Dear Orphanage Outreach Program Volunteers,

Thank you for signing up for what will be one of the most powerful experiences of your life, the Orphanage Outreach Volunteer Program in the Dominican Republic.

It will be a time of miracles, both for the children at the orphanages and for ourselves as volunteers.   We will be providing an incredible amount of opportunities for education, recreation, service projects, and friendship.  Thank you for your generosity in giving of your time and money.

The program will be a combination of school and camp.  You will have an opportunity to contribute in many areas including working with the kids in math, English, science, health, reading, arts and crafts, music, and theater.  You can be involved in a wide range of sports and recreational activities including touch football, baseball, basketball, and volleyball.  There will be time for playing Frisbee or flying a kite.

The major focus of your time in the Dominican Republic will be to work with the kids. However, there might be minor maintenance and construction projects to work on, and possibly opportunities to be involved in gardening, landscaping, and more.

We request your next steps to be:

Please share this Volunteer Information Packet with people who are concerned about you and interested in your trip—parents, spouses, etc.  Sometimes they have more concerns than you do, especially when they don’t have all the information you have.

Please note that this is your confirmation letter for the trip.  Most of our communication between now and the trip will be via e-mail; please let us know if your e-mail address changes!

Thank you again for volunteering for this great adventure.  I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Tom Eklund
Executive Director

One Page Summary
(Printable PDF Copy)

1) Be 2 Hours Early to the Airport 

2) Find your passport now.   

3) This is NOT an American Express vacation.  This is NOT a tour.  This is a work trip to a developing country.  Part of the fun is all the things that go wrong.  Expect it. Enjoy it.  Be flexible.  Practice being “Gumby”. 

4) Things to bring:
a) Your passport.
b) Mosquito repellent. Extra mosquito repellent.
c) Sun screen.
d) A flashlight with extra batteries.
e) A personal water bottle.
 f) Twin sheets, a towel, an airline style blanket/throw, and washcloths. (Sheet and towels and  blankets are optional, they are available at the orphanage)
g) Foam Ear plugs (The chickens and donkeys can be loud at night!)
h) A camera, extra camera batteries and film or memory cards.  Double the film or memory you think you will need.
i) Work gloves
j) Personal toiletry items, including soap, you may need.  Instant hand sanitizer is helpful.
k) Just in case—items for stomach issues—Pepto Bismol, immodium, etc. 
l) An extra pair of glasses or contacts, if you use them.
m) A plastic garbage bag to store your dirty clothes for your trip home. OO does not provide them..
n) Guys—bring at least one pair of pants for working in the schools. If you plan to go to church, also bring a nice polo or dress shirt.
o) Women - The Pentecostal orphanages and professional Dominican women dress very modestly.  Wear skirts or pants or capris at or below the knee.  No shorts, tank tops, or sleeveless dresses. Long shorts (at knee or below) can only be worn while running before breakfast, or over your swimsuit if you go to the beach with the kids.   A one piece swimsuit always. If you plan to go to church, bring a long dress or skirt and blouse.
p) You will receive OO tee-shirts to wear each day when you arrive in the D.R.
q) If you are under age 18 and not traveling with a parent, complete the Temporary Guardianship Form and give it to the temporary guardian traveling with you.

 5) For those who may need to reach you in case of an emergency, have them leave a message on the Orphanage Outreach machine (602) 375-2900.  We will check messages daily.   It is an Orphanage Outreach requirement that you call someone at home with an “arrived safe” message.  Please coordinate this in advance of your trip so your family knows who you are going to call.  Please tell people NOT to expect a “Got there O. K.” call from you until at least 24 hours after you arrive.  Phone calls during the week will be limited to emergency calls only.  We find that phone calls during the week can be a significant distraction from your work at the orphanage.  If you are staying more than one week, you will be able to call home on the weekend.  Phone cards will not work; plan on spending approximately 40 cents per minute to call home.  If you bring your own cell phone, you will be asked to put it away after your “Got there O. K. call home.  You will have access to a phone if you have an emergency in the Dominican Republic. 

6) Your housing, food, ground transportation, and insurance is covered through your donation.  The amount of spending money you need will be minimal. You will need $10 to enter the country and $10 to exit the country.   You will need money to make a phone call home,  to buy an occasional soda,  buy any miscellaneous personal items you may need, etc. Some volunteers have spent less than $10 during a week at the orphanage.  You will probably not have access to an ATM machine, unless you are at the orphanage for more than a week .   Our suggestion is to bring $100 in cash (not traveler’s checks), and to not change money until you arrive in the Dominican Republic.  

7) Most airlines allow you to bring two large (up to 50 pounds each) pieces of luggage to check in; confirm with your airline. Also check to see if there are any special luggage embargoes on your airline, i.e. no checked boxes. We request that you bring all personal essentials and one week of clothing in your carry-on, as it may take a week to return to the airport to pick up lost luggage. 

General Information

Effective December 31, 2006, you will need a passport for your trip to the Dominican Republic. You will need US$20 to pay for your Dominican Republic tourist card and departure tax. You will also need some additional money to pay for any snacks, beverages, and meals you decide to eat outside the orphanage, phone calls home, and any souvenirs you purchase.

If you are staying longer than two weeks, there is an additional departure tax of approximately:

15 Days to 3 months: $12 US or 300 Pesos

3 Months to 9 Months $20 or 500 Pesos

Please make two copies of your passport. Leave one copy with a friend, and put one copy in a pocket of your luggage. That way, if you lose your passport, you have another copy available.  We have not had anyone lose their passport or get it stolen, but if it does happen and you don't have a back-up, it can be difficult getting home.

Don't miss the flight!!!  Plan to arrive at the airport two hours early.  If you do miss the flight, follow the enclosed directions.

You may want to bring a snack for the ride from the airport to the orphanage (2-3 hours).  Also, bring a personal water bottle for your use on the trip there, as well as during your stay.  Orphanage Outreach will supply the bottled water in the Dominican Republic.

We recommend that you pack as much of your personal items in your carry-on bag as possible.  This will free up your two checked suitcases for donated items for the orphanage.  In addition, if your checked luggage is lost, we will probably not be able to return to the airport until the end of the trip.

Emergency contact:  Leave a message at (602) 375-2900.  We will check messages daily

The living conditions are simple and primitive, although every effort is made to ensure cleanliness in the facilities where we stay.  You will be sharing a room, dormitory style, with other teammates of your gender.  The electricity can be sporadic and the shower water is cool.  Tap water is not drinkable (or useful for brushing your teeth!) and purified water will be provided.  Please be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with purified water before eating them.  If you are in doubt about what is healthy to eat or drink, please ask.

Towels and twin sheets are available, but you may want to bring your own, and donate, if possible, at the end of the trip.

The Dominican Republic, especially the rural areas, is very safe, but follow the same safety precautions you would here.  In particular, away from the orphanage, you need to watch out for theft.  Don't set your purse, camera, etc. down without watching it.  Also, you should not bring any expensive or sentimental jewelry.

We encourage you to spend as much time as possible with the children at the orphanage.  Even a half-hour stolen from other activities will make a difference in the lives of one, two or maybe many kids.  If you like, bring an interactive project or be prepared to play basketball, baseball or other games with the kids during your free time. 

WEATHER

Comfortable during the day with the temperature reaching the 80's or 90's in late afternoon.  The temperature may cool off at night to below 70 and you may wish to bring a light sweater or wind breaker.  Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.

IMMIGRATION/CUSTOMS

You will need a valid passport. 

When you arrive in the Dominican Republic, you will purchase a tourist card.  The cost is US $10.  Upon exiting the country, you will be required to pay departure tax of US $10 once you've cleared immigration at the airport gate.  Both fees are payable only in US dollars (not Dominican currency).

MONEY

The official currency is the Dominican peso.  The exchange rate fluctuates, but it has recently been around 30 pesos per US dollar.  Generally, you can exchange money at the airport on your arrival or your first day at the orphanage.  Credit cards are not generally accepted  in the rural areas, but can be used in the tourist areas, like Puerto Plata.  You will occasionally have access to an ATM machine.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. You may wish to purchase a pocket electronic translator - they come in very handy talking with the kids and communicating ideas with the orphanage staff.

MEALS

Meals will be simple but nourishing.  A vegetarian will have no problem with the diet – there is lots of fruit, rice, beans, plantains, egg plant, pasta, etc.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS THE PLANE

1. If you have missed your flight due to late airline connections through the fault of the airlines, they will work with you to get you on another flight to  Santiago, as well as providing a hotel if an overnight stay is required.

2.  Once you have made alternative arrangements, leave messages on your status and a number we can reach you at on the Arizona voice mail box - (602) 375-2900. Let us know your flight number, arrival time, and airport. We will make every effort to meet you at the airport when you arrive. 

DON'T MISS YOUR FLIGHT!!  YOU'VE INVESTED TOO MUCH IN THIS TRIP; PLAN TO ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT WELL AHEAD OF YOUR SCHEDULED FLIGHT TIME

Fundraising

Our Deepest Fear 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

…Marianne Williamson

If you are reading this page, you are probably considering conducting a letter campaign to raise funds for the orphanage and the orphanage children.

Some of the things that might stop you and/or your family from doing a fund-raising campaign is a fear that you’ll be bothering people, a fear that other people will feel obligated, a desire for you to pay for it on your own, etc.

Don’t play small.  Don’t be selfish.  Don’t keep this experience to yourself.  Be generous. Let other people contribute. Other people want to make a difference in the world, too. Give them the opportunity. Let them make the decision.

One of the blessings you have been given is to live in a wealthy country, surrounded by people with resources, with the majority of them willing to give if they know they will make a difference. Use the resources you’ve been given.

When you are in the Dominican Republic working with the great kids you will meet, you will be glad you gave it your all to make as big a difference as you could.    

No excuses. No regrets.

Thank you!

Tom Eklund
Executive Director

 

Fund-Raising Suggestions:

Set a Goal

Set objectives for what you would like to raise.  I encourage you to look not at just “what’s required to participate”, but “what’s possible” if you really stretch.  For example, could you raise $5000 to improve the orphanage facilities or to provide three months of food?  I am confident you will feel great if you really go all out in this effort.

New: We have recently implemented Kintera's "Friend's Asking Friend's" software, which makes inviting friends and family to sponsor you much easier and more effective.

It's a very simple process:
1) Register yourself, and join your team or the intern/individuals team:
2) You can personalize your web page with a background, and up to two pictures
3) You set your own fund-raising goal
4) You choose an e-mail template from some provided, and personalize it as you want.
5) You e-mail it to friends and family, and wait for the donations to come in. We suggest e-mailing it to your family's holiday card list.

It probably won't take more than an hour to do all that, it's fun, and results are quick. I believe if you and your team participate, you'll be glad when you see what you and your funds together will accomplish.

We are going to acknowledge volunteers who raise more than the minimum trip fee (with or without this software tool)  in the following way:
$100 Extra - Orphanage Outreach Visor or Baseball Cap
$250 Extra - Orphanage Outreach Nalgene Water Bottle
$500 Extra - Orphanage Outreach Polo Shirt
$1000 Extra - Acknowledgment on the Hero's Wall at the Orphanage

The top three fund-raising teams for the year ($ above program fee) will also be acknowledged on the Hero's  wall at  the orphanage.

The funds for the acknowledgment  don't come from the funds you raise, they are provided by our Board of Directors. 100% of the extra funds you raise will go to orphanage basic necessities. Zero overhead.

To register, click here:
http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?event=230852

 

Additional Ways to Raise Funds

 

A sample letter can be found below.

Checks should be made out to "Orphanage Outreach".  Checks should be sent to you for consolidation and forwarding to us.

Send in your checks every two to three weeks, so the donor is not wondering what happened to their check.

Individual Volunteers: Send your checks to Orphanage Outreach, 6611 West Robert E. Lee St., Glendale, AZ 85308.  Place your name on the outside of the envelope.  Also place your name or initials on the reference line of each check.

Volunteer Members of a Group: Give your checks to your group leader, for forwarding to us.

Keep track of the checks you send in, the name on the check, the check number, and the amount.  If you want a confirmation that your letter arrived in our office, please purchase delivery confirmation from the post office.  We don’t automatically send out a confirmation for each letter we receive.

Checks need to be made out to “Orphanage Outreach” in order to receive a tax receipt from Orphanage Outreach. If people write a check directly to you, or give you cash, they will not receive a tax receipt from Orphanage Outreach. You can issue a Gifts-in-Kind receipt located at

www.orphanage-outreach.org/datafiles/giftsinkind.pdf

for donations other than checks written out to Orphanage Outreach.

Please do not combine checks for more than one volunteer in one envelope, unless you are a group leader.  It is O. K. to send checks from multiple donors on behalf of one volunteer in one envelope.  Checks should be clearly marked on the reference line with the volunteer’s name who it is to be credited to.  

Remember that the funds for mission participant fee are due in our office 30 days prior to your trip. We don't refund donations, so please don't plan on writing a personal check and then getting reimbursed as donations checks arrive after the due date.

The early sign-up scholarships are given to those people who sign up by the published due date, AND have all funds and paperwork into the Orphanage Outreach office by the published due date.

We will send a thank you letter, tax receipt, and newsletter to all donors at the end of the year. We suggest that you also send a personal thank you letter after your trip.

If you have to cancel your trip, we will apply your funds to a future trip taken within the next 12 months.  To sign up for a new trip, complete a new Volunteer Sign-up Form and send it in with a new $100 deposit.  We will then credit your current funds to that future trip. 

 

Sample Fund-Raising Letter:

(Copy, paste, and edit to fit your circumstances)

Dear Friends and Family,

For winter break this year, I have decided to donate my time working in an orphanage in the Dominican Republic.  The program is being organized by a non-profit organization called Orphanage Outreach, which has been working with orphanages in the Dominican Republic for over ten years, ever since the program’s founder discovered the poor conditions under which these children were living.  These are children who have already suffered through unfortunate circumstances in their lives, such as being the victims of abusive or irresponsible parents, or living in poverty. 

The mission of Orphanage Outreach is to provide opportunities to orphaned, abandoned, and disadvantaged children. Its goals are to help the orphanage provide basic necessities, to provide a quality education, and to help the orphanages become self sufficient.

Since 1994, nearly 4000 short term volunteers have joined Orphanage Outreach in the Dominican Republic.  Orphanage Outreach volunteers and donors have made many significant improvements to the orphanage, provided upgrades to the living conditions for the children, and made important educational opportunities available.

Each Orphanage Outreach volunteer has two significant roles—to donate important volunteer time while in the Dominican Republic, and to help raise funds necessary to fulfill Orphanage Outreach’s mission. 

As a volunteer, there are several areas in which I may be working. Volunteers teach English to the orphanage children and in the local schools.  English is an important skill in the Dominican Republic, providing educational and work opportunities.  Often, the first question a Dominican employer will ask at a job interview is “Do you speak English?”   Volunteer teach other subjects including math, science, reading, art, and music. And volunteers often work on physical work projects—digging, building, painting, etc.

As a fund-raiser, I am helping to raise funds to not only cover my expenses, but to also provide the basic necessities at the orphanage—food, water, housing, transportation, supervision, medical and dental care, and more.  And to fund educational needs—through the sponsorship of Orphanage Outreach donors, four of the girls who grew up at the orphanage are now attending the university.  One of the girls plans to be a psychologist, one a physician, one an attorney, and the other a marketer.  Attached to this letter is a projects overview page showing some of the impact Orphanage Outreach volunteers and donors are having. 

I have already paid for my airline ticket, and donated $100 of my own money toward my expenses. My goal is to raise an additional $2000, which is due __.  I invite you to become involved in partnering with me in this effort.  With your donation, we will be able to make a significant difference in these children’s lives. 

Orphanage Outreach is a small organization, is not government funded, and relies on the tax-deductible donations of individuals. 

If you are willing to help, please make out your check to Orphanage Outreach (a tax-deductible 501-C-3 organization: U.S. federal tax id #58-2197227), and send it to me at my address so that I can forward your check onto Orphanage Outreach. 

If you have any questions, please call me at (111) 111-1111 or e-mail me at anyone@anyisp.com.  You can also call Tom Eklund, Executive Director of Orphanage Outreach, at (602) 375-2900.  Orphanage Outreach also has a very informative web site: www.orphanage-outreach.org. 

Thank you so much for your help.  Any amount that you are able to donate will be greatly appreciated!

 

Sincerely,

Questions and Answers

1) What recommendations do you have for clothing?

Respectable women in the Dominican Republic do not wear shorts in public.  As a result, we require that volunteers wear pants, crop pants or skirts that fall BELOW the knee.  Also, shoulders are to be covered. Therefore, tank tops/strappy tops are prohibited.  We will provide tee-shirts to be worn for camp. Bras must be worn at all times.  No see-through clothing is allowed. No spandex pants, no bare midriffs.  Bring a one-piece bathing suit AND one pair of shorts (shorts are to be worn over your suit while in and out of the water) for any possible trips to the  beach with the kids. If you plan to attend church—please bring a long skirt and blouse or dress.  No bare shoulders.   

Bring sandals, tennis shoes, plenty of underwear (there may be a time you'll sweat a little :-)).The environment will be dusty; I suggest not bringing new expensive tennis shoes or other expensive clothes.  They will get dirty.  If you are at the orphanage for more than a week, your laundry will be done.  However, it will be mixed with other volunteers clothes, so colors may run, etc. Don’t bring your best clothes.     Because these are strict Pentecostal orphanages, we recommend/suggest/request everyone leave their purple and orange hair at home, jewelry be removed from pierced body parts if possible, and guys leave their earrings at home. 

Guys—bring a couple of pairs of Dockers or similar pants.  If you plan to attend church, also bring a polo shirt or dress shirt. You’ll receive Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts in the D.R. to wear.

2) When are the funds due?

Please review the schedule and costs page. 

3) How much money should we bring?

We recommend bringing $100 cash and an ATM card or credit card. You will need $10 to enter the country and $10 to exit the country.  You may decide to buy snacks, sodas, ice cream, etc.  You may need to buy personal toiletry items,  film, insect repellent, etc. if you forget to bring them or don't bring enough.  You will need cash to call home (about 40 cents a minute).  We recommend an ATM card or credit card primarily in case the airlines have difficulty getting you to or from the Dominican Republic, and you need to rent a hotel room, etc. 

4) Should I bring travelers checks?

No.  They are difficult to exchange. 

5) Will I have access to an ATM?

Do not plan on it.

6) Should I change money in Miami or New York?

No, wait till you get to the Dominican Republic.

7) Lots of people are willing to donate tons of clothes and other stuff.  How can I get that stuff to the D.R.?

On most airlines, you can each bring two 50 pound suitcases on an international flight (check with yours). Shipping items to the Dominican Republic is very expensive.  My suggestion - be straight with people who want to help and tell them the number one need at the orphanage is financial - for food, water, and other basic necessities.  And tell them how much $ you are committed to raising.   And the 100 pounds you can bring down will be well used. 

8) Should I bring sheets/towels?

If you have twin sheets and a towel that you are willing to donate, please bring them.  If you don't, there will be sheets/towels available for you there.

9) Are we provided with a mosquito net when sleeping?

Yes

10) If I'm fund-raising, can I send in additional funds that arrive after the deadline?

Yes, we will use those funds for necessary basic necessities at the orphanage - food, water, housing, etc.

11) Will we have access to E-mail?

Probably not. Do not plan on having access to E-mail.  Volunteers who are staying for more than one week may have an opportunity to visit a CyberCafe during the week-end.

12)  Will we have access to a laundry?

There will only be access to a laundry on the weekends.  One week volunteers should bring clothes sufficient for the entire week; longer term volunteers will have access to wash their clothes once/week. Your clothes will be mixed with other volunteers; don’t bring your best clothes.

Personal Items to Bring

Casual clothing is well accepted, although you should avoid bringing clothing which may be viewed as "too revealing" from the Dominican and Pentecostal cultures.  

Important—Special Cultural Issues regarding clothing for Women:

Respectable women in the Dominican Republic do not wear shorts in public.  As a result, we require that female volunteers wear pants, crop pants or skirts that fall BELOW the knee. No shorts. Also, shoulders are to be covered. Therefore, tank tops/strappy tops are prohibited.  We will provide tee-shirts to be worn for camp. Bras must be worn at all times.  No see-through clothing is allowed. No spandex pants, no bare midriffs.  Bring a one-piece bathing suit AND one pair of shorts (shorts are to be worn over your suit while in and out of the water) for any possible trips to the  beach with the kids. If you plan to attend church—please bring a long skirt and blouse or dress.  No bare shoulders. 

Guys—You may be teaching in the classroom or attending church.  We request that you bring at least one pair of pants (dockers/nice casual) to use during this time.  If you plan to attend church, also bring a nice polo shirt or dress shirt.

Orphanage Outreach will be sending you a tee-shirt to be worn during the day program.  You will receive additional  Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts in the Dominican Republic to wear throughout the week.  Even so, we encourage you to bring a couple of shirts, in case the power is out or the washing machine is broken and we can’t wash all the Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts.

You will not have an opportunity to wash items during the week, so make sure you bring sufficient underwear, socks, etc. for a full week.  Volunteers staying more than one week will be able to wash clothes on the weekends.

We recommend bringing a firm pair of sandals and tennis shoes for daily footwear.

Weather during the winter and spring can be chilly at night and even during the day, you should bring pants and a jacket.  Even in the summer, a light sweater or windbreaker is good to have. 

In addition, you may want to review the following list for more items to pack for you:

a) Your passport.
b) Mosquito repellent. Extra mosquito repellent.
c) Sun screen.
d) A flashlight with extra batteries.
e) A personal water bottle.
 f) Twin sheets, a towel, an airline style blanket/throw, and washcloths. (Sheet and towels and  blankets are optional, they are available at the orphanage)
g) Foam Ear plugs (The chickens and donkeys can be loud at night!)
h) A camera, extra camera batteries and film.  Double the film you think you will need.
i) Work gloves
j) Personal toiletry items, including soap, you may need.  Instant hand sanitizer is helpful.
k) Just in case—items for stomach issues—Pepto Bismol, immodium, etc. 
l) An extra pair of glasses or contacts, if you use them.
m) A plastic garbage bag to store your dirty clothes.
n) Guys—bring at least one pair of non-jean pantsfor working in the schools. If you play to go to church, also bring a nice polo or dress shirt.
o) Women - The Pentecostal orphanages and professional Dominican women dress very modestly.  Wear skirts or pants or capris at or below the knee.  No shorts, tank tops, or sleeveless dresses.  A one piece swimsuit. If you plan to go to church, bring a long dress or skirt and blouse.
p) You will receive OO tee-shirts to wear  each day when you arrive in the D.R.

Most airlines allow you to bring two large (up to50 pounds) pieces of luggage to check in. You should confirm this with your airline.  We request that you bring all personal essentials and one week of clothing in your carry-on, as it may take a week to return to the airport to pick up lost luggage.  We request that you save as much space as possible in your two large suitcases for donated items.

Donated Items to Bring

The orphanage is very poor, as is the community surrounding the orphanage. The things that we don’t use, and would normally get rid of in a yard sale or even throw away, can be used in the Dominican Republic.  Please take this opportunity to bring items with you to the D.R. 

On most airlines, you are allowed to  bring two fifty pound suitcases plus a carry-on.  I encourage you to put your personal items in your carry-on, and bring items for the orphanage in your suitcases Needed items are noted in the table below.

We encourage each volunteer to bring at least 3 of the following 7 high priority bulk food items (expensive in the D.R.):  peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, oatmeal (not in the large round tube, they burst), canned tuna,  gatorade or kool-aid mix, grated parmesan cheese. When someone says "What can I give you other than money?", these are good suggestions.  

Please remove as much “packaging” from your donations to minimize the creation of trash at the orphanage.

High Priority Items Bolded

 

Health and Safety

It is natural and prudent to have concerns about health and safety when traveling overseas to a developing country. Here are some comments concerning these issues relative to traveling with Orphanage Outreach to the Dominican Republic:

Health:  

Safety and Security:

Medical Precautions

There are several medical issues to consider when participating on a trip to the Dominican Republic. 

Tetanus

Your tetanus booster should be up to date.

Malaria

There is some malaria in the Dominican Republic.  Depending on the time of the year and recent weather conditions, the mosquito population can vary from light to heavy.  To deal with the risk of malaria, we recommend that you  get a prescription of malaria pills. Chloroquine is recommended.   Bring plenty of mosquito repellent for morning and evening hours.  You will have a mosquito net to sleep under.

There were a few cases of malaria reported by tourists in the eastern end of the island in late 2004.  An update is available at:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/malaria_dr_2004.htm

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A can be contracted from contaminated food and water.  Although we use all bottled water and we have our own cook who is very experienced in food preparation, we recommend that participants get the Hepatitis A vaccine. We encourage participants not to eat uncooked food if eating at a restaurant, and to not drink any beverages in which you do not observe how it is prepared.

AIDS

Although concerns about AIDS should not stop you from volunteering, commonly practiced precautions need to be taken anytime you are working with small children. These precautions will be reviewed upon your arrival at the orphanage.

Dengue Fever

There have been cases of Dengue Fever reported in the Dominican Republic. The government has been aggressive in spraying for mosquitos and educating the public of the dangers of stagnant water, etc. The recoommendations for tourists are to wear mosquito repellents, use mosquito nets, etc. 

Please visit the CDC web site for complete medical precautions and more detailed  information:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/caribean.htm

 Trip Planning/Daily and Weekly Schedule

The best way to prepare for the trip is to thoroughly read this information packet and do what it says, to arrive at the airport in Santiago with an open heart and mind, be flexible to adapt to what comes at you, be creative to use all your skills and talents, and be cheerful to be there.

    As volunteers, we often want to do extensive planning and preparation to get ready for the trip, so we can maximize our usefulness and effectiveness during the week.  So we can make sure to make a difference.

    It is really not necessary to do a lot of preparation for your trip.  You have such a huge reservoir of talent, skills, and experience within you to draw on when you arrive in the Dominican Republic.  You’ll be ready.

    When you become so focused on what “you” can “do” to make a difference, you are likely to miss out on a lot of the trip.  Dominicans live more day to day, in the present.  They are more into “being”, not “doing”.  In our ten principles, we call it “This is it”.  It’s a great gift the Dominicans can give you, if you are willing to accept it.

     When we are so committed to our planning and preparing and doing, it’s almost impossible to be receptive to this gift.

    Dale Johnson, one of our former Team Leaders, says it this way:  

I believe what we offer is a lesson in how to adapt to a third world environment in which time, space, expectations are radically different from they world our volunteers know.

This does not mean that they should not be prepared. What they must be prepared to do, though, is give up their reliance on preparation once they get here.

The whole point of coming to a place like this is to become vulnerable to a new experience and alive to new possibilities and strengths they discover within them.

There would be nothing worse than a person coming here with a lesson plan in hand and an exact methodology. If carried out, the person would have only taught the lesson plan and not the child. He would have only practiced what he already knew and never discovered something new.

Every volunteer who has come here and gotten the most out of the experience has been well prepared, but most of the time the joy of the experience has not occurred  in their prepared activity. It has happened in the least likely moment, in the most obscure place.

The only thing to prepare on a trip like this is your heart. 

So, I invite you to relax a little in regards to preparation for the trip.

    At the same time, be prepared to share your skills and talents and interests with the kids.  If you’re a musician,  bring an instrument or a song you’d like to teach the kids (English or Spanish). If you juggle, be ready to teach the kids. If you hackeysack, bring some extras so you can teach. If you’re an artist, think of some projects you might do with the kids. If you love science, bring a science photo book to share with the kids, or bring some ideas for small science experiments.  If you know judo, be prepared to lead some judo classes with the kids.  Let me know if you have any questions about this.

   If you don’t do any of those types of things, relax.  There is a lot to be done at the orphanage already. 

Weekly/Daily Schedule

   There is no typical weekly or daily schedule.  Some volunteer teams are large, some are small. Sometimes the kids are in school, sometimes they aren’t. Sometimes the weather is dry and hot, sometimes it’s cool and rainy.

     That said, you might expect a normal volunteer week to consist of travel on Saturday to the orphanage, Sunday is orientation and prep day, Monday-Thursday are work days, Friday is usually a day for a volunteer field trip to see some of the country, go to the beach, etc.  And most volunteers travel home on Saturday.

   And you might expect a daily work schedule to  consist of:

7:00-8:00: Breakfast

8:00-9:00: Announcements/Prep Time

9:00-11:00: Tutoring/Teaching

11:00-12:00: Flex Time/Recreation

12:00-1:00: Lunch

1:00-2:00: Prep Time

2:00-4:00: Tutoring/Teaching

4:00-5:00: Flex Time/Recreation

5:00-6:00: Free Time

6:00-7:00: Dinner

7:00-9:00: Kid’s Movie/Art/Games/Church

9:00-10:00: Free Time

10:00: Quiet Time

Helpful Spanish

Knowing Spanish is absolutely not required to fully enjoy your trip to the Dominican Republic and be effective.   We have had people participate who had a great time, and did not know what the word “Gracias” meant! 

That being said, we do encourage you to learn a little bit of Spanish to communicate to some degree with the kids. If you have taken some Spanish classes,  it’s a good idea to brush up some before your trip.   If you’ve never taken Spanish classes, we encourage you to look at a beginning Spanish book or listen to  a beginning Spanish CD set. If you don’t have the time or interest to do this, don’t worry.  You can communicate from the heart at least as effectively as from the mouth.  Just be realistic with your expectations.

Below are some helpful Spanish words and phrases to learn. 

 

Hello.	Hola.		Who?	Quien?
Yes.	Si.		Why?	Por que?
No.	No.		What?	Que?
Please.	Por favor.		How are you?	Como estas?
Thank you.	Gracias.		What’s your name?	Como se llama?
You’re welcome.	De nada.		My name is …...	Me llamo ……..
Good morning.	Buenos dias.		How old are you?	Quantos años tienes?
Good afternoon.	Buenas tardes.		Let’s go!	Vamos!
Good night.	Buenas noches.		Quiet!	Silencio!
Good bye.	Adios.		That’s enough!	Basta!
See you later.	Hasta luego.		Look!	Mire!
Do you speak English?	Habla usten ingles?		Listen!	Escuche!
I don’t speak Spanish.	No hablo español.		Wait!	Espere!
I understand.	Yo comprendo.		Blow your nose.	Sople su nariz.
I don’t understand.	Yo no comprendo.		Pick up the trash.	Recobre la basura.
What?  What did you say?	Como?		Don’t pull my hair.	No tiran mi pelo.
Where is the bathroom?	Donde esta el baño?		Don’t hit him!	No lo golpean!
Men/Women	Caballeros/Damas		I like that.	Me gusta que.
Where?	Donde?		Write it down.	Escribalo.
How much?	Quanto?		Share.	Comparta.

You will probably receive an electronic ticket.  Bring your itinerary along with your passport to the airport, and they will issue your ticket there.  Note: I suggest making two copies of your passport; put one copy in your suitcase separate from your original, and leave one copy at home with a friend or family member.  If somehow you were to lose your identification in the D.R., having access to a copy would help the process greatly. If you are under 18 and not traveling with your parents, please complete the Temporary Guardianship Form and give it to the temporary legal guardian traveling with you.

Please wear your Orphanage Outreach tee-shirt to the airport. It will help you identify other volunteers, and help them to identify you.  Most of you will be traveling with other volunteers, at least from Miami or JFK.  If not, just follow the directions below. You won't have any problems.

When you land in the Dominican Republic, you’ll exit the plane.  Follow the crowd, and you will get to a big room for immigration where people are standing in line.  Look for a desk with a sign that says “Tourist Card”.  You’ll need to purchase a tourist card for $10 in U.S. funds.  Do not stand in one of the long lines until you have purchased your tourist card, or you’ll just have to go buy your card and then stand in line again.  After you go through the immigration line, they will give you back a copy of your tourist card.  Keep it!  You will need that copy and another $10 U.S. when you leave the D.R.

Note: Explain to the tourist card official that you are missionaries, and they may waive the $10 entrance fee. If they do waive the fee, you are invited to donate that savings to the orphanage basic necessities fund.

You will then pick up your luggage, go through customs (they might inspect your luggage), and then go outside. Do not wait for a big group to congregate before going through customs; just grab your luggage and head out.  We will be waiting outside with the bus ready to go to the orphanage.  Note:  Please bring only suitcases, not boxes.  Customs will often let you through without inspecting your suitcases, boxes are always inspected.  If your luggage does not arrive, please make sure to report it to American Airlines inside the terminal, and get a claim slip from them. 

When you exit the airport terminal,  we'll be waiting for you with Orphanage Outreach tee-shirts on.  Baggage handlers will be asking to help you with your luggage.  They can be quite assertive.  I suggest, unless you really need help, to refuse their assistance unless you are willing to pay a tip of $1-2 per bag.  We'll collect in a group until all the volunteers are there.  You will have a chance to use the bathroom and, depending on the time of the day,  possibly change some money, get a soda, and call home.  Please bring a water bottle with you, both for the trip and for your use at the orphanage.  Also, bring enough snacks to sustain you during your airline trip and bus trip to the orphanage.  Please tell your family not to expect a call home until 24 hours after your arrival.

If flights are full and the airlines offers you a travel voucher to take a later flight (even the next day) and you are willing to donate your voucher  to Orphanage Outreach, you are encouraged to accept the voucher.  Call us, and let us know the new flight you will be arriving into the D.R.  We will meet you at the airport on your new flight.  Do not accept a flight into any airport other than the Santiago airport.  Your travel vouchers are valuable, especially if a group of you gets bumped.  Those funds can mean a great deal to the orphanage.  If you are not willing to donate your voucher, please do not accept the voucher.

Note:  If you miss a flight and are not on the flight you are supposed to be on in getting to the Dominican Republic, please communicate by calling our number in Arizona: (602) 375-2900.  Please leave a message, let us know your status, and when you will be arriving into the Dominican Republic (date/airport/flight #/arrival time).  We will plan to be at the airport when you arrive.   Remember, please call our number in Arizona and leave a message if your travel does not happen as planned.

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