Rebuilding Hope Volunteer Handbook

Rebuilding Hope Missions, Inc.
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www.rebuildinghopemissions.com
Rebuilding Hope Missions
Volunteer Handbook
Contents
Guiding Principles .....................................................................................................................................2
The Goals and Purpose of Rebuilding Hope’s Volunteer Program...............................................................3
Candidate Selection ......................................................................................................................................4
Requirements for Consideration...............................................................................................................4
Application Process...................................................................................................................................4
Travel Arrangements ................................................................................................................................5
Life on a Service Retreat ...............................................................................................................................6
Steps on Arriving.......................................................................................................................................6
Role Adaptation ........................................................................................................................................6
Understand the Local Community............................................................................................................7
Borrowing and Lending Money & Donations............................................................................................7
Transportation ..........................................................................................................................................7
Dress Code ................................................................................................................................................8
Smoking.....................................................................................................................................................8
Drug-Free Environment ............................................................................................................................8
Safety and Liability....................................................................................................................................8
Use of RHM Property................................................................................................................................9
Global Medical Insurance .........................................................................................................................9
Code of Conduct .........................................................................................................................................10
Forms ..........................................................................................................................................................12
Volunteer Application Form....................................................................................................................12
Waiver of Liability and Release...............................................................................................................15
Confidentiality Agreement......................................................................................................................17
Volunteer Acknowledgment of Safe Environment Standards................................................................18
*Volunteer signature required on pages 9, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18

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Guiding Principles
Rebuilding Hope envisions a world in which the desperation left in the wake of
natural disaster is alleviated. The aim of our mission is not only to rebuild what was
destroyed, but also to empower those we work with by reminding them that they
are not alone.
Our Vision:
A world working together to restore communities affected by natural disaster.
As a ministry based on the Gospel principles:
• We promote social justice for all, standing in solidarity with the poor and
marginalized.
• We strive to be inclusive and collaborative.
• We steward our fiscal resources with care and gratitude to maximize
effectiveness.
Rebuilding Hope serves those recovering from natural disaster by:
• Partnering with changemakers already present in recovering communities.
• Coordinating service retreats to connect volunteers with various expertise to
project sites.
• Providing the funds for the reconstruction of damaged properties.
• Standing in solidarity with survivors of natural disaster by forming long term
connections;
• Raising awareness of the ongoing inequalities in impoverished communities
and their unique challenges to overcoming shocks and disasters.
• Acting as a relief network to supply partners with in-kind donations.

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The Goals and Purpose of Rebuilding Hope’s Volunteer
Program
By coordinating service retreats, Rebuilding Hope connects volunteers to the
causes they are passionate about: communing with the poor, providing shelter to
those in need, and bringing the light of hope to those in despair. The bridge we are
building between communities in Atlanta and Puerto Rico has the power to
reinvigorate our country spiritually and inspire participants to lead lives of charity
long after their service retreat.
The problems faced by communities recovering from natural disaster are
numerous, especially when coupled with pre-existing poverty and economic
inequality. Disaster damages more than physical structures. A major storm can
wash away a family’s possessions, life savings, and livelihood assets. Such
destruction puts enormous strain on individuals and families.
While official government relief is extended to those who qualify, those who are
passed over feel abandoned by society at large. As a counter to the feeling of
despair and the shortcomings of official aid, Rebuilding Hope establishes service
projects to not only repair damage, but also restore a sense of hope and inclusion
among survivors.
This handbook is meant as a resource for those willing to join us on our mission to
rebuild hope.
An important (and often painful) concept for volunteers to understand is that he or she
will not be able to help everyone. The level of needs after a disaster are vast and
overwhelming, but we can make great strides on the problems in front of us.

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Candidate Selection
Requirements for Consideration
1. Be 12-68 years of age.
2. Have a skill related to the needs of the mission, or a willingness to learn new
skills.
3. Have good mental and physical health.
4. Have a commitment to work and live with the poor.
5. Have a strong desire to improve the living conditions in areas recovering
from natural disaster.
6. Willing to abide by the rules, morals and ethics of host facilities and the
Catholic Church.
7. Be free of legal implications.
Application Process
Service Retreat groups will be lead and organized by a Group Leader. This leader,
an upstanding member of the parish or community being organized, will work
closely with a Coordinator from Rebuilding Hope.
A Group Leader must submit:
a. Group Leader application form
b. 3 references (from Parish or community leaders, and/or professional
character references)
c. A signed waiver of liability and photo release.
d. A signed confidentiality agreement
e. A signed Code of Conduct
f. A signed confirmation of Safe Environment training and background check.
In addition to collecting these forms, Rebuilding Hope will also conduct a formal
interview to determine the candidate’s fitness as a Group Leader

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Volunteers must submit the following forms for review. These can be submitted to
the Group Leader and then forwarded to Rebuilding Hope, or submitted directly to
info@rebuildinghopemissions.com subject line Volunteer Application – [your name]
a. Completed volunteer application form
b. A signed waiver of liability and photo release.
c. A signed confidentiality agreement
d. A signed Code of Conduct
e. A signed confirmation of Safe Environment training and background check.
It will be the responsibility of the Group Leader to investigate the fitness of each
volunteer in mind and body before the group service retreat begins. Before the
service retreat can be officially approved and sent on its mission, the Group Leader
must submit a signed report confirming the fitness of each volunteer in their group.
Travel Arrangements
Once a date of travel is established, the volunteer group must coordinate their own
travel to and from their place of origin and the host country. In the case of groups
going to Puerto Rico, no Visas or passports are required because of Puerto Rico’s
status as a territory of the United States. Groups travelling to locations outside of
the United States and Puerto Rico must ensure that each volunteer has a Passport
valid through the duration of the service retreat.
When making flight departure arrangements, volunteers should attempt to arrive
as a group, at the same time, and during the day if possible. This will allow the
Rebuilding Hope Mission Coordinator to keep the retreat moving smoothly and
transport the entire group to their living site.
Because of the short-term nature of Rebuilding Hope service retreats, the volunteer
must defray the cost of his/her own ticket.

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Life on a Service Retreat
Staying in another country while working for the improvement of a partner
community will provide a rich life experience and insight into God’s creation and
love. Though the conditions in the host community may be more difficult than the
typical American is used to, they set a background for the spiritually rewarding
work being done on retreat.
Steps on Arriving
1. On arrival at the airport destination, the volunteer should congregate with
the rest of his/her retreat group and check in with the Group Leader. Group
Leaders should take note of all volunteers who have arrived to ensure no
one gets left behind.
a. If a volunteer cannot schedule his/her flight to arrive at the same time
as the rest of the group, his/her itinerary must be shared in advance
and special arrangements will be made with the Mission Coordinator
in the host country. In such cases, the volunteer may need to shoulder
the expense of personal transportation to the group’s living site.
b. Some volunteers may choose to carry extra luggage containing
medicines or other donations. Group Leaders must compile an
inventory of all donated items and submit it to Rebuilding Hope.
c. The cost for extra baggage will not be reimbursed by Rebuilding Hope
Missions.
2. A Rebuilding Hope Mission Coordinator will meet retreat groups at the
airport and provide transportation to the living arrangements as well as a
small tour of the area.
Role Adaptation
After a disaster, especially in poor communities, needs are dynamic, and resources
can be scant. Rebuilding Hope volunteers must be innovative and cultivate a can-do
attitude to address the problems they encounter. Additionally, volunteers will
occasionally witness upsetting living conditions among the members of the
recovering community. The reactions volunteers feel towards poverty are a natural
part of the service retreat process and should be used to strengthen the volunteer’s

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spiritual resolve. In the context of the retreat, these feelings can be talked about
with fellow volunteers, especially during time down time.
Understand the Local Community
Attempting to connect with and understand the community being served is
fundamental for a project’s success. In some cases, the community being served
will be obvious, as in a project related to the retreat house where the group is
lodged. In other cases, the beneficiaries of a project may not see you completing
the work at all.
Opportunities will arise to communicate with members of the community in which
volunteers are working. While translation will be provided by the Mission
Coordinator in most cases, it is helpful for volunteers to speak the native language.
Even without language competency, humans are gifted communicators, and can
establish relationships through acts of kindness. Rebuilding Hope recommends all
volunteers arrive with the curiosity to understand local customs and the charity of
disposition to make all people they meet feel comfortable.
Borrowing and Lending Money & Donations
Volunteers are kindly asked not to loan, borrow money from, or make personal
donations to local community members. This can potentially lead to problems and
misunderstandings down the road. Rebuilding Hope does not reimburse any debts
and cannot provide receipts for donations made while volunteering. The service
volunteers take part in is planned in advanced so that its impact can be maximized
and measured.
Transportation
Rebuilding Hope Missions provides transportation to and from the volunteer living
site and the work site. Motion sickness warning: in some cases, volunteers will be
taking winding mountain roads during their retreat. If you are prone to motion
sickness, plan accordingly with mitigation strategies.
If a volunteer resigns prior to completion of his or her service retreat or is asked to
leave because of non-compliance with established rules and regulations of
Rebuilding Hope and/or the host facility, arrangements will be made for the
volunteer’s early departure. The volunteer may be asked to defray the cost of
his/her early departure.

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Dress Code
Volunteers should always exhibit modesty and cultural sensitivity when choosing
clothing while on retreat. During working hours, clothing should be suited to the
tasks assigned, conscious of the weather conditions, and at least moderately
protective from possible worksite hazards. For example, if you are painting the side
of a house in the hot sun, it is a good idea to wear light, breathable clothing that
covers the body from sunburn and paint. Proper close-toed footwear should always
be worn at project sites.
Smoking
Rebuilding Hope does not accept any form of smoking/vaping tobacco or tobacco
products while on a service retreat or during the volunteer’s term of service. We
encourage a smoke free environment and support healthy lifestyle choices.
Drug-Free Environment
The Rebuilding Hope Missions code of conduct prohibits the use of illicit drugs.
Safety and Liability
Rebuilding Hope operates in communities which are generally warm and
welcoming, but no location is perfect. RHM recommends using the following
common-sense suggestions to help ensure a safe environment
Be aware of your surroundings and take note of everyone around you. Notify the
Group Leader, Mission Coordinator, and/or another person of authority if you
notice anyone or anything out of place in your worksite of living area.
Never leave your purse, wallet, or other valuable items out in the open. You should
always keep these items out of sight or on your person. Avoid carrying large sums
of money.
Rebuilding Hope Missions is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged
personal property. RHM will not reimburse a volunteer for lost, stolen, missing, or
damaged personal property.

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Use of RHM Property
Volunteers will come in contact with materials, tools, and items purchased for the
completion of a service project. These are to be used carefully, and for the
purposes for which they were designed. Proper care must be taken to ensure
safety when working with power tools or other potentially dangerous materials.
Global Medical Insurance
Volunteers participating in service retreats to Puerto Rico will be covered by global
medical Accident and Sickness coverage while they are abroad. Details of our
insurance policy can be made available on request.
Benefits include emergency medical evacuation, emergency medical benefits,
accident and sickness benefits, and travel assistance services.
In the event of a serious injury, security threat, or other medical emergency, Group
Leaders and the in-country Mission Coordinator will activate an emergency plan
which includes contacting AXA Assistance USA, our travel assistance service. They
will help coordinate the proper response.
RHM Disclosure: Rebuilding Hope Mission reserves the right to change, alter, or amend,
the information contained in this handbook at any time.
Acknowledgement of Volunteer Handbook
I have received, read, and understand the Rebuilding Hope Missions, Inc. Volunteer
Handbook.
_________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Volunteer Date

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Code of Conduct
The Rebuilding Hope code of conduct stems from our values and mission. As members of a
universal Church, we believe in the common dignity of all people, and stand in solidarity
with those in need. We encourage all our volunteers, whether working domestically or on a
retreat, to act according to the Gospel principles and to choose the course of highest
integrity and ethical conduct.
The following list describes the policies and regulations that should guide the actions of all
volunteers.
Professional Conduct:
• I will complete work seriously, safely, and in a timely manner. I will complete the full
term of my assignment/service retreat, knowing that leaving early can damage the
reputation of Rebuilding Hope and hamper the effectiveness of future work.
• I will keep good manners knowing that my personal conduct reflects on the image
of Rebuilding Hope Missions.
• I will demonstrate integrity even when working with little or no supervision.
• I will avoid making false reports of emergencies, crimes, etc.
• I will not, by intention or otherwise, obstruct the activities of the organizations,
communities, and agencies with which I am working.
• I will adhere to all Rebuilding Hope policies and procedures.
• I will be obedient to mission coordinators and serve with humility knowing that
every contribution makes a difference.
• I understand that as a volunteer for Rebuilding Hope Missions I am a voice and
ambassador for the work being done. To keep donors informed about the
destination of their contribution, I grant Rebuilding Hope permission to share
picture and stories from my retreat experience by signing an information release
form during orientation.
In the Community:
• I will take full responsibility for my actions, knowing that I represent not only myself,
but also Rebuilding Hope and its partners.
• I will demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn about the cultures and customs
of communities that I visit, and refrain from any conduct that disregards the goals of
the program or damages community relations.
• I will conduct myself in a manner that is free of bias, prejudice or harassment on the
basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender, age, ability or disability, and any other status protected by law.

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• I will respect the rights and privileges of other volunteers, staff, and co-workers in
the host facility/community.
• I will not impose or encourage religious belief among the other staff/volunteers/or
local communities.
• I will remain neutral with respect to expressing my opinions about the national or
local government. I understand that I may put my hosts in a difficult, and potentially
embarrassing, position by commenting on the government of the host community
or the administration of the facility in which I am working or staying.
Legal Considerations:
Volunteer will comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Drugs and Alcohol
• I will not violate the law of the host country and avoid engaging in unlawful activities
especially as applies to the use of drugs and abuse of alcohol.
• Rebuilding Hope does not condemn the use of alcohol; however, if
volunteers/retreatants choose to consume alcohol, they must do so responsibly and
avoid abuse.
• I understand that Rebuilding Hope will enforce sanctions against any
volunteer/retreatant who commits any infraction, including: drunkenness, abuse of
alcohol, and/or abuse of drugs.
Criminal or other Illegal Conduct
• I will not carry hazardous weapons nor bring any fireworks or dangerous explosives
to the Host Facility.
• I will not bring any illegal or inappropriate technology into the Host Facility.
• I will avoid viewing, copying, or accessing any documents that are not unauthorized
for my use.
• I understand that any breech in the Rebuilding Hope policies or rules can lead to my
termination as a volunteer.
I, ________________________________, acknowledge that I have received and read the Rebuilding
Hope Code of Conduct and will uphold its dictates to the best of my ability during my time
of service. I understand that if I am judged to have violated the code of conduct my
volunteer term may be cancelled.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _______________________

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Forms
Volunteer Application Form
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Rebuilding Hope Missions. Please fill out the following form for
our records.
Full Name: ___________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________
Alt. Phone: ___________________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________________________
Country of Residence: _______________________________ Last four Digits of SS#: _________________________
Emergency Contact
Full Name: ___________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________ Relationship: _________________________________
Current Employer (if applicable)
Company Name: _____________________________________
Position: _____________________________________________
Education
Institution: ___________________________________________
Degree/Major: _______________________________________
Volunteer History
Describe any previous volunteer experience including location, duties, and length of time.
Volunteer Profile
Why would you like to volunteer with Rebuilding Hope Missions?
Please share your special sills or talents that you could use in your capacity as a volunteer (i.e.
computer skills, areas of expertise, foreign languages spoken, certifications, talents, etc…)

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What is your availability to volunteer? (days/times) If you are volunteering on a service retreat you
may leave this section blank.
How much time would you like to commit to volunteering (hours per week/month). If you are
volunteering on a service retreat you may leave this section blank
Besides volunteering, what do you like to do in your free time?
What makes you feel appreciated / valued as a volunteer?
Favorite snack, candy or food?
References
Please list three (3) non-family members who are familiar with your character:
Name: _______________________________________________ Relationship: ________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________
Personal Information
• Have you ever been charged with, arrested for, or convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic
violation? ___Y ___N
If yes, explain fully the circumstances (such as a charge or conviction may be relevant if job related but does
not bar you from volunteering.
• Have you ever been subject of an investigation involving allegation of sexual abuse? ___Y ___N
• As a civil or criminal complaint ever been filed against you alleging physical abuse? ___Y ___N
If yes give a short explanation of the complaint. Please indicate the date, nature, and place of the incident
leading to the complaint, where the complaint was filed, and the disposition of the complaint.

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• Have you ever terminated your employment or been terminated for reasons relating to allegations of
physical abuse by you? ___Y ___N
If yes, please give a short explanation of the allegations, the disposition of the allegations, and your employer
at the time, including name, address and telephone number
• Have you ever received any medical treatment for reasons involving physical or sexual abuse by you?
___Y ___N
If yes, give a short description of the treatment, including date(s), natures and location(s), identifying the
treating physician with name, address, and telephone number.
Volunteer Application Form
Please read and sign
Volunteers in direct contact with children or the elderly must have a background check. The information that I
have provided may be verified if necessary, by contacting persons or organizations named in this application, or
by conducting a criminal background check. I hear by release and agree to hold harmless from liability any
person or organization that provides information. I also agree to hold harmless Rebuilding Hope Missions and
the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and the officers, employees and volunteers thereof.
_________________________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Applicant Date
Interviewed By: _________________________________________ ☐Screened
Date: ___________________________________________________ ☐References
Position Assigned: ______________________________________ ☐Accepted
AgencyUse

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Waiver of Liability and Release
I hereby acknowledge that my voluntary participation with Rebuilding Hope Missions Inc.
(“Rebuilding Hope”) may involve risks of property damage, illness, and bodily or personal
injury that could result in death. Potential risks may include, but are not limited to:
• Injuries due to trips or falls.
• Exposure to contagious diseases, especially if working with the children and/or in
inclement weather conditions.
• Any other risks that may be associated with the program for which I volunteer.
I HEREBY ASSUME ANY AND ALL SUCH RISKS
Furthermore, I will immediately notify the person in charge of the program if, at any time, I
feel that u have been placed in physical danger, or if for any reason I feel uncomfortable at
the program site.
I am voluntarily participating as a volunteer for Rebuilding Hope with a full understanding
of these risks, and I assume and agree to accept any and all such risks to my safety and
security during the course of participating as a volunteer. Furthermore, I acknowledge and
agree that as a volunteer, I am not entitled to, and shall not receive, any compensation of
any type for my services.
For the sole consideration of Rebuilding Hope allowing me to participate in any of their
programs, I hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Rebuilding Hope
Missions Inc. and their officers, agents, affiliated entities, employees, and other volunteers
(the “Releasees”) from any and all liability claims, demands, rights, and courses of action of
whatever kind, arising from or by reason of any personal injury or property damage or
otherwise, or the consequences thereof, resulting from or in any way connected with my
participation in the program or service as a volunteer.
I further covenant and agree that for the consideration stated above I will not sue any of
the Releasees for any claim for damages arising or growing out of my voluntary
participation in the program.
RELEASE CONSENT FORM FOR: PHOTO, VIDEO, QUOTATIONS AND INTERVIEW
I hereby give Rebuilding Hope and all acting with its authority the right and permission to
interview, record, use or publish recordings of me on videotape, use or publish my verbal

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quotations or quotations from my letters/cards, film or still-photos for dissemination
through any medium.
This release does/does not (circle one) include the right and permission to reproduce
photographs of my or use my quotations for distribution in any medium. With this release,
no further claim of any kind will be made by me in any of the areas mentioned. I also
understand that my participation is completely voluntary. I have been informed about
Rebuilding Hope’s confidentiality policy.
I certify that I am at least 18 years of age and have read and understood the above before
voluntarily signing.
________________________________ ___________ __________________________
Signature of Volunteer Date Email
________________________________ ________________________________________________
Volunteer Name (Print) Emergency contact Name/phone number
Rebuilding Hope Missions, Inc. Witness:
Signature ____________________________________
Printed Name and Title __________________________________

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Confidentiality Agreement
I, _______________________________________, a volunteer of Rebuilding Hope Missions Inc.
(“Agency”), understand that through my work with the Agency and its clients I may obtain,
handle, observe, collect and/or otherwise be exposed to sensitive and confidential client
information. I agree to respect the confidentiality of this information at all times and to
refrain from disclosing such information to any unauthorized individual without the
express written permission of the client and the express permission of the employee
responsible for my supervision.
I agree to treat all clients of Rebuilding Hope Missions Inc. with respect and caring,
maintaining appropriate boundaries and relationships with them at all times.
I also understand that violation of this agreement may result in the termination of my
volunteer relationship with the Agency.
_______________________________ ________________
Volunteer’s signature Date
_______________________________ ________________
Rebuilding Hope Missions Inc, Witness signature Date

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Volunteer Acknowledgment of Safe Environment Standards
I, ______________________________, a Rebuilding Hope Missions volunteer, confirm that
I have attended the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children (PGC) Archdiocesan Safe
Environment training and have received credit for my attendance. As a volunteer
for Rebuilding Hope Missions, I agree to abide by the standards of conduct outlined
in the Safe Environment training to ensure the safety of the vulnerable individuals
with which I may come into contact. I also confirm that the Archdiocese of Atlanta
has completed a background check on me through Sterling Talent Solutions and
found nothing which would prevent me from serving in my current role. I have
submitted official records of my Safe Environment certification to Rebuilding Hope
Missions, Inc.
________________________________ _________________
Volunteer’s Signature Date

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