ExpeditionGuide Volunteer

Managers

Want to do something different and exciting but don’t know where to start? A Raleigh expedition could be just what you’re looking for. This guide will give you an introduction to our expeditions, the different volunteer manager roles available, how you can contribute and what you can gain from it personally.

If you’d rather speak to us face to face, over the phone or via social media, we’re happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Fancy achangeof scene?

Let us introduce ourselves…We are Raleigh International. We are a sustainable development charity, with young people at our heart. We believe that young people have the energy, optimism and creativity to make change happen. Working side by side inspires and empowers communities and young people to create lasting change.

We work with local governments, project partners and communities to help change lives. Our programmes focus on improving access to safe water and sanitation, increasing the effective use of natural resources, building community resilience as well as helping to develop the skills of our volunteers.

If you’re looking for a new challenge, then you’ve come to the right place. A Raleigh expedition is a chance to create lasting change for others as well as yourself.

Our expeditions bring together people from all over the world, of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. They’re adventurous, impactful, exciting and challenging. An expedition is an opportunity to work with and support young people on remote community and environmental projects and face adventure challenges in some of the most incredible areas of the world, supporting real development work and creating lasting change.

And that’s where you come in. To deliver safe and impactful programmes, and to facilitate and drive the young volunteers, we need the support of passionate volunteer managers.

A Raleigh expedition…what is it?

Why choose Raleigh?There are lots of organisations who offer volunteer opportunities. Why us?

Our projects are sustainable and impactful. We have a permanent presence in all of the countries we operate in; with an in country office and permanent staff. This means we are able to develop long term relationships with the local governments and project partners. This ensures that our work is genuinely needed and creating lasting change.

Secondly, we have over 30 years of experience. We have been delivering safe and impactful expeditions since1984. We have learnt a lot over this time; about our approach, the places that we work and about young people.

Thirdly, our expeditions are for people from all over the world. No matter your background or experience, volunteer managers share a positive attitude, a belief in young people and the ability to get the job done.

And, as well as helping young people to develop their skills for the future, you will also develop new skills too.

We monitor and evaluate all of our projects to measure their impact every year and strive to ensure all of our work produces effective, meaningful and long-lasting results. We connect and work closely with project partners, communities and local NGO’s and governments where our focus of work is really needed. Here is just some of the impact our work has created in 2015.

Access to safe water & sanitation In 2014 volunteers increased access to safe water and sanitation in rural communities, and promoted better hygiene practices within people’s day to day routines. Through doing this they helped to reduce preventableillness, encouraged hygiene and positive sanitation behaviour change, and improved water resource management.

Effective use of natural resources Volunteers worked with communities whose lifestyles have a direct impact on some of the planet’s most vulnerable environments. They carried out research on animal migration patterns, helped develop biological corridors and established community action groups, whilst engaging youth and local communities in the wider conservation movement.

Our impact 522SanitationUnits

745TippyTaps

371Health & Hygiene Awareness Raising events

112Participatory Research Projects

15Water Systems

15Water Tanks

20Community washrooms and shower areas

58Local Youth Groups formed

22Community Water & Sanitation Management Groups formed

49Murals promoting good hygiene practice

6National parks and protected rainforests worked in

17,115Metres of conservation trails built or maintained

3Infrastructure projects

1,500Trees planted

19Environmental education & awareness sessions

2Biodiversity surveys

Improve community resilience Volunteers helped to increase the resilience of rural communities by helping them adapt to, respond to and recover from challenges such as climate change, youth unemployment and a lack of economic and education opportunities. They supported communities to improve access to education, preserve traditional languages, and to create sustainable reliable incomes.

Inspiring young leadersThis is just a small number of people who havecontributed their energy, passion, and skills to our sustainable development projects, creating real change in some of the areas that need it most. Not only do our programmes create behavioural change in the communities but also the young volunteers. We strive to inspire young people to become agents of change, and use their Raleigh experience as a way to develop their confidence in becoming an active global citizen.

2Early Childhood Development Centres (ECD)

6Community Centre Upgrades

76Awareness Raising Events

300kmIrrigation Trenches for Agriculture

172Community members trained in sustainable techniques

108Demonstration ecological ovens

131Demonstration water �lters

73Demonstration water dykes

45Demonstration family vegetable plots

167Local Young people trained in entrepreneurship

4Entrepreneurship Enterprise Fairs

975young volunteers from UK

569young volunteers from Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, Nicaragua Tanzania

168young volunteers from other countries such as China, Holland, Germany, Australia

415volunteer leaders

50young people from underprivileged backgrounds in the UK took part in our Youth Partnership Programme

100volunteer training events to support our volunteers before and after programme

As mentioned before, volunteer managers along with our in-country staff, are the driving force behind a Raleigh expedition. You are there to motivate and support the young volunteers to deliver impactful and effective projects to empower and inspire people in the communities and creating lasting change.

We have various roles within our volunteer manager team; either based on the project sites or the fieldbase, the operational hub of a Raleigh expedition.

What willI be doing?

“I was first interested in a Fieldbase role because working as part of the team at fieldbase allows you to get a great overview of the whole expedition and an insight into all the different projects. In addition, I am anorganised and methodical person so logistics seemed an ideal role!” – Catherine, Logistics Coordinator, Nicaragua & Costa Rica 2015.

Project ManagerYou’ll be out on the project sites motivating and facilitating the expedition volunteers with the support of one or two other Project Managers. You’ll be delivering the aims of the project whilst also aiding the personal development of the young volunteers.

Spanish InterpreterThe role of the Spanish Interpreter is twofold. You’ll be a Project Manager but will draw upon your language skills to ensure the expedition runs smoothly. You will be helping communicate successfully with the community and local project partners and play a vital role integrating the volunteers with the in country volunteers and community members.

Project based rolesLead and inspire young volunteers on the project sites. Project based roles are the most hands on, giving you a chance to use existing skills you may have or developing your project management and leadership skills.

Adventure Project ManagerYou’ll be leading the adventure phase of the expedition and using your mountain leader skills to support the young volunteers on a challenging trek. This is a great opportunity for you to facilitate and develop the volunteers leadership and camp craft skills.

MedicThe role of the Medic also requires you to act as a project manager, and drawing upon your medical skills when necessary. You will look after the general health of the volunteers and deliver first aid training. There is also an opportunity to be a fieldbase Medic, supporting the volunteers remotely.

Project based roles

AdministratorYou’ll be in charge of the day to day management of the office, to ensure the expedition runs as smoothly as possible. The Administrator role is varied and diverse and an exciting opportunity to work in an exciting new environment.

Photographer/VideographerBring the expedition to life as a Raleigh photographer. Demonstrate the impact of our work and capture the essence of our programmes to inspire others to volunteer internationally.

FieldbaserolesThe fieldbase is the ‘operational hub’ of a Raleigh expedition. A fieldbase role is an exciting chance to be at the heart of the expedition, drawing upon existing skills or learning new ones and working in a buzzing, collaborative environment in a completely new place. You won’t spend all of your time at the fieldbase and will have a chance

Logistics CoordinatorThis is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking for a challenge whilst also developing new skills. You’ll be responsible for ensuring all the project sites have what they need, from food to equipment. No previous logistical experience is necessary for this role

Communications OfficerUse your creative writing skills to let the world know what is happening on project sites and in our expedition countries. You’ll be visiting the project sites and working closely with the photographer to gather content to update the expedition blogs.

Fieldbaseroles

Natural resource managementOur projects promote sustainable and environmentally friendly livelihoods by immersing young people in areas such as national parks, giving them an understanding of why nature must be protected.

Community resilience We support people to have the capacity and capability to respond to environmental, social and economic challenges. Our projects bring people together to plan for the future and address the issues they face as a community.

What’s the focus?Whilst volunteering with us you’ll be helping Raleigh’s work in these main areas.

Whilst volunteering with us you’ll be helping Raleigh’s work in these main areas.

Water, sanitation and hygeine (WASH)Our work is focused on improving access to safe water & sanitationservices in rural communities. We create impact by increasing knowledge & changing attitudes in relation to good hygiene practices.

Youth leadership All of our projects include a youth leadership element to them. The projects challenge young volunteers to go beyond their comfort zones on a trek or as a leader during a placement, engaging in structured reflection activities throughout.

What’s the focus?

The projects

Community

Volunteer managers will be placed on the various projects depending on their skills and experience. You will get to work as a team to decide who will be best placed where, and what works best with the dynamic of the Project Manager team. Fieldbase staff will also have the chance to visit some of the community, environment and adventure projects during their expedition.

Raleigh’s community development projects give volunteers a unique opportunity to live and work alongside local people. You will be completely immersed in a new culture, working with the young volunteers and community to drive change where it really matters. You could be supporting a project that helps provide access to safe water and sanitation or health and education facilities as well as raising awareness of issues such as health & hygiene, gender equality or access to education.

EnvironmentHelp protect vulnerable environments around the world. You could be supporting conservation of some of the oldest rainforests on the planet, or carrying out surveys to support research into some of the world’s least explored areas. If you are located close to a community, you will also lead projects to help raise awareness of issues relating to deforestation and the best ways of managing natural resources. On the environment project you will find yourself living and working in remote and stunning locations in some of the most naturally diverse parts of the world.

“We made steps, cleared ground, laid gravel and dug water channels…We realised why we were doing this project - to create a buzz about the national park, to attract international tourists, but also to protect the park.”

– Louise Tossell, Project Manager & Medic.

AdventureThe adventure leadership challenge is designed to challenge the young volunteers to develop vital skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, communication and problem solving via an adrenalin-fuelled trek. You, along with at least one other Project Manager, will support and facilitate the personal development of the young volunteers throughout with leadership sessions and workshops.

Expeditiontimeline

Fieldbase team setup VM training

13 w

eeks

For volunteer managers, our expeditions are usually 13 weeks. We also offer an 8 week expedition in the summer usually departing in June or July.

Volunteertraining

Phase one19 days

Changeover Phase two19 days

Phase three19 days

Washup

Week one: fieldbase

team arrives

Week three:project

planning visits

Week thirteen:volunteer managers

depart

Week two: project based

roles arrive

Week four:volunteers arrive

and receivetraining from VMs

Week twelve:volunteers

depart

Changeover

Quick Raleigh jargon busterFieldbase = expedition officeVM = volunteer managerPhase = time on project sitesChangeover = time in between projects when everyone comes back to fieldbase and re-groupsWash up = packing everything up at the end of the expedition

Expeditiontimeline

Fieldbase team setup VM training

8 w

eeks

Volunteertraining

Phase one19 days

Phase two9 days

Washup

Week one: fieldbase

team arrives

Week two:project

planning visits

Week eight:volunteer

managers depart

Week two: PMs,medics andinterpreters

arrive

Week four:volunteers arrive

and receivetraining from VMs

Week seven:volunteers

depart

Changeover

Where can I go?

Tanzania

MalaysianBorneo

Nicaragua & Costa Rica

Nepal

Tanzania is a country of warm hearts and stunning national parks. It’s a place of buzzing energy and endless possibilities. Despite being one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, Tanzania remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Our projects in Tanzania aim to increase access to safe water and sanitation, raise awareness of sanitation and hygiene, build community resilience and develop the leadership skills of the volunteers. It is a popular choice as an expedition country due to its welcoming atmosphere, friendly people and is one of the most stable and peaceful democracies in Africa.

TANZANIAMambo!

“Raleigh has changed a great deal since I first joined and every year just gets better. I am passionate about my work and strive to ensure that our projects are the best they can possibly be. I am immensely proud of the impact our work has had and I feel truly lucky to be inspired everyday by the amazing people and partners I work with”.

Ross McKenzie, Country Director, Tanzania.

Where can you go?

Two countries, one expedition. Nicaragua and Costa Rica are two very different countries in colourful and lively Central America. Costa Rica is home to an incredible array of natural environments; including 26 national parks, whilst neighbouring, Nicaragua boasts stunning mountains, volcanoes and lakes. This expedition is also a great opportunity for you to improve your Spanish.

Our projects in Costa Rica focus on protecting one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet and their environmental needs along with developing the leadership skills of the volunteers via the adventure phase. Our projects in Nicaragua work in rural communities and aim to increase access to safe water and sanitation and build community resilience.

NICARAGUA& COSTA RICA

Hola!

“Raleigh delivers a wide range of youth-led projects throughout central America from entrepreneur and water, sanitation & health (WASH) projects in northern Nicaragua to natural resource management and community resilience projects in Costa Rica. I ardently believe in the energy and passion of young people to drive sustainable change not only in the communities we work with but also in their own homes and my aim, at all times, is to create an enabling environment to allow them to do so”.

- Pedro Rodriguez, Deputy Country Director, Nicaragua &Costa Rica

Roaring waterfalls, unexplored valleys, clouded leopards, pygmy elephants; Borneo is like the land that time forgot – one of the Earth’s true remaining wildernesses. Malaysia is recognized as one of 12 ‘mega-diverse’ countries in the world. Our Borneo programmes operate from Sabah, in the north of the island, which has the highest rate of poverty; 30% of the population live below the poverty line.

Our projects focus on natural resource management which help preserve some of the oldest rainforests in the world as well as some of the rarest species. We also aim to build community resilience and improve access to safe water and sanitation. Volunteer on our expedition and you could be working on projects in the heart of the rainforest, supporting indigenous communities and working to protect and conserve this incredible environment.

MALAYSIAN BORNEOSalam!

“Young people bring a passion, energy and creativity to development that is crucial for its success. I am passionate about enabling volunteers and our local partners to do this”.

– Brandon Charleston, Country Director, Borneo.

A country of prayer flags, temples and breath taking landscapes, Nepal is our newest of expedition countries. It is one of the poorest countries in the world and the second poorest country in Asia. Nepal is also the fourth most climate vulnerable country in the world, at a high risk to climate change and natural disasters.

Since the devastating earthquakes in April 2015, Nepal suffered as a nation but the poor and rural communities suffered most, losing the ability to provide basic needs such as food, water and shelter. Our projects in Nepal will focus on reconstruction and rebuilding homes, school and communities affected by the earthquakes.

NEPALNamaste!

“We are maintaining solidarity with the young people of Nepal in their efforts to rebuild their country”.

- Ram Risal, Country Director, Nepal.

As were a charity we talk about fundraising rather than costs. You can raise the money for your expedition through donations from family, friends and supporters as well as through personally funding yourself.

Fundraising is part of the experience. You’re raising a sum that will have a significant impact on the people you’ll be working alongside during your expedition. Fundraising is a great way to get in the spirit of your expedition and spread the word about impact we create and the work you’ll be doing during your programme. 13 week expeditions - £2,70013 week expeditions departing in June or July - £2,2008 week expedition - £1,750

Where does this money go?

If you would like to know how Raleigh raises and spends its funds then have a look at the costs page on the lead and support section of the Raleigh website.

What are the costs?

£

Donations Grants

Volunteer Fundraising

Corporate Partnerships

Running our country offices

Marketing & recruitment

Bursaries for local volunteers

Pre-departure training and support

Alumni networks

Monitoring &evaluation

to ensure we run impactful and sustainable programmes. This includes project materials and tools, food and accommodation, and safety provision for volunteers.

to continue to support our global community of volunteers in their development as active citizens.

to regularly review our work and ensure the continued impact of our programmes.

to ensure volunteers are fully prepared before departure.

to spread the word and �nd the right volunteers to carry out our work.

to build youth leadership in the countries we work in.

to enable our staff to provide long-term support to our local partners and communities.

Bursaries for UK disadvantaged young peopleto ensure young people from a diverse range of backgrounds can access our programmes.

Going out

Going in

Programmes

Fundraising is a great way to get creative. You could learn something new, or use existing skills to raise the money. Perhaps you’re musically talented? You could put on a gig or record a song to sell. Perhaps you’re a fantastic cook? Put on a curry night and ask people to donate. Or perhaps you’ve been looking for a reason to achieve something new or do something challenging…do a marathon (or half), get fit, explore an old talent or take up that hobby you’ve never had time for?

Set up a JustGiving page where your friends, colleagues and family can send donations. Then start sharing it with people however you can to help spread the word.If you have no previous experience of fundraising, no need to worry. We have a team in the head office who will support you with fundraising ideas and inspiration, and are just at the end of the phone or an email to answer any of your questions.

Please note that the cost of your flights, medical vaccinations and personal belongings are not included in the fundraising costs. You will need to budget extra for this and for any personal travel after the expedition.

How do I fundraise?

£2,700fundraising target

Set up a page and tell all your friends, family and colleagues about it so they can donate money online

= £1020

Put on a pub quiz! Ask your local if you can reserve an area to host a pub quiz. Spread the word and ask for a donation on arrival

= £320

Take part in a sponsored cycle, walk or run. Maybe you’ve been meaning to �nd the time to do something physically challenging, or perhaps you’re already an active person. It’s a great way to do something for yourself and a way to raise awareness

= £570

Get creative. Like painting, drawing or pottery? Musically talented or a bit of a comedian? Or have something to offer like massage therapy or hairdressing? Use your existing skills as a way to raise the funds

= £350

Need to add a little extra? You can always part fund the remaining amount yourself if you wish

= £440

Make fundraising fun. I’m sure you’re probably wondering how to fundraise, and when you will have the time. We advise all our volunteers to break it down it to different ways of raising money, you’ll realise it’s actually very achievable.

Fundraising ideas

And if you’re really up for a challenge, here’s a little inspiration from Rob Candy…In October 2014, Raleigh alumnus Rob Candy set off on his 5 month challenge of trekking 3,000 Kms along the length of New Zealand in order to raise money to support Tanzanian volunteers to take part in our programmes. Through raising funds and awareness, Rob will help volunteers from Tanzania to develop skills, gain confidence and take action over the issues that matter to them.

“3,000km walked, trudged, climbed, battled, waded, floated, crawled (literally), slipped, skipped, hopped and hiked through, along, and up. It’s forced, required and coaxed from us hidden depths of energy, determination, patience, and sheer guts. I chose to do this for the sense of adventure, of course, but also for others who haven’t been given some of the advantages and opportunities that I have. I wanted to give them the opportunity to confront poverty and learn ways in which to combat it”.

Preparing for your expedition can often feel overwhelming to fit in with day to day life. We will be with you every step of the way with advice and support. When your application is processed, a volunteer coordinator will be in touch about the next steps.

They will give you all the information you need to prepare yourself; from more details on your expedition country, to a list of the vaccinations you will need, plus flight guidance and advice on what to bring with you. They will also be at the end of the phone to reassure you and help with any fundraising ideas.

What support will I get?

Pre-departure training Before your expedition you will be invited to attend a pre departure training weekend, also known as a development weekend which is based in the UK. We advise anyone who can attend the training to do so but anyone overseas will receive training documents electronically.

Our pre-departure training for Volunteer Managers is designed to give you the knowledge you need to hit the ground running when you reach in country induction. As well as finding out more about our programmes and your role, you’ll focus on the tools required to be a successful leader. Most importantly, you will explore which of your own skills and behaviours will be most valuable to you on programme. We’ll be letting you know what we expect from you in the field, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The weekend is run by trainers who have a wealth of experience working with leaders and young people, many of them Raleigh alumni leaders themselves.

“Development weekend is a key part of the journey for our Volunteer Managers. Leading young people in remote environments is a challenge that everyone who is selected has the skills and attitude to achieve. Our job pre-departure is to help you explore your own values, build your knowledge, and identify your strengths, so that you can apply these to make a real difference” – Al Mackay, Learning & Development Manager

In country training When you arrive at the expedition fieldbase you’ll receive intensive expedition training for around 10 days with your fellow volunteer managers. You’ll learn much more about your role, exactly what you’ll be doing on a day to day basis, you’ll go on project planning visits and receive first aid training. Once the young volunteers arrive you’ll deliver them a condensed version of this training.

What training will I get?

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical, and effective and most importantly, tried and tested for over 30 years.

• Our programmes conform to the BS8848 which is the British Safety standard that applies to overseas expeditions. We are externally audited on an annual basis

• Every programme has qualified medical staff, who are volunteers themselves and provide support both to our country offices and directly to groups that are working in more remote areas

• 24/7 in country and head office support

• Full training for all our volunteers, both in country and pre departure

• We provide comprehensive medical and personal accident insurance

Safety

So, howcan I apply?

Your application will then be screened by our recruitment team

Fill in your application form here: https://raleighinternational.org/application-form-lead-or-support/

and email us a copy of your CV

If you’re application is successful we will invite you to attend an assessment weekend or a Skype interview

Once you have been accepted we will discuss which expedition you want to join and which role and allocate youto a place: will then process a £200 non-refundable deposit

Your volunteer coordinator will send you an expedition information pack which contains everything you need to know about joining an expedition; flight guidance; kit list;

vaccination list; medical form and fundraising advice

If your application is successful we will invite you to an assessment weekend which is based in the UK. If you’re based overseas and unable to attend we can arrange a Skype interview. During the assessment weekend you will be assessed on your soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, facilitation, problem solving and self-assurance. It is an action packed weekend designed to give you a taste of expedition life.

Now it’s over to you to start preparing. Start organising fundraising activities, buying your kit, brushing up on your language skills and preparing yourself for the adventure

ahead of you

Are you ready to apply? What are you waiting for?

Apply online - www.raleighinternational.org

If you still have questions for us there are lots of ways you can find out more…

Give us a call on +44(0)2071831270, drop us an email at volunteermanagers@raleighinternational.org or we can arrange a Skype call

Come along to one of our events and hear from past volunteers about their experiences Read about the positive impact our volunteers are having on communities and environments worldwide on Raleigh’s volunteer blogs

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates about our work

What’s next?

“At the end of a Raleigh expedition you feel like you have been a part of something really important. Positive changes are clearly visible in yourself, in other volunteers and, most importantly, the communities you have worked with. Then you realise that your expedition was not a one-off; there have been hundreds like it, and thousands of other volunteers just like you. When you think about all these volunteers and the impact they have all had you start to think you could be part of real global change. That, I think, is something fairly unique to Raleigh International.”

Ali, from the UK

Don’t just take it from us