Volunteer Guidebook Winter 2010-2011
Pre-departure Checklist Register with us online (http://golongitude.org/trips/uncasteindia/winter2010-now-recruiting) and apply to volunteer. This will give us the information we need about you as well as enable you to post photos and blogs about your experiences and set up events once we have accepted your application.
Contact your group leader………………..……………..…………...……......3 This will allow them to offer you advice, inform you of recommended flights as well as possibly other volunteer traveling from your area.
Complete the Waiver Release Form……………………………..…….……..4 We require all volunteers to submit this before their trips. Please print and complete the form, sign and date it and post it to the address given on the form.
Book flights to your meet-up location...……………………….......……...….10 Apply for a VISA……………………………………………………….......….11 This will take 2-3 weeks (please email us the VISA # when you have it).
Get Vaccinations…………………………………….…………………....….. 11 Fundraise You can set up your own event webpage on our site once you sign up!
Pay Volunteer Fee Your group leader will inform you of the exact amount, the deadline and how to pay once you are in contact. You can either pay via credit card online or via our Japanese bank account.
Book any required accommodations and other travel..……................…….11 Get ready/Pack…..…...…………………………………....……..…...…..…...14 Money, personal belongings etc
Emergency Contacts…………………………………………………………..16 Catch the plane!
2
Namaste (welcome)! We hope this information packet will help you prepare for your adventure as a Longitude Volunteer. Longitude Volunteers are a group of unique innovative leaders. If there is anything else you need, or if you have any problems, please do not hesitate to contact us at: volunteer@golongtitude.org.
The Inspiration behind Longitude‌ The Asian Tsunami of 2004 brought Shawn Rubin and Laura Westberg to the devastated coastal area of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. An American couple assisting in disaster relief efforts, they were inspired by ARV's work and knew they wanted to continue to support ARV after returning to the US. They then founded Longitude upon their return in 2005. Later that year, Rick Mickelson led the first Longitude volunteer expedition to India. He mobilized an international team that helped build safe, permanent homes in the village of Kothasathram Indirinagar (KI). Since then, momentum has grown and we have been able to move on to working in two more villages as well as to support many other separate projects thanks to our volunteers as well as many more kind donors.
Meet Your Leader‌
Hi! I'm Diane! I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. I now live in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. During the winter 20092010, I had the incredible opportunity to work with ARVLongitude in the village of Gummallapadu, Andra Pradesh. I had gone there to help build houses and build houses we did! What I didn't expect was learning, and understanding how we were helping create a continuous positive change in the community. I learned that a house isn't just a roof but a way for families to feel empowered; a way for them to be safe: a home. I learned that strangers can become family over a few cups of Chai, some bowls of cement and much more. Those are some of the reasons I can't wait to lead the next winter trip and continue working alongside such a great organization as ARV to try to make a difference. I hope you'll join us <3 Email: diane.poon@gmail.com Cell: 080-6330-4051 Diane Poon Longitude Volunteer Group Leader December 2010
3
4
The Association of Relief Volunteers The Association of Relief Volunteers (ARV) is an Indian non-profit organization. It was founded in 2001 by the human rights activist T. Ravi Kumar. ARV works to empower the Dalits, formerly known as "Untouchables" of India. ARV draws its strength from Raviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visionary leadership, its grassroots networks, and its dedicated volunteers like you.
Ravi Kumar (of UnCaste India) values every human life as precious and worth fighting for. "Even if we have no funding coming in, I will go to the village one by one, and I will talk to the people. I will teach them how to stand up for themselves. Even if only one or two villages are uplifted during the course of my lifetime, I will know that my life is worth living," Ravi say.Combining a personal knowledge of Dalit communities, a passionate dedication to the people and incredible leadership skills, Ravi is a formidable defender of the Dalit cause. He is someone whom authorities cannot help but listen to and work with to acknowledge the communities they have ignored in the past. Since ARV's inception in 2001, Ravi has mobilized more than 300 international volunteers in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. He has also created ties with several renowned national and international NGOs to create a grassroots level network committed to improving the status of the poorest of the poor. ARVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work mainly focuses on Dalit or tribal communities, the lowest members of the politically abolished but still socially practiced caste system in India. Although it has been more than 50 years since the ratification of the Indian constitution, which declared all Indian citizens equal, many remain forgotten by the government. Ravi's approach in helping these communities is very unique in that he goes directly into beleaguered and discriminated villages and becomes an expert in the issues they face. This has made him successful in precisely articulating their needs and, in turn, gaining financial support from the Indian government.
5
The Association of Relief Volunteers ARV’s Vision... • • •
A society where the poorest, most discriminated against and vulnerable communities are aware of their rights and are empowered to access their entitlements and natural resources. A society that works together to alleviate hunger and poverty, where opportunities to develop close the gap between rich and poor. A society where democratic processes promote equal opportunities and social cohesion.
Ravi’s link with Longitude has provided ARV with international volunteers, financial and programmatic support. Additionally, it has raised the profile of the organization in India and abroad. ARV hosts an average of three volunteer work camps annually in which international volunteers travel to villages and work alongside masons and first-time home-owners to create stable permanent homes, among other tasks. Ravi hopes that further exposure outside of India, particularly in developed nations with well-established volunteer communities, will help to increase funding, work camps and help him develop new visions for how to carry his work onward. ARV recognizes that survival needs must come first before empowering communities to seek out greater civil liberties. These communities suffer from a lack of adequate food, safe drinking water, medical care, and basic, sturdy housing. They are often left emaciated and without hope. In 2005, with the help of funds raised by Longitude volunteers, ARV began offering a range of services, including housing, nutrition, healthcare, and emergency relief. The programs that provide these crucial services comprise the first phase of the UnCaste India Campaign: Survival. As ARV works to meet a Dalit village's basic needs, they also raise awareness of fundamental human rights and violations of these rights - through education, advocacy and lobbying. ARV and the village committees they work with have already had much success convincing local government leaders to support the projects that ARV has started and securing government grants for Dalit villagers. Their ongoing efforts to raise Dalit voices and hold the government accountable represent the second phase of the UnCaste India Campaign: Empowerment. Through awareness campaigns and educational programs, ARV strives to ensure that all Dalits exercise their rights and access their entitlements both now and in future generations. When Dalits fully recognize themselves - and are recognized - as members of society deserving of these fundamental rights, then the third and final phase of the UnCaste India Campaign, Equality, will be complete.
6
The Association of Relief Volunteers Current Projects Building Communities (volunteer work camps) - Since 2005, Longitude has been sending international volunteers to India to work with ARV. The vast majority have taken part in work camps to help build houses, educate children and promote health and hygiene; all while communicating and interacting with the communities they are helping. The Children’s Feeding Centre - The Children’s Feeding Centre was set up in 2007 and funded by Longitude volunteers; it ran for 24 months, providing each of the 80 children in the village of KI with one egg and one cup of milk per day. The children of the village were so malnourished that many were suffering from skin diseases and were not developing healthily. At present, ARV is providing eggs and milk to only the most in need in the village. ARV is also assessing whether the program can be expanded to malnourished orphans, and HIV positive children in 22 villages surrounding Kolleru Lake. Health Care Initiative - ARV currently provides medical assistance to the people of KI through doctors’ visits, free tests and free medicine. ARV plans to expand this program to 22 more villages. A Child’s Chance - So far, ARV has appointed teachers in 6 villages to tutor children every day before and after school, to ensure they attend and to communicate with their families about attendance and performance. Widow Welfare Program - ARV distributed sarees to widows in Chevuru village in 2005 and 2009. They also continue to supply health care to these widows. Emergency Relief - Since its 2001, ARV has been providing aid in response to recurring cyclones and floods as well as the 2004 tsunami. Most recently, ARV responded to flooding which claimed the lives of 35 people and 12,500 cattle. Advocacy - ARV is lobbying the government to release the compensation promised to the people of Kolleru Lake following the destruction of their fish tanks in 2005. ARV is also pressuring the government to provide alternative livelihood opportunities to fishing, through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Lastly, ARV is campaigning for safe drinking water in the region.
7
Where you will be working…
The Village of Chevuru Their Story A total of 449 Dalits (formerly known as Untouchables), including roughly 70 widows, live in thatched mud huts in Chevuru. Most of the adults in the village are unskilled agricultural laborers and are unable to find work outside the 3-month growing season each year. Because they earn barely enough wages to support their families, missing even one day of work to repair their fragile huts after heavy rain or floods can affect their ability to feed their children. Acquiring permanent housing will not only allow these Dalit villagers to work more days of the year but will also raise their social status, giving them the confidence they need in order to stand up for their rights.
The Goal Fifty-one families in Chevuru were able to begin building permanent houses under a state government scheme that provides housing grants to people living below the poverty line. However, these grants are not enough to cover the remaining costs of the houses. These families have requested Longitude and ARV’s financial assistance to complete their homes, which have been sitting unfinished since last year. In order to put a roof on every home, we must raise US $1500 per house.
The Volunteers Since March 2010, Longitude has already sent 2 expeditions comprising of 24 volunteers to Chevuru. So far they have worked on 37 houses. 1. 2. 3. 4.
March 2010 (21st – 27th March) – led by Vishal Jani (6 volunteers). May 2010 (28th – 9th May 2010) – led by Anna Radke and Megan Pankratz (18 volunteers). September 2010 – two consecutive groups from CNN. Another group is scheduled to travel to Chevuru in Winter 2010/2011, led by Diane Poon.
8
You will be flying intoâ&#x20AC;Ś Chennai This is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, southern neighbor to Andhra Pradesh. It is a large city with most amenities available. In recent years, many major automobile companies have outsourced production to Chennai. The principle language is Tamil, with English often used in business. Chennai has good transport connections, not only having an airport, but a huge bus station, from where you can get local or private buses to many surrounding areas.
Delhi
Chevuru
Chennai
9
Travelling to/around India… Planes India has a regular and often very reasonable selection of domestic airlines. You should be aware, however, that flight delays from Delhi due to fog from the city are common, so leave more time than you think around meeting times. The following websites compare times and prices for most of India’s domestic airline companies: • • •
Indian
www.ixigo.com Makemytrip.co.in www.yatra.com Those who have an Indian address can directly book on this site, or those with a UK address can use the British site. Domestic Airlines: Indian Airlines: http://indian-airlines.nic.in/default.aspx Indigo Airlines: http://goindigo.in/ Jet Airways: http://www.jetairways.com/ Kingfisher: http://www.flykingfisher.com/ Spice JET: http://www.spicejet.com/
Trains India has a vast train network, covering most places at extremely reasonable prices. The railway is still one of the biggest employers in India and is a great way to see more of India as you travel. However, it is also one of the slowest and most unreliable forms of transport in India and for nearly all trains you are required to book tickets in advance and need an Indian address to do so. For this reason, we strongly recommend flying to your destination. The following website has the national train schedule: http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ Click on the following to check train times: http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_srcdest_names.htm
Buses India does have many public buses running various routes from bus stations. Fares are extremely cheap, but buses are often extremely crowded and you may not get a seat unless you get there early. They are often much slower than other forms of transportation, but do offer a very Indian charm if you have the time and desire to try them.
Cars and Rickshaws Try to avoid private taxis and instead opt for public taxis and rickshaws running from airports, train stations or from registered taxi booths. They are both much cheaper and safer as they are police controlled. Many also offer a baggage insurance scheme to make sure your baggage arrives with you. If you would like to catch a rickshaw (not for the faint hearted), then set the price before you get in. Feel free to reject the first (very likely too expensive) offer and even walk off – another rickshaw driver may be listening and offer a better price. It can also be a good idea to check with your hotel or someone you trust before you go out, to find out what typical fees are between locations. Being clued up as to prices for travel (and any items you may intend to buy) can save you a lot of time and money. When riding in rickshaws, be sure to keep hold of your bags and valuables as the open sides not only offer an easy opportunity for thieves to just reach in and grab, but things may also fall out.
10
Getting a VISA… You will need to apply for your VISA in good time before your trip. Due to government requirements in India concerning group travel, you may need to let your leader know your VISA number before you arrive in India. For all VISAs you will also need to have a passport that has at least 6 months remaining on it.
Your VISA application • • •
There is no VISA for volunteers in India, so you will need a TOURIST’S VISA. DO NOT write ‘volunteering’ under the section ‘purpose of visit’! For the references, anyone is okay, from any country.
For Residents of the US The Indian government has outsourced all US VISA applications to Travisa Outsourcing (go to https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/homepage to start the VISA process). You can apply either online, by post or by appointment at one of their VISA centers ( in New York, Chicago, Houston - Texas, Washington DC, or San Francisco).
For Residents of the UK The Indian government has outsourced all VISA applications to VF Service UK Ltd (go to http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ to start the VISA process). You can apply either online, by post or as a walk-in to their VISA centers (two in London and one in Hayes, Middlesex).
For Residents of Japan All VISAs for India in Japan are now processed at their center in Tokyo. Full details can be found at www.indianvisaatjapan.co.jp. Please be aware that postal applications often take 3 weeks to process, so you will need to apply for this ASAP (and you won’t have your passport for this period).
11
Healthcare As a visitor to India, you have to be aware of the health risks involved in visiting the country. Sanitation systems, sunshine and heat, and an altered diet can all act as a huge shock to your body. Of course, as organizers we will take every precaution that we possibly can to ensure that you are kept as safe and healthy as possible during the work camp. However, our reach is limited to the time of your trip. For these reasons, please be sure to read the following in addition to contacting your own medical practitioner in advance of volunteering.
Vaccinations Previous volunteering expeditions have shown that healthcare professionals offer greatly varying advice as to what vaccinations are necessary in India. The following is a comprehensive list of what they may suggest: • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Japanese Encephalitis • Tetanus • Rabies • Polio • Typhoid Whatever you choose to or are advised to have, please remember that vaccinations often need to be given well in advance of your trip (some around 6 weeks before), and sometimes more than one injection is necessary. In addition, depending on where you live and your health care plan, you may be expected to cover the costs for these vaccinations yourself.
Malaria In previous trips, the numbers of volunteers taking Malaria medications has varied due to differing medical opinions. Whatever you choose to do, or what your physician recommends, you should be aware of several points: •
For More
The US government site (shown below) currently states that ‘Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in India and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region’. • Please also be aware that in some places, the most common form of anti-malarial available contains Larium (which can have mind altering effects and is unadvised for those with personal or family history of mental illness). • Furthermore, you will need to start taking anti-malarial medication around 2 weeks prior to leaving and 2 weeks after returning home. Information… on vaccinations and health issues in India, check out the following: • •
12
The World Health Organization: www.who.int/ith/en/index.html UK National Travel Health Network and Centre website: http://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_IN.htm
What to Expect in India… Money It is easy to live on little money in India. You can usually eat meals for 100-200 rupees. A bottle of soft drink costs around 20 rupees and beer around 80-100 rupees. Bargaining is very common and advisable to counteract huge tourist mark-ups (offer about half to start with… and be willing to walk away!). Tipping also helps to grease the wheels of service (around 5-10 rupees for small things is fine). A reasonable basic estimate would be around 1,000 Rupees per day for non-camp days. If you intend to travel long distances or do heavy shopping, you may need more. For a 15 day period, about 20,000 rupees should be reasonable. Money changing facilities can be hard to find in India, especially in less touristy spots, like most small towns/villages in Andhra Pradesh. So it is highly advised to change any currency or traveller’s checks while in large cities or airports. It is also VITAL to know that many countries do not exchange Indian Rupees, so remember to change any remaining rupees you have BEFORE leaving India.
Tips for Dealing with Money: • • • • • •
DO NOT keep all your money in one place. Find out what a reasonable price might be before you enter a shop or catch a rickshaw. Set a price before you get into a taxi or rickshaw Catch registered taxis at airports - which are cheaper and safer. Don’t be afraid to bargain. Make sure you know the exchange rate.
Conversions (October 2010): $10 = 443 Rupees €10 = 613 Rupees ¥100 = 53 Rupees
13
What to Expect in India… Eating and Drinking “Delhi Belly” is caused by the combination of inescapable bacteria, heat and dehydration and the constant attack of spices on your digestive tract.
Tips for avoiding unwanted bacteria: • • • • • •
Eat in places where many local people are eating (preferably women and children). Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating (and use sanitizer). Only buy drinks with the seals still intact (glass bottles are better). Always have a bottle of water on you and drink it regularly. Avoid dairy products and pre-peeled fruit as well as ALL food sold by street vendors. Go vegetarian (some people find that cutting out meat also cuts out a lot of bacteria).
Food During your trip, you might eat in different locations (in restaurants, villages or at people’s homes). In these cases, Ravi is usually very careful to make sure everything has been properly prepared with clean water. If spending whole days in villages, you will probably eat food prepared and cooked in the villages. In this case, meals are usually prepared by a cook (a villager hired for the group) who is trained in hygienic cooking practices. The food is generally very healthy and safe, but there is always a possibility of getting sick. Exposure to new bacteria and spices can be enough to throw off some people’s digestive system. Breakfast: Dosa (thin crispy crepes, either plain or stuffed), Idli (small steamed cakes), Puri (deep fried, puffed bread), served with chutney and/or a small amount of curry. White bread and toast are also usually available. Lunch and dinner: A typical meal in the work camp contains rice, 2-3 tasty vegetarian curries, and fresh slices of vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes and carrots. Chapattis (like flour tortillas) are sometimes served as well. Yogurt is often available on the side to be mixed together with curry and rice, or to be eaten as a dessert. You can also enjoy seasonal fruits, among which delicious Indian bananas seem to be the ubiquitous choice throughout the year.
People in India eat mainly vegetarian meals, and so do volunteers. Keeping it vegetarian is not only culturally appropriate but also safer, because avoiding meat reduces the chances of foodborne illnesses. Also, if you have an allergy or there is something you would like more of, please let us know.
14
What to Bring…
• Passport PLUS bring 2 copies of your identification page AND the VISA page (keep these separate from the passport) • Tickets • Work gloves (a couple of pairs) • Money • Sun tan lotion & aftersun • Insect repellent (containing DEET) • Band-aids • Insect bite cream • Malaria meds (if taking them) • Sun hat/scarf (protection from sun and cement!) • Sunglasses • Wet-wipes • Hand sanitizer – use when you wash your hands!
15
• Shampoo & conditioner • Shower soap • Exfoliating brush/cloth (to remove brick dust) • Toothbrush and paste • Hand soap and moisturizer • Nail brush. • Towel (not a white one…think dust) • Book/something to do in the event of delays. • Notebook and pen/pencil • Toilet paper • Camera • Practical, covered shoes • Money belt (highly recommended) • Medication (for travel sickness, allergies etc) • Sheet for sleeping – cotton is good
Emergency Contact Numbersâ&#x20AC;Ś Mr. Ravi Kumar Outside India: 0091 9866035859 In India, outside of Andhra Pradesh: 09866035859 Within Andhra Pradesh: 9866035859
PLEASE keep these numbers ON YOU at all times while travelling.
16