How is DiA run?

DiA is coordinated on a daily basis by the UK Coordinator who works 23 hours a week from home. DiA has a team of dedicated Committee members who volunteer their time to help run the organisation. DiA’s trustees have legal and financial responsibility for DiA, and ensure the strategy is developed and utilised. The trustees are often long-standing members of DiA or sector professionals 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 and where does the money go that I pay for my placement?

The placement fee covers volunteers’ training, orientation, accommodation and support whilst in India. 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.

The breakdown is as follows: * Volunteer Recruitment: 12% * Volunteer Training: 18% * Volunteer Support: 53% * Running costs/Admin: 17%.

For further information, please visit our Fees & Fundraising page or email our Treasurer, Mike - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for a copy of thr 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. Specific dates will be updated annually in our What's on? calendar.

.

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 be able to attend an assessment 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 the UK and secure the relevant visas.

.

I am not a student, am I eligible to apply?

We consider everyone that applies. All ages, experience, education levels and nationalities 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 and are interested in anybody who identifies with DiA’s aims and values.

.

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 suited to. This involves some very complex discussions regarding experience, interests, and the needs of each 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 an IVC (India Volunteer Co-ordinator) to work in India. The IVC's role is twofold – a) to provide in-country support to volunteers, and b) build and maintain good relations with existing (and new) partners. The IVC will provide orientation 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . CVs/resumes are not considered so please fill out the appropriate application form.

.