How is DiA run?

• DiA is co-ordinated on a daily basis by the UK Co-ordinator who works 23 hours a week from home. DiA also employs a Recruitment Co-ordinator for ten hours a week to oversee the India Volunteer Placement Scheme.
• DiA has a team of dedicated Committee members who volunteer their time to make decisions about, and take on long-term tasks for DiA.
• DiA’s trustees have legal and financial responsibility for DiA, and ensure the strategy is developed and utilised. The trustees are long-standing members of DiA who have particular skills to contribute.
• DiA also has a team of UK Volunteers who have defined roles and are managed by committee members.

Why pay to volunteer in India? Where does the money go that I pay for my placement?
The placement fee covers: volunteers’ training and orientation and support whilst in India. It also covers the accommodation at your placement. Our partner organisations value the detailed training that we give all our volunteers. The training is designed to prepare you for your time in India and ensure your placement is not a ‘one-off’ occasion, but continues to influence your everyday actions back in the UK.
As DiA is not reliant on grant income or donations, your placement fee ensures that DiA continues to run effectively, and make changes where necessary to improve and develop as an organisation. We highly value the ideas and suggestions that volunteers provide.
The breakdown is as follows:

• Volunteer Recruitment:12%
• Volunteer Training:18%
• Volunteer Support: 53%
• Running costs/ Admin:17%

For further information, please contact info@developmentinaction.org for a copy of our annual accounts.

Can I do a placement at any time in India?
Placements have set dates and it is not possible to take part in a placement through DiA outside these dates.  Summer placements are from July – September and 5 Month Placements from September – February (for specific dates see recruitment timetable).

Can placements be a few weeks in India?
Placements have set dates, and therefore a set period of time.  Our placements are either 2 months or 5 months; shorter or longer placements are not possible.

Is it okay to apply from abroad?
Applications from abroad are received as long as the applicant is aware that we must meet them in the UK to assess their suitability.  Overseas applicants must attend anassessment day (if their application is successful).  If the applicant is successful in securing a placement, they must also attend a compulsory UK training weekend.   All applicants must be willing to fund their own travel to the UK in all cases.

I am not British, am I eligible to apply?
 A DIA placement is not subject to any nationality restrictions.  However you must be able to travel to India and secure a visa.

I am not a student, am I eligible to apply?
We consider everyone that applies.  All ages, experience, education level and nationality are encouraged to apply.

What if I am not a ‘young person’ – can I still volunteer?
Although our motto is ‘engaging young people in global issues’, we do not discriminate towards anybody because of their age. In fact, we see being young as a state of mind! We focus on engaging young people and always have done, but this does not limit our scope. We are always keen to venture into new areas of possibility and are interested in anybody who identifies with DiA’s ethos and aims.

Can I decide which placement I want to do in India?
One of the key qualities we ask for in our volunteers is flexibility. As our partners do different work throughout the year and may not have set projects for DiA volunteers to take part in, it is key that volunteers’ expectations are not too heavily influenced by what they have learnt or read about the placements from the UK.
We try our best to match volunteers to the placement that they will be best placed to. This involves some very complex discussions regarding the volunteers experience and interests and the needs of the partner organisation.
Whilst we do take volunteers preferences into account, we also emphasize the need for volunteers to be flexible and to work where there is the greatest need, and where they can best be of use to our partners.  This ultimately takes precedence over the wishes of volunteers.

What kind of work can I expect on the placement in India?
Each placement is extremely different.  Furthermore, the work you will be carrying out depends on the needs of our partner NGOs at the time of your placement.  Placement information is given on the website and will give more of an idea of what each placement entails.  However, we ask volunteers to be flexible and pro-active as work can vary.

How much support will I get on my placement in India?
Between June and December, DiA recruits two IVCs (India Volunteer Co-ordinators). The IVCs role is twofold – a) to provide in-country support to volunteers, and b) building and maintaining good relations with existing (and new) partners. They will provide orientation to India at the start of your placement and visit you at least once during your time in India. They will also be contactable by email/phone, and in case of emergencies.

How do I apply for a placement in India?
The application is available to download from the website.  Please complete the application form and email it to recruitment@developmentinaction.org.  CVs/resumes are not considered so please fill out the appropriate application form.

I do not wish to go to India but want to get involved with DiA, is this possible?
There is great opportunity for people to get involved with DiA in the UK without having to go on a placement to India.  This is a not-for-profit NGO which relies on enthusiastic volunteers who have an interest in development.  We are looking for committed volunteers from all over the UK to get involved in helping us raise the profile of development education.  No previous experience is necessary as appropriate training/guidance will be provided.
OPPORTUNITIES:

• Aid with the development and the running of the touring exhibition
• Write for DiA’s magazine on development issues
• Join the fundraising committee to help raise money for DiA
• Help with the running of DiA, such as administration work, and gain experience of a small NGO
• Become part of our development education team which strives to bring development education to young people and engage them in global issues through workshops run by DiA

E-mail Uk_volunteers@developmentinaction.org for more information.

 

 

If you have any further questions, or require clarification on any of the above points, please contact us at info@developmentinaction.org