AYUDA CATALOG
2016 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
AYUDA (American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established
in 1997 with the vision that youth can serve as agents of change in diabetes communities around the globe. AYUDA was
founded in reaction to seeing children with diabetes who had access to insulin and basic medical treatment, but still suffered complications and early death because they did not have the education needed to manage their condition. To this
end, AYUDA operates under the guiding principle that “a lack of education is just as dangerous as a lack of insulin.”
AYUDA uses an innovative peer leadership model through which international volunteers serve as catalysts to empower
local youth living with diabetes to manage their diabetes. In the countries where AYUDA volunteers work, AYUDA’s empowerment model directly impacts young people with diabetes and their families, local health professionals, local governments and ministries of health. Over the last 19 years, AYUDA has trained over 500 volunteers who have served in over 20
countries. AYUDA has been recognized for its social
entrepreneurship and innovation by Ashoka: Innovators
2016 Summer AYUDA Volunteer Program Timeline for the Public, the World Bank as a 2007 Development
Dominican Republic
Marketplace Finalist, and the United Nations as an NGO
in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and
August 1, 2015: New Volunteer Application Process Opens Online
Social Council of the United Nations (UNESCO).
(rolling application acceptance with early acceptance)
October 25, 2015: Early Application Deadline
AYUDA’s model is unique in that we place an
November 14, 2015: Early Decision Acceptance Notification
February 6, 2016: Final Application Deadline
unprecedented responsibility on our volunteers.
February 10, 2016: Acceptance Notification
AYUDA selects volunteers from a competitive pool of
high school, university, and graduate students through- February 25, 2016: Volunteer Training Program E-course Begins
March 11-13, 2016: Volunteer Training Program Summit in
out the United States and abroad for an extensive
Washington, DC
semester training and outreach program to benefit
June 4-13, 2016: Ganémosle In-country Program
youth living with diabetes. Once accepted into our
June 18 – July 6, 2016: Campo Amigo In-country Program
program, every volunteer participates in the intenJuly 9-19, 2016: En El Camino In-country Program
sive semester-long AYUDA Volunteer Training ProSeptember 1, 2016: Final fundraising Deadline
gram (VTP). Volunteers typically spend anywhere from
First Fundraising Commitment Deadlines: 1 Week Prior to Departure
1 to 4 weeks abroad working with the local diabetes
community to motivate youth to live happier and
healthier lives with diabetes. Experienced volunteers
who are selected to become Volunteer Mentors and/
or Volunteer Program Associates are invited to participate in a site visit during the year to the community to prepare for
the volunteer program. By involving all of our volunteers in multiple elements of our program preparation and delivery, we
provide hands-on experiences that inspire and empower them to serve as agents of social change, not only internationally but in other areas of their lives as well.
Throughout the Summer of 2016, AYUDA is offering 3 unique volunteer opportunities in the Dominican Republic:
•• Ganémosle Volunteer Program - Santo Domingo (June 4th -June 13th, 2016)
•• Campo Amigo Dominicano - Santo Domingo (June 18th - July 6th, 2016)
•• En El Camino - Multiple Locations, DR (July 9th- 19th, 2016)
Within this catalogue you can read more about each specific program and decide which opportunity might suit you
best. You can also read more about our Volunteer Training Program on pages 5 and 6.
To apply for or learn more about our 2016 programs, please visit our website for more information:
www.ayudainc.net/volunteers
Ganémosle Volunteer Program
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
June 4th -June 13th, 2016*
Volunteers will support AYUDA’s Dominican Republic partners Aprendiendo a Vivir (AAV) in their national diabetes
prevention and exercise campaign “Ganémosle la Carrera a la diabetes” (Let’s beat diabetes campaign!) and fitness
event. 2016 will mark the fifth year AYUDA supports this event. In a country where an estimated 70% of the population
do not exercise and with an increasing prevalence of diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases, there
has been a demand for larger scale events that reach even more members of the general public. Ganémosle helps to
fill that need.
The event includes a 10K run, a 5k Run/Walk and a mini-camp for youth living with type 1 diabetes. In this busy 10day program, volunteers, led by AYUDA staff, will gain hands-on experience working on a national grassroots diabetes
public awareness campaign. Volunteers will participate in diabetes outreach activities that include visits to schools,
gyms, parks, and local media outlets. Those with an interest in fitness, health education and media and communications are encouraged to apply.
Fundraising Commitments: $4,850 ($4,750 is due by May 27
and $100 is due September 1), plus flight costs (for Washington
DC and the Dominican Republic). If volunteers would like to be
reimbursed for their travel and they exceed their fundraising commitment, they may be reimbursed up to $1,000 with proper documentation.
Sample Ganémosle Volunteer Program Itinerary
(subject to change)
Saturday June 4th: Welcome, cultural orientation, and training
Sunday June 5th: In country cultural training, welcome dinner
Monday June 6th: Free morning, afternoon local university student outreach effort
Tuesday June 7th: Local walk/run, children’s hospital and foundation visit, local gym outreach effort
Wednesday June 8th: Local walk/run, registration, afternoon student outreach efforts
Thursday June 9th: Local walk/run, preparation for expo, afternoon student outreach efforts, evening group activiy
Friday June 10th: Local walk/run, all day expo
Saturday June 11th: Ganémosle 5k/10k race
Sunday June 12th: Post-program wrap up and evaluation
Monday June 13th: Departure
To apply or learn more about this program, please visit our website : www.ayudainc.net/volunteers
*Dates subject to slight change
Campo Amigo Dominicano Volunteer Program
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
June 18th - July 6th, 2016*
During this intensive program volunteers will collaborate with AYUDA’s partner organization “Aprendiendo a Vivir”
(AAV) a local diabetes organization based in Santo Domingo.
Accepted volunteers, led by AYUDA staff, will work closely with AAV local staff, medical students and rising Dominican
youth leaders to plan and implement community outreach projects. These projects will motivate and support young
people living with type 1 diabetes, as well as their families. The 3 week program will culminate with the 9th annual
weekend family diabetes camp, Campo Amigo Dominicano, where volunteers will work with local AAV youth leaders
to serve as counselors and camp staff.
Fundraising Commitments: $6,500 ($6,400 is due by
June 10 and $100 is due September 1), plus flight costs (for
Washington DC and the Dominican Republic). If volunteers
would like to be reimbursed for their travel and they exceed
their fundraising commitment, they may be reimbursed up
to $1,000 with proper documentation
Sample Campo Amigo Volunteer Program Itinerary
(subject to change)
Saturday June 18 - Monday June 20: Welcome, cultural
orientation, and training
Tuesday June 21- Saturday June 25: Community
outreach, children’s hospital visit, pre-camp preparations
and retreat
Sunday June 26: Dia De La Familia Diabetes Camp
Monday June 27: Free day
Tuesday June 28 - Friday July 1: Outreach trips and
camp preparation
Saturday July 2 - Sunday July 3: Campo Amigo
Dominicano
Monday July 4: Free day
Tuesday July 5: Post-program wrap up and evaluation
Wednesday July 6: Departure
To apply or learn more about this program, please visit our website : www.ayudainc.net/volunteers
*Dates subject to slight change
En El Camino Volunteer Program
Multiple Locations, Dominican Republic
July 9th- 19th, 2016*
Introducing a brand new AYUDA volunteer summer program! This program is aimed at those who want to combine
diabetes outreach with a love travel and exploration. Come “on the road” with AYUDA and Aprendiendo a Vivir (AAV)
and get to know the Dominican Republic while making a difference in the diabetes community. Since our hallmark
program, Campo Amigo Dominicano is based in Santo Domingo, it cannot serve everybody around the country. AAV
has requested that AYUDA work with them on a pilot program to take the educational and empowerment experience
of camp on the road to other provinces in the Dominican Republic. Volunteers will travel with local Dominican youth
leaders, representatives of AAV, and AYUDA staff members to the
following provinces/cities in the Dominican Republic to run daylong educational outreach and local capacity-building programs:
San Cristobal, Baní, La Vega, Gaspar Hernández, and San Pedro.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn from people living
with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and help provide them with the
tools that motivate them to live happier, healthier lives.
During this program, volunteers will engage in outreach within
the diabetes communities of the provinces/cities of San Cristobal, Baní, La Vega, Gaspar, Hernández, and San Pedro. Two days
will be spent within each community.
Fundraising Commitments: $5,550 ($5,400 is due by
July 1 and $100 is due September 1), plus flight costs
(for Washington DC and the Dominican Republic).
If
volunteers would like to be reimbursed for their travel and they exceed their fundraising commitment, they may be
reimbursed up to $1,000 with proper documentation.
Sample En El Camino Volunteer Program Itinerary (subject to change)
Saturday July 9 - Sunday July 10: Welcome, cultural orientation and training
Monday July 11: Visit to Santo Domingo children’s hospital
Tuesday July 12: San Cristobal outreach trip (Prepare workshops and sessions)
Wednesday July 13: San Pedro outreach trip
Thursday July 14: Baní outreach trip
Friday July 15: La Vega outreach trip
Saturday July 16: Gaspar Hernández outreach trip/ Travel to Santiago
Sunday July 17: Santiago outreach trip/ Travel to Cabarete for free day
Monday July 18: Post-program wrap up and evaluation
Tuesday July 19: Departure
To apply or learn more about this program, please visit our website : www.ayudainc.net/volunteers
*Dates subject to slight change
Volunteer Training Program (VTP)
AYUDA invests significant resources in its volunteers. In return, volunteers’ investment in AYUDA ensures the quality of programs
is maintained and that strategic goals are met. A volunteer’s journey with AYUDA begins from the moment they are accepted
into our programs. Every volunteer participates in the intensive semester-long Volunteer Training Program (VTP) that includes 3
main components: (1) online training course (VTP E-course), (2) an in-person multi-day intensive training program (VTP Summit),
and (3) extensive cultural training in-country (Dominican Republic) throughout our programs. The VTP immerses volunteers in an
intense orientation, teaching sound principles and core AYUDA Values.
Our VTP Components
• VTP E-Course (Online): AYUDA’s volunteers live, work and study across
much of the U.S. and other parts of the world. The VTP E-Course provides
flexibility for volunteers and enables AYUDA to engage its volunteers immediately after they are accepted into a program. Throughout the 12-week course,
volunteers engage in weekly online modules and sessions. Continuing the VTP
E-Course activities post-program helps AYUDA increase volunteer retention
and volunteer impact in serving as agents of social change.
• VTP Summit (Arlington, VA; March 11-13, 2016): At the VTP Summit,
AYUDA convenes the entire cohort of volunteers prior to departure for their respective programs. They meet for a weekend in Washington, DC headquarters
to receive intensive training from lead faculty and youth leaders. Focusing on
AYUDA’s founding principle of youth leadership and empowerment, the VTP
Summit builds the foundation for the rest of AYUDA’s programming.
SERVICE LEARNING CREDIT HOURS
CAMPO AMIGO DOMINICANO
Volunteer Training Program (VTP) :105 Hours
• VTP E-Course Attendance: 10 Contact Hours
• VTP E-Course Assignments: 20 Hours
• VTP Summit Attendance: 25 Contact Hours
• VTP Social Entrepreneurship: 50 Hours
In-Country Program Leadership: 280 Contact Hours
• Cultural Orientation & Local Teambuilding
• International Partner Collaboration
• Diabetes Outreach & Education
• Youth Leadership Training & Empowerment
Sub Total Contact Hours: 315 Contact Hours
Sub Total Preparation Hours: 70 Hours
Total Service Hours: 385 Hours
• Cultural Training Program (In-Country): Once abroad, AYUDA volunteers undergo an additional intense cultural training
program orientation that is run in conjunction with AYUDA’s respective local partners.
Our 5 AYUDA Focus Areas and Core Values
AYUDA Background and Principles: Volunteers learn about AYUDA’s mission, objectives, philosophy, and history - as well as the
diverse volunteer programs and opportunities.
Social Entrepreneurship & Fundraising: Volunteers learn to be effective advocates, fundraisers and social entrepreneurs. They collect
fundraising strategies, as they share best practices and technological tools.
SERVICE LEARNING CREDIT HOURS
GANÉMOSLE AND EN EL CAMINO
Volunteer Training Program (VTP) : 95 Hours
• VTP E-Course Attendance: 10 Contact Hours
• VTP E-Course Assignments: 20 Hours
• VTP Summit Attendance: 25 Contact Hours
• VTP Social Entrepreneurship: 40 Hours
In-Country Program Leadership: 125 Contact Hours
• Cultural Orientation & Local Teambuilding
• International Partner Collaboration
• Diabetes Outreach & Education
• Youth Leadership Training & Empowerment
Sub Total Contact Hours: 160 Contact Hours
Sub Total Preparation Hours: 60 Hours
Total Service Hours: 220 Hours
Cultural Training & Country Program: Volunteers learn about their program’s his-
tory and needs and host country’s culture. They prepare outreach strategies and
discuss safety issues. AYUDA’s international partners facilitate this training so
that volunteers understand locally defined priorities and objectives.
Living with Diabetes: Volunteers learn the fundamentals of diabetes management. They train in hands-on peer-based practicum sessions and practice different medical diabetes communication methods in local dialects and in locally
appropriate manners. Moreover, they explore the psychosocial issues surrounding diabetes, and understand the diabetes lifestyle.
Team Building & Mentorship: Volunteers strengthen their team bonds, get to
know each other, and prepare to work effectively as a team. They prepare for
their roles of mentorship in the variety of contexts that they will encounter in
their respective programs. Through VTP, volunteers become invested in the
future in diabetes care, advocacy, and social change.
Volunteer Training Program (VTP)
“Spending nearly 6 weeks in the Dominican Republic
(DR) this summer changed my life. My tiny diabetes
world expanded, and I came away with a new perspective on what the big issues are. No matter how
you take care of yourself and your diabetes, we all go
through the same thing. We all have the same struggles, and the camps and outreach programs gave
everyone involved a sense of belonging.”
-Louise Kyle, 2013 AYUDA DR Volunteer & 2014 Volunteer Mentor
The benefits of AYUDA’s programs
In the countries where AYUDA volunteers work, our empowerment model directly impacts young people with diabetes and
their families, local health professionals, local governments and
ministries of health. In addition, our volunteers, both with and
without diabetes are greatly impacted when they apply their
acquired leadership skills in different environments. Trained to be leaders of social change, volunteers gain
valuable skills and experiences that transform their lives personally, emotionally and professionally. Young
people with diabetes receive fundamental, life-saving diabetes management education in a way that empowers them to want to have better control of their health.
Why is AYUDA different than other volunteer programs?
Our volunteers and staff work together with international youth partners to deliver culturally appropriate
and effective programs that are specifically based on the needs of
the community. Volunteers contribute a major part of the direct
operating costs of AYUDA’s sponsorship of local diabetes camps
and outreach projects. Without the dedication of individual volunteers, AYUDA would not be able to implement our programs to
support these diabetes communities.
“I learned so much through AYUDA, especially about all
the aspects necessary to facilitate change for a global
health issue. I only hope that I had an impact on people I
was fortunate enough to meet as much as they impacted
me. Volunteering with AYUDA has undoubtedly been
one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and has only
reinvigorated my passion and interest in Latin America
and working in the global health realm.”
- Jeanette Schnierle, AYUDA Ecuador Volunteer 2012