Volunteering Guidelines

Before volunteering
If you want to take a video or photograph of the community or location, just check with the NGO and the actual person. Usually they would not mind, but there are sensitive communities like children of commercial sex workers, who should not be captured on a camera.

If its a short duration visit to community, don't flash your water bottles when they offer you water. Drink water beforehand and if you don't want to drink that water for fear of potability, just indicate that you just drank water. Remember every small step is important.

If you are going to volunteer with the NGO for more than once, just get clarity of your role. Check if you are not trespassing a permanent employees role. It is sensitive.

If you cannot make the visit, or are going to be late, let the NGO contact person know well before hand. She / he will then tell the concerned people about it. It may happen that a group of children are waiting for you to tell a story.

Don't over commit yourself. Not only the NGOs, but, members of your family or colleagues in the office might miss you when you are required.

You may feel touching that small girl, but she may had bad experiences with male adults and can be scared. Just ask the NGO social worker, if there are any community specific don'ts, even before visiting the community.
Once you commit, NGOs are dependent on you. Treat your accountability to the NGO in the same degree as you are accountable in your workplace. Professionals working in corporate sector should also remember that you carry your organisations image with you wherever you go and if you leave an NGO halfway, your organisation's image would suffer.

At the time of volunteering
Have humility
If you are with the community which is underprivileged, flash your smile and share your warmth
If possible, do try to get your family (spouse / kids) when you volunteer; it will bring you closer. And they will not miss you on Saturdays / Sundays.

Don't think "You and they" . Be a part of the community.
Don't expect attention from the NGO - specially when you are a senior person in your organisation and are with your colleagues or with the family.
Never give an impression that you have come to help them
Sure you are not supposed to wear a sad look on your face but be sensitive to the situation
If you are with the community which is underprivileged, don't flash your mobiles or other such items.
If you are teaching a group of children, or sharing a story with them or visiting a hospital, and you get a call on your mobile, don't start talking endlessly. As far as possible, avoid the call.
If you are playing with HIV positive children, don't let them know you know that. Be normal.
Don't leave a long term volunteer project because you are fed up, having problems, or feel you are being taken advantage of. Discuss how you feel with the CSR team which will be pleased to help you as much as it can.
Don't carry out any job if it is against your wishes or principles. Discuss the situation with the NGO contact person.
Don't betray any confidences entrusted to you as a volunteer.

After volunteering
Share your joy with the community or NGO through communication
If you believe sharing the joy with your friends and colleagues would help the community / NGO, do share it

If you were unattended by the NGO despite of their commitment, give them a second chance.