How to get involved
NB. This section only pertains to Option 1:Volunteering Programmes (3-7 weeks, summer months only). If you wish to get involved in options 2,3,4 aka Immersion Projects, Long-term Projects or Solidarity Programmes, please contact SERVE on the contact page.
3 Easy Steps
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Attend SERVE Open Day
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Fill-out application form
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Attend interview (Placement offered to successful applicants only)
STEP 1: ATTEND SERVE INFORMATION SESSION
Each November SERVE holds Information Sessions in different locations around Ireland. Attendance at an Information Session is required to get the full details regarding the projects available and the criteria needed to becoming a SERVE volunteer.
Application forms will only be distributed at the Information Sessions so attendance at an Open Day is necessary in order to be eligible for an interview. The next Open Days, for our 2013 projects, will take place in November 2012.
STEP 2: FILL OUT APPLICATION FORM
Application forms for SERVE volunteering projects are only available by attending a SERVE Information Session. Time will be given at the end of the Information Session to complete and return your completed application form.
STEP 3: ATTEND INTERVIEW
All applicants who complete an application form at our Information sessions will be offered an interview. These interviews usually take place within 4 weeks of the Information Session (End of November / Start of December)
Once the applicant accepts their placement we require they attend the following:
VOLUNTEER PRE-DEPARTURE TRAINING DAYS.
If you are successful in obtaining a place on SERVE’s Volunteer Programme you are obliged to attend three Pre-Departure Training Days which are held in Dublin.
Dates of these training days.
- First Saturday in February (10am-6pm)
- Last Saturday in March (10am – 6pm)
- Second Saturday in June (10am – 6pm)
Attendance at all three training days is compulsory
These Pre-departure training days will prepare volunteers fully for their overseas experience
through the provision of:
- Vaccination information
- Health and Safety training
- Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities / Volunteer Charter
- Volunteer Expectations
- Group Contract
- Fundraising
- Child Protection
- Development Education
- Country-group specific meetings
- Group Dynamics
- Culture workshops
- Training in engaging groups of young people
PROJECT DEPARTURE & RETURN:
- Volunteers will depart as a group from Dublin Airport
- Group departs Ireland at end of June / Start of July
- Volunteers will return as a group to Dublin airport
- SERVE is unable to facilitate volunteers in pursuing
independent travel at the end of their placement.
- Volunteers return to Ireland at the start / middle of August
POST-PROJECT ‘NEXT STEP’ WEEKEND
- On the last weekend of October, following the overseas project, all volunteers will gather again in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow for the SERVE “Next Step Weekend”
- The Next Step Weekend will run from the Friday evening until Sunday lunch time.
- This weekend will involve:
- Conference
- Presentations of work done on project by volunteers
- Volunteer Reunion
- Planning of advocacy and education campaigns
CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT (Optional)
SERVE volunteers can continue their involvement by engaging in various events throughout the year such as:
- Four Peaks Challenge
- Mizen2Malin Cycle
- Run-A-Muck
- Flip-Flop Friday
- Run4SERVE
- Sponsored Skydive
- Solidarity Group Meetings
- Future volunteering
- Church gate collections
- Bag Packing
- Mentor future volunteers
- Christmas Stocking Campaign
- Reflective events