Future caretakers of this home, house

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES
All volunteers must attend the All Religion Prayer (Prathna), held every morning (except Sundays) at 10:45 in Manav Sadhna. Lunch is provided Monday through Saturday at Manav Sadhna. Please inform Sirishbhai at 9687661061 by 9 am if you will not be eating lunch for that day. Volunteer discussion sessions take place every Friday at 9:00 am at Manav Sadhna. It is mandatory to attend. This is a time for volunteers to share their field and personal experiences. We strongly encourage volunteers to attend Saturday Special every Saturday from 4-6pm. If you are leaving town please inform the volunteer coordinator of your dates and make a note of it on the MS announcement board. If you are sick please let us know. Always treat others with love and compassion. During the time you spend with us, we ask that you make it a period of self-
reflection and personal growth and observe the following guidelines:
Observation is the best teacher. Please be mindful of your surroundings and
community in the decisions you make.
Being part of the Community
As a volunteer you are also a role model. For this reason, we have compiled a list of strong suggestions for the time you spend with us. These are to insure that you have a meaningful experience and are able to positively impact your work and the community. Simple Living
Although we understand the value of computers, ipods, cell phones and other devices, it is important to use these at the appropriate times and keep them out of the reach of unwanted hands. Simple living is a joyful experience, we strongly encourage it. Please be alert in your interactions with the opposite gender, especially adolescent youth. Touching has a different meaning in this culture and will be perceived differently. Be aware of your body language and dressing style as well. Intimate Relationships
We understand that volunteers and staff work together closely and often build strong personal relationships through this process. We encourage building family and friendships, but our first priority is to maintain the purity and collective force of our work and not disrupt the greater mission of Manav Sadhna—to serve humanity. Therefore, Manav Sadhna will not entertain intimate relationships in any case between volunteers and staff. Please be mindful of this request. Self Reliance
An important part of our philosophy is teaching self-reliance by practicing it. Make it a point to do personal chores such as washing your dishes, cleaning your clothes, keeping your living and working space clean and organized. Hygiene and Sanitation
A large part of our effort is to promote hygiene and sanitation. You are all ambassadors of this mission during your time here and therefore it is very important to practice these values both personally and in your living space. Clothing Guidelines
Modesty is really important in your role as a volunteer. Be sensitive to the clothing norms
of this community, and observe how people around you dress. Know that special
attention is paid to cleanliness of clothing and body.
WOMEN: Long, loose-fitting clothing is most acceptable and also most suitable to the
Ahmedabad climate. We recommend that you adopt the traditional long tunic and
trousers combination, called salwar kameez. Otherwise, slacks or long skirts and loose
blouses are acceptable. Dupattas (wraps) are essential and help cover exposed body parts
while also serving as a great head cover to protect you from the sun. Avoid sleeveless
tops.
MEN: The long cotton tops (kurta) and loose cotton pants (pajama) are cool and
comfortable, offering the best option for men. Western style wear is also acceptable, but
please note that shorts are not appropriate.
Shoes and sandals are inexpensive, readily available, and worn by both women and men.

Health and Safety

• Immunizations: check with the CDConsult your
• Malaria: Present in India, transmitted through mosquito bites. Options:
Mefloquine, Lariam, Doxycycline, Malarone, Chloroquine. Check with your physician and the CDC due to possibilities of side effects, and also check the areas of India that you will be in for resistance to certain malaria medications. • Food and Water Borne Illnesses: Lots of harmful bacteria can enter your system
through food and water. To prevent infection from food and water: DO NOT drink the tap water: remember that tap water is in ice and juices If you have to drink the tap water, boil for AT LEAST 5 minutes MAKE SURE that bottles are sealed before you drink from them DO NOT EAT raw vegetables, fruit without the skin, non-pasteurized dairy products, food that has been sitting in the sun. DO EAT Cooked food, fruits with thick skins, pasteurized dairy products • Things to pay attention to:
Frequency and consistency of bowel movements Energy level (especially during the hot season) • Good hygiene:
Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean Eat only hot food and boiled/filtered/mineral water Insist on a new blade when getting a shave or a haircut Avoid stray animals (the incidence of rabies is fairly high in parts of India) • Eating Out:
Avoid ketchup, chutneys and fountain drinks because they are made with tap water Avoid eating pani puri and other water-based dishes off of the street Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season • Doctors/Hospitals/Labs/Pharmacies
Let us know when you are sick and require medical attention. Make sure that you understand any medications, side effects, dietary restrictions suggested by the doctor

Source: http://manavsadhna.org/flipbook/images/file/3a-Volunteer_Guidelines.pdf