWB Initiative programme.

All participants should have informed Track of the Tiger T.R.D. of any medical information, including allergies, prescribed medications, or any known medical condition.

Personal medical kit.

The following describes the contents of a typical basic medical kit.
Medicine.

• Any prescription medicines – including antibiotics and anti-malarials. (although most of the above are available without prescription from chemists in Thailand)
• Painkiller – like Paracetamol.
• Anti inflammatory - like Ibuprofen.
• Insect repellant – DEET or similar. (permethrin is also good for treating mosquito nets or clothes).
• Anti diarrhea treatment– loperamide or imodium are commonly used.
• Indigestion -  antacid tablets or liquids.
• Rehydration – numerous brands available in small sachets, containing powder to be dissolved in water and then taken orally.
• Antihistamine – to combat allergic reactions.
• Sting relief – tiger balm or hydrocortisone cream to treat insect bites.
• Sun block – and lip salve for those who need it.
• Calamine lotion or Aloe vera – for treatment of sunburn.
• Water purifying tablets – useful for emergencies but not needed at PSL.
• Antifungal cream – for treatment of fungal infections – feet, groin etc.
• Cough and cold remedies – bring what works for you.
• Eye cleaning lotion – to remove dust etc.
• Hydrogen peroxide, (blister treatment) alcohol or similar for cleaning and disinfecting wounds.

Medical equipment.

• Digital thermometer.
• Tweezers – to remove splinters etc.
• Sticking plasters – blisters etc.
• Gauze swabs and adhesive tape for dressing small wounds.
• Bandages and safety pins.

Malaria

Obviously you must heed your doctor’s advice on anti-malarial treatment. We will however tell you that most of us living and working here do not take anti-malarial medicine, for fear that it may mask the symptoms if we catch malaria. We prefer to take precautionary measures, such as:

• Changing into permethrin treated long sleeved tops, trousers and socks for dusk.
• Using DEET based insect repellants on any exposed skin – especially at dusk.
• Burning mosquito coils in your room – before you go to bed.
• Spraying you room with mosquito spray before going to bed.
• Sleeping under a permethrin treated mosquito net.

Security.

It is as they say better to be safe than sorry, so it is worthwhile reviewing your safety options. Here are some safety tips.

Money belt – carry your money in a belt under your shirt – but carry the cash /credit card you intend to use daily as normal so as not to advertise the fact that you are wearing money belt.

Note* There is not much need for loads of cash at Pang Soong Lodge, only for what you might buy from the shop – refreshments, snacks etc.

• Padlock and chain – are good options for securing your back pack to your bunk bed, and a back pack that is lockable is better than one that is not

Money

There are three main options: Credit card, debit card or cash.

There is no need to carry much cash with you when volunteering with VWB from Pang Soong Lodge, Outdoor Education and Research Centre, as meals are included and you may run up a bill for snacks, refreshments, paying in cash or by credit card at our offices, when you return to Chiang Mai.

Communications.

We have a satellite supplied ADSL line at Pang Soong Lodge, it is (66) (0)53 317 447. Guests have access to telephone, fax, email and SKYPE at a modest charge.

F. RAISING THE FUNDS TO ATTEND A PROGRAMME.

Fundraising.

• Individuals or group volunteers raising funds, over and above the basic per diem amount stipulated in the programme pricing in order to subsidise the cost of their attending a VWB Initiative programme.
• Individuals or group volunteers raising funds in order to undertake a specific project (build a school toilet block, build a plant nursery, equip a laboratory etc.) whilst paying to attend a VWB Initiative programme.
• Individuals raising further educational grant funding to undertake specific (ecotourism, sustainable tourism, voluntourism, environmental or social impact studies) under the umbrella of a VWB Initiative programme.

Potential sponsors

Corporate entitie

In today's competitive business world the world, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) practices are playing an increasingly important role in the development of a company's 'brand image'.

A good corporate social image not only influences the shopper's decision to buy this brand of washing up liquid over the other, but more importantly, the quality of their 'human resources' becomes the difference in performance between company A and company B.

Progressive CEO's are fast catching onto the fact their corporate social image plays an extremely important role in attracting the 'right' people to seek employment with them.

The top CEO's view the type of people who would take a 'voluntourism holiday' for what they are; responsible, considerate, intelligent and proactive individuals.

Note* At least two of the USA’s Peace Corps volunteers have gone on to become American Ambassadors  to Thailand and other countries in the region.

These same CEO's, many of whom have traveled the world as younger men and women, can relate to the problems of poverty and the global effect of deforestation. They realize it is morally right to helpwhere they can, and that it makes good corporate business sense to do so.

The VWB Initiative, and those Voluntourists (groups, individuals) who are drawn to supporting it, are excellent candidates for the support of those corporations who practice corporate social responsibility.

Naturally, most corporations that could help, have to be approached properly and would have to satisfy their management and/or directors that the individuals or group seeking their sponsorship funding can assure them:
(a) That they can be certain their donation is used as it was intended.
(b) That the donation complies with their criteria for expenditure under their CSR programme guidelines.
(c) That the individual or group representing them is a suitable match for their corporate image.
(d) That their contribution becomes a matter of public record, thus promoting their public image.

Community support groups
Church groups, Rotary or Lions Clubs, and others dedicating to uplifting those in their communities may well see the wisdom of supporting the efforts of students in their communities in attending a VWB Initiative programme.

The 'life experience' individuals derive from traveling to foreign lands, helping poverty stricken people from a developing country (that are completely different in every way from themselves), and from actually doing something tangible in the fight to save the environment is enormous, and is an important part of the development process that forges 'good' rather than 'mediocre' people.

In today's world, the ability to understand the other man's point of view, and to respect his different priorities and way of life, is becoming far more important by the day.

Individuals

There are many individuals, wealthy or of just modest means, who cannot for one reason or another volunteer on one of our programmes, but would willingly subsidise the costs of another individual, or group, to do so as his or her representative.

Governments, foundations and educationalinstitutions.

Those seeking grant funding to further their education in specific fields of interest should explore the opportunities offered by their governments, foundations and educational institutions. Many of the opportunities are not widely advertised but available nonetheless.

Securing sponsorship funding.

Before approaching potential sponsors you will need to put together a 'funding appeal' in the most professional way you can. The document should consist of the following:

1. An Executive summary.
 
A one or two page document summarising points 2 to 5 below.
The executive summary would be followed by a table of contents and then the detail as outlined in points 2-5 below.

2. An overview of the VWB initiative in general.

We suggest you provide them with a copy of the 2 page - VWB executive summary PDF document

3. Details of who you or your group are.

Information on your school, a statement on your educational objectives, you’re your explanation of why attending a VWB Initiative programme would benefit you students.

4. The benefits to the sponsor.

 Pre and post event – as detailed below.

5. The financial request.
Stating the total cost involved, and what part of it your are asking them to sponsor:

To cover both programme cost, and development fund cost.

To cover the development fund contribution only.

To cover all or part of the cost of purchasing materials and expert supervision required for construction of a particular project on the VWB Initiative you are attending (greenhouse construction, zip wire installation, small construction projects etc.)

6. The detailed programme.
Provide the potential sponsor with a detailed day by day itinerary of the proposed programme your group will be following.

An example benefits package for a corporate sponsor.

This example offers potential sponsor - A full page 'advertorial' - feature story in a local or national news publication detailing your group's experiences on a VWB Initiative voluntourism programme, made possible by the financial support of (donor company's name).

It includes a letter from the publication’s editor confirming agreement to publish the feature story, in advertorial format, between given dates.

The agreement might also cover a photo-article launching your appeal, and inviting sponsorship, in the same publication, perhaps followed by another, prior to your departure, prominently listing your sponsors and recording your departure for the programme.

Depending on the length of the VWB Initiative programme you are participating in, the newspaper may be encouraged to run several 'progress reports' to keep your friends and sponsors updated.

One or more businesses, associations or individuals could be approached to co-sponsor your group participation on a VWB Initiative programme, and local or national level publications may agree to cover the story.

How we can help your fundraising effort.

If you need help with your fundraising campaign contact our VWB Initiative representative advising us of the following:
1. Who you are, or represent.
2. The programme itinerary you want to follow.
3. When you wish to undertake your programme with the VWB Initiative.
4. The projected number of volunteers in your group.
5. Whether you will be asking sponsors:
To cover both programme cost, and development fund cost.
To cover the development fund contribution only.

Once we determine that your fund raising effort qualifies for our support, we will provide you with a covering letter confirming that you have contacted us with a view to participating in a VWB Initiative programme, and are now trying to raise donor funding on behalf of the project.

Suggestions on who to approach in your search for donor funding.
Consider not only corporate entities, but consider organisations that have a vested interest in educating youth on poverty alleviation as well as those concerned with environmental issues.

Download a PDF file format version of the volunteer handbook.