Why Pay to Volunteer? |
Why Pay to Volunteer?
Your Program Fee Covers Your Costs and Supports Communities in Need
PeruForYou Volunteer Programmes is a nonprofit that programme hard to keep its costs and its fees as low as possible. Still, we know that it is a challenge for many of our volunteers to pay for their programs. We want you to know that your money is spent as effectively and efficiently as possible, and we are always working to make it more affordable.
Many ask, “Why should I have to pay to volunteer?” The answer is that volunteering in another country requires a lot of resources and preparation. Volunteers abroad need accommodations, food and work materials, in addition to in-country training and orientation to ensure their safety.
Since PeruForYou places volunteers with host families, we need to help our host communities and partner organizations cover their costs. We focus much attention and respect on the local community. We believe sending volunteers to live with host families helps boost the local economy, and does a great deal to increase cross-cultural understanding and assist the community in the long-term.
Volunteer Preparation and Field Expenses (60%)
The field expenses alone account for the majority of the program fee. Approximately 60% of the program fee goes to cover these expenses which also include the volunteer food and accommodation, coordination, preparation and training.
Field Expenses:
* Volunteer food and accommodation
* Activities, language classes and excursions
* Small donation to project
* Country Funds
Volunteer Preparation:
* Application Processing
* Coordination with field staff and volunteer
* Pre-departure support
* Cultural adjustment and pre-departure training
Administration and Volunteer Recruitment (20%)
Without administration and volunteer recruitment funds, PFY would not be able to sustain its current operations. And you, the volunteer, would not be able to receive the personalized attention and around-the-clock support that PFY currently offers.
Administration
The general administration costs support both the Lima and Huancayo office staff and the field coordinators in each city where PFY runs a program. Unfortunately, no organization is able to operate without at least a small amount of overhead that goes toward:
* Staff salaries & benefits (Lima and Huancayo office and city coordinators)
* Communications – IT, Telephone, Email, Postage
* General office supplies
* Insurance
* Legal consultation
* Office Rent
* Bookkeeping
* Taxes
Volunteer Recruitment
The Lima and Huancayo offices is responsible for volunteer recruitment, outreach and communications. We can not send volunteers to support our partner organizations if people do not know we exist! Getting the name of PFY out there with the intention of recruiting volunteers and other support is necessary for the running of our programs and assisting the host communities. Items included in volunteer recruitment are:
* Website maintenance
* Communications: Brochures, E-newsletters, PFY Blog
* Web advertising
Program Development (11%)
PFY consistently strives to improve the quality of its programs. In addition, PFY measures the impact it has on local communities at the end of each year, when assessments are made on how to better serve our communityand their needs. Program development includes ongoing program evaluations, improvements and management; staff site visits; researching and setting up new project offerings and cities; project staff training; and special projects.
Free Public Programs (9%)
PFY also supports several free public programs, such dental health, sports for schools and communities. The goal is to bring cultural exchange to schools and communities where individuals do not have the resources or ability to spend time abroad, cross- cultural understanding can be enhanced in our own back yards!.