IVPA Principles and PracticesAn organization’s membership in IVPA is based on adherence to and acceptance of 35 Principles and Practices. IVPA supports and advocates these Principles and Practices as a means of ensuring program quality and appropriate volunteer behavior in international and intercultural settings. The criteria stated in the Principles and Practices are not intended to exhaustive but also meant to give prospective volunteers a reliable basis on which to choose worthwhile program experiences. Membership to the International Volunteer Program Association is based on general adherence to and acceptance of Principles and Practices. IVPA supports and advocates these Principles and Practices as a means of ensuring program quality and appropriate volunteer behavior in international/intercultural settings. They are also meant to give prospective volunteers a reliable basis on which to choose worthwhile program experiences.All volunteer programs may not include every aspect, depending on their design and purpose. They do, however, provide guidelines and standards for the field. All IVPA member organizations recognize and agree to the spirit of these principles and practices. The criteria stated in the Principles and Practices are not intended to be either exhaustive or restrictive, although member organizations are expected to meet the standards of organizational responsibility stated in the qualifications for membership.International Volunteer Programs AssociationIVPA_8139da9e-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea00The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is a nonprofit accrediting body dedicated to promoting awareness and access to quality volunteer abroad programs.International Volunteer ProgramsProspective VolunteersExcellence in the field of international volunteering_8139dc56-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea00To give prospective volunteers a reliable basis on which to choose worthwhile program experiences_8139dd64-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea00ExcellenceIVPA is committed to standards of excellence in the field of international volunteering and IVPA member organizations must uphold the IVPA’s Principles and Practices as guidelines for good programming as well as meet stringent membership criteria.StandardsPre-Program_8139de68-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea00InformationEnsure the clarity of all information about programs_8139df6c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea001Materials are clear, accurate, and current regarding fees, activities, expectations, criteria for involvement, refund policies, and other aspects of the program. Enrollment forms clearly explain refund policies in case of cancellation by (a) the participant before or during the program, and (b) by the organization.ApplicationsEnable anyone to apply based upon specified criteria_8139e05c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea002Application is open to all based on stated criteria, but applicants are evaluated as to maturity, motivation, skills, responsibility, physical and mental health, and cultural sensitivity. Organization is willing to reject applicants who do not meet the stated criteria.RecruitmentEncourage diversity in recruiting participants_8139e14c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea003Intentionally encourages diversity in recruiting participants of varying backgrounds, skills, income levels, ethnicities, age, gender and abilities/disabilities. When possible, devotes a portion of organizational income, or seeks funding support, for this purpose.CommunicationEnable communication between potential and former volunteers_8139e23c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea004Has a system in place for communication between potential and former volunteers.FundraisingSuggest means of fundraising to participants._8139e336-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea005Suggests means of fundraising to participants.OrientationProvide pre-departure and orientation materials_8139e444-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea006Provides thorough pre-departure and orientation descriptive materials well before the program. Materials include: (a) Information about the country, culture, language, and issues of the society. (b) Clear, accurate, and up to date information on lodging, meals, transportation, and logistics of the program. (c) Detailed information on volunteer work sites and placement expectations. (d) Clear, accurate, and up to date information about health, safety, travel, passport and visa requirements.Medical InsuranceEnsure that international travel medical insurance is provided_8139e548-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea007Requires that all volunteers/participants have international travel medical insurance. If insurance is not provided by the organization, requires that all volunteers/participants provide proof of international medical insurance prior to departure.BehaviorDefine expectations and consequences of behavior violations_8139e660-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea008Clearly defines expectations and consequences of behavior violations in the program including responsibilities during the volunteer service, behavior offensive to the host culture, or violation of local laws. Includes statements about the organization’s policy in regard to the involvement of the volunteer in in-country politics and social advocacy activities.Program_8139e764-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea00StaffingMaintain at least one in-country staff member per program._8139e868-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea009The organization has at least one in-country staff member per program that meets the follow criteria: (a) Their primary responsibility is to oversee the management and well-being of volunteers during the course of their experience abroad. (b) They reside within the country where a volunteer is serving and are on call in the event of an emergency. (c) Are employees of the IVPA member organization (i.e. they are not “subcontractors” from an organization separate to the IVPA member). Employees may work on a volunteer or paid basis and may be seasonal, part-time, or full-time. In addition, organizations have staff or in-country partners who are reliable with ongoing community relations, connections in the society, and commitment to the ideals of the program.Emergency ContactsCollect emergency contact information for each participant._8139e976-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0010Collects detailed emergency contact information for each participant. Has a clear system to explain how and when emergency contacts are notified.LanguageAdvocate for language fluency._8139eaac-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0011Advocates how language fluency can enhance the volunteer experience. Provides appropriate and ongoing language instruction where applicable.PlacementsPlace volunteers with local and ongoing agencies and projects._8139ebe2-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0012Wherever possible places volunteers with local and ongoing agencies and projects rather than creating its own. The agencies or projects should be those that allow volunteers to encounter directly the social and developmental issues of the other culture and society.HousingEnsure that housing or home stays are clean, hygienic, and safe._8139ecfa-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0013Housing or home stay should be clean (in accordance with local standards), hygienic, and safe.ReflectionEngage volunteers in written and oral critical reflection on their experiences. _8139eebc-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0014Engages volunteers in written and oral critical reflection on their experiences. This may be formal (e.g. for academic credit), informal (e.g. discussion sessions), public (e.g. regularly scheduled meetings) or private (e.g. keeping of a journal).CulturesEncourage and enable volunteers to broaden their experience of their host cultures._8139f0ec-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0015Allows and encourages opportunities for volunteers to broaden their experience of the host culture by field trips and experiences beyond the basic obligations of the program.Resources & MaterialsOffer suggestions to volunteers on how they might bring resources/materials to their agency/project._8139f20e-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0016Suggests to volunteers ways that they might bring resources/materials to their agency/project. Has a clear policy on donations to host families, partner organizations, and members of the community.ProselytizingProvide guidelines and procedures for the avoidance of proselytizing._8139f42a-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0017Provides clear guidelines and procedures regarding policy on avoidance of proselytizing. Expects volunteers to be sensitive to and respect cultural norms surrounding issues of politics, culture, and society.DisciplineStandardize disciplinary procedure._8139f574-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0018Has a standardized disciplinary procedure for handling infractions to rules, policies, and expectations of the program. Explains to volunteers how they have acted incorrectly and whenever possible allows them the opportunity to correct their behavior prior to being dismissed from a program.Customer ServiceProvide timely responses to inquiries and complaints._8139f6d2-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0019Demonstrates commitment to providing quality customer service by giving timely responses to inquiries and complaints.Post-Program_8139f81c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea00EvaluationEvaluate volunteer experiences._8139f952-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0020Conducts a survey/evaluation of volunteers about their experiences.Experiences & WorkSuggest ways that volunteers can share their experiences and continue their work._8139fab0-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0021Suggests ways that volunteers can share their experiences and continue their work on return.AlumniProvide support for an alumni network._8139fbfa-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0022Provides support for an alumni network through which volunteers can stay in touch with each other, contribute to the work of the organization’s programs, and be involved in fundraising and recruitment.FeedbackCollect feedback from global partners and communities._8139fd44-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0023Collects feedback from global partners and communities at least once annually to assess the impact and quality of the volunteers‘ contributions and level of ‘buy-in’ from community members.Organizational_8139fe98-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea00AuditsConduct financial audits._8139ffec-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0024Conducts a yearly financial audit where required. For fee-for-service model programs, clearly outlines how funds are used. Detailed information on how program fees are spent is available to the public.Emergency ContactsProvide emergency contact numbers._813a0122-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0025Provides a 24 hour emergency contact number for friends and family of volunteers to reach a representative of the organization. Volunteers have a 24 hour contact number for in-country staff.LiabilitiesMaintain liability insurance._813a026c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0026Holds current and adequate domestic and foreign liability insurance.DirectionMaintain an active Board of Directors._813a03de-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0027If a non-profit, has an active Board of Directors that meets at least twice annually.InformationProvide clear, accurate, and consistent information._813a0546-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0028Provides clear, accurate, and consistent information in all online and printed materials.MarketingRefrain from exploiting the misfortunes of communities and vulnerable populations._813a067c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0029Does not exploit the misfortunes of communities or vulnerable populations in marketing and program material. Practices this by using images and vocabulary that empower and celebrate local culture.Privacy & IdentitySecure the privacy and identity of participants._813a07ee-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0030Takes measures to secure the privacy and identity of participants. Only uses volunteer’s likeness (photos, quotes, written evaluations) with prior consent.LawfulnessComply with all applicable laws._813a094c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0031Runs programs in accordance with local, state, and federal laws both domestically and abroad.Conservation & WastePromote conservation and waste reduction practices._813a0cc6-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0032Promotes conservation and waste reduction practices in all offices.Complaints & RequestsRespond promptly to complaints and requests._813a0e2e-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0033Responds promptly to complaints, refund requests, and other issues regarding dissatisfied volunteers. Has a complaint and refund policy clearly explained in enrollment forms.Physical & Mental DemandsEnsure that participants fully understand the nature of the program they are undertaking_813a0f8c-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0034Asks that all participants sign a declaration stating that they fully understand the nature of the program they are undertaking and the physical and mental demands that may be involved.Operations & CrisesMake an operating manual and universal crisis management plan_813a10e0-911f-11ec-906e-3309f482ea0035Organization has an operating manual and universal crisis management plan that is available to all staff.2022-02-18http://volunteerinternational.org/why-standards-2/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net