People to People Volunteer Program

Job Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older
• Passionate About Change: Ideal for individuals who are eager to contribute to global development, particularly in areas like poverty alleviation, gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and climate action.
• Open to Learning: Those who are willing to learn new skills, embrace diverse cultures, and adapt to challenging environments.
• Flexible and Resilient: Ability to adapt to various circumstances and work as part of a diverse, international team.
• No Specific Background Required: Whether you're a student, career changer, or someone seeking a meaningful gap year experience, this program welcomes all individuals who are passionate about global issues and community development.

Job Benefits

• Personal Development: Gain valuable, transferable skills in leadership, cross-cultural communication, project management, and sustainable development.
• Global Impact: Contribute directly to the improvement of communities in the Global South, addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing these areas.
• Mentorship and Support: Access to continuous guidance from experienced instructors, peers, and local mentors.
• Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in a new culture, build lasting relationships, and broaden your global perspective.

Company Description

Planet Aid is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that collects and recycles used clothes and shoes and supports international development projects. Our clothes collection boxes can be found across many major metropolitan areas of the United States, helping to save resources and lessen environmental impacts by reducing waste. Planet Aid supports community-based projects that improve health, increase income, aid vulnerable children, train teachers, and enhance the overall quality of life for people across the globe.

Job Description

Location: Training Phase: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Project Phase: Zambia, Malawi or Brazil

Duration: 10 Months

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Overview: Planet Aid, in collaboration with Richmond Vale Academy (RVA), is looking for passionate, motivated individuals to join the People to People Volunteer Program. This unique 10-month program offers an opportunity to make a real impact by addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Volunteers will be trained to become effective change agents and community leaders, working shoulder-to-shoulder with local communities to foster sustainable development.

Program Structure:

Phase 1: Training (3 Months)

During the initial training period, you’ll dive deep into the theoretical aspects of global North-South relations, political systems, history, culture, and sustainable development practices. Practical, hands-on activities will help you build essential skills for community living and project management.

Phase 2: Project Work (6 Months)

After training, you will spend six months in your project country, putting everything you’ve learned into practice. You'll be working on a long-running project with strong ties to the local community to address key challenges such as education, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and more, while continuing to develop leadership skills in real-world settings.

Phase 3: Reflection and Evaluation (1 Month)

In the final phase, you will evaluate your experience, reflect on personal and community growth, and prepare for reintegration into your own community. This is a time to solidify the lessons learned and assess the impact of your work.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Engagement: Work alongside local communities to identify needs and develop sustainable solutions. Collaborate on community-driven projects in areas like health, education, and climate resilience.

Project Implementation: Take part in hands-on activities like organizing workshops, working on small-scale projects, and teaching valuable skills such as sustainable farming or leadership development.

Cultural Exchange: Build strong relationships with local community members and learn from their experiences. Share your knowledge and expertise while embracing new perspectives.

Support and Learning: Participate in structured training and receive guidance from Richmond Vale Academy instructors, mentors, and peer volunteers throughout the program.

Reflection and Growth: Participate in group discussions, evaluations, and feedback sessions to measure the impact of your work and learn from your experiences.

Behavioral Expectations:

As a participant in the People to People Volunteer Program, you are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct that reflects the values of the program and the communities we serve. This includes a strict no-drugs, no-marijuana, and no-alcohol policy throughout the entire duration of your time in the program. Staying sober is essential to ensure safety, well-being, and the integrity of the program. We ask all participants to commit to this policy, as it is key to maintaining a professional and supportive environment for all involved.

How to Apply: To join this transformative program, please submit your application explaining why you're interested in becoming a People to People Volunteer. We are looking for individuals who are committed to making a difference and willing to invest in the growth of themselves and the communities they serve.

Note: Volunteers must be committed to the full 10-month program and have the flexibility to travel and adapt to new cultural environments.