Guidelines - Responsible Exchange and Volunteering 2018

vi. Written indemnity for signing An indemnity form must be read and signed by the participant. It is necessary to have this document in the first language of participants. For minors, a parent or guardian should receive and sign the host organisations indemnity prior to their departure from their home country, and in the language of the home country. Where an intermediate or placement organisation is used, it is still highly recommended that the host organisation has their own signed indemnity before hosting participants, and particularly minors.

While many consider indemnities to be unnecessary, legal opinion suggests an indemnity is worth implementing as part of your practice despite the fact it can be challenged in a court of law.

vii. Code of Conduct for signing

Click here “ Code Sample ” or go to page 66.

Participants are representatives of your organisation while they are on a project and they must be aware of carrying this responsibility. The Code of Conduct ensures that (1) participants are knowledgeable, and therefore supported in keeping with the ethos and operating principles of the host organisation, and (2) that should they not adhere to behavior and practices as promoted by the host organisation of which they have been informed of, it is likely to have consequences on their exchange experience. It is suggested that the code of conduct include the following minimum sections:

• General accepted behavior and commitment to the project, adherence to the work schedule and Program (time, place etc) • Tolerance and appropriate and respectful behavior as it relates to language, religion, gender, race, cultures, social conditions • Dress code (ensure participant is informed of what could be considered inappropriate) • Organisational communication and protocols for conflict resolution • House rules expected of participants – washing up, cleaning, noise, alcohol on site etc • Accepted and not accepted practices – procedures / permissions for staying away from the project accommodation facility

African German Youth Initiative Page 28 of 67

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