Volunteering

Requirements

Volunteers must demonstrate Spanish proficiency and enroll in a Spanish immersion course for at least one week upon arrival to become familiar with Nicaraguan dialect and customs. ProNica can recommend Spanish Language immersion school, as needed.

Volunteers commit to a six-month service, beginning either early February or early September. In special circumstances the length of service and the time of arrival can be negotiated to fit the needs of the volunteer and the project partner receiving them.

ProNica will assist the volunteer in finding a meaningful service project, adequate housing within the community, and international health insurance. The ProNica DVD with two segments is effective fundraising tool.

Clearness Committee

We strongly recommend that potential applicants convene a support group, or Quaker Clearness Committee, of two or more people to assist with the discernment necessary to make a spirit-led decision. These folks would:

Before going to Nicaragua

Explore the motives and hopes the applicant has for volunteering in Nicaragua
Consider how such a sojourn fits into the spiritual journey of the applicant
Assist fundraising to support the volunteer while serving in Nicaragua (if financial aid is necessary).

During volunteer service in Nicaragua

Communicate with the volunteer, The volunteer is encouraged to send regular reports to the Clearness Committee to share impressions, trials and joys

After the volunteer returns home

Assist volunteer to process the experience. Re-entry to our overly commercial and wealthy society is often difficult.
Assist volunteer to arrange opportunities to speak about his or her experience in Nicaragua. Sharing the experience can be helpful to the volunteer and listener (This public sharing is not required but is suggested.).

Application Process

Potential volunteers complete an application and provide three references. Prior to the commencement of service, volunteers submit a medical evaluation signed by a physician, proof of international insurance for the duration of volunteer service and a liability release.

Both Stateside and Managua Coordinators review all applicants for suitability of service and project partner needs. Application, reference letters, and Coordinators recommendations are reviewed and approved by Volunteer Committee. Applicants are advised of approval with a Committee Minute.

Nicaragua Service

Volunteers fund all expenses. ProNica provides free lodging at Quaker House, Casa Cuáquera, while volunteer visits Managua. Quaker House is conveniently located near shopping, banks, internet cafes, restaurants and public buses. Quaker House has three dormitory rooms, full kitchen, living room, patio, library and clothes washer. The Managua Friends Worship Group meets there two Sundays a month.

<< Top of page

Volunteering

Requirements

Clearness Committee

Application Process

Nicaragua Service

Interested?

Stateside office

Nicaragua office