Volunteers in Cuenca

Nomads of Hope Work Trip: Participant Code of Conduct

Thank you for considering dedicating your time, energy, and spirit to this mission. Our work is a privilege, built on a partnership with the communities we serve. This Code of Conduct exists to ensure a safe, respectful, productive, and culturally enriching experience for all participants, our community partners, and our trip leaders.

By joining this trip, you are an ambassador for Nomads of Hope. Your actions reflect on our entire organization and impact our ability to continue this important work. We ask that you read, understand, and commit to the following principles and guidelines.

Core Principles

• Respect: Treat every person—fellow participants, trip leaders, and local community members—with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Our mission is impossible without it.

• Safety: Your primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of yourself and others. This applies to the worksite, our living quarters, and all activities.

• Positive Attitude & Flexibility: Work trips can be challenging. Materials may be delayed, plans may change, and conditions may be different than you are used to. Embrace these challenges with patience, a positive spirit, and a willingness to adapt. 

• Cultural Humility: We are guests in another community. Be open to learning, listening, and participating. Show respect for local customs, traditions, and ways of life.

Specific Conduct Guidelines

To ensure a positive environment for all, the following behaviors are required:

1. On the Worksite

• Safety First: Always follow the safety instructions provided by trip leaders and worksite supervisors. Use all required safety equipment. If you see an unsafe situation, report it immediately. 

• Teamwork & Contribution: Everyone is expected to contribute to the best of their ability. Understand that tasks vary and sometimes involve waiting. Use downtime to connect with teammates, help with other tasks, or learn from our community partners.

• Respectful Communication: Yelling, belittling, or using demeaning language towards anyone is strictly forbidden. We build each other up.

2. Interpersonal Conduct & Harassment

• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual innuendos, inappropriate personal questions, intimidation, and offensive comments related to gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

• Personal Boundaries: Be mindful of others’ personal space and boundaries.

3. Shared Living & Community Life

• Respect Shared Spaces: Keep your personal belongings organized within your designated area. To ensure a comfortable and respectful living environment for everyone, please be mindful of your roommates’ personal space and property. Contribute to keeping all common areas clean and orderly.

• Participate Fully: Evening activities and cultural events are a core part of the Nomads of Hope experience. They are designed for team bonding and cultural exchange. Your full and engaged participation is expected as a sign of respect for our hosts and your fellow team members.

4. Alcohol, Drugs, and Illegal Activities
To ensure safety and respect for our mission and host community, we have a firm policy on substance use.

• Worksite & Activities: The possession or consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on any worksite and during any scheduled cultural activities or community events.

• No Intoxication: While responsible and moderate alcohol consumption may be permitted during personal downtime (at the discretion of trip leaders), intoxication is not acceptable at any point during the trip. Drunken behavior is a safety risk and is disrespectful to the team and our hosts.

• Illegal Substances: The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or engaging in any other illegal activity is strictly forbidden.

Enforcement & Consequences

Compliance with this Code of Conduct is mandatory.

Trip leaders will address minor infractions directly with the individual(s) involved. This may serve as a formal warning.

Flagrant, repeated, or serious violations of this Code of Conduct will result in immediate removal from the work trip at the participant’s own expense. Specifically, any violation of the policy on illegal drugs, unsafe actions that endanger others, harassment, or flagrant disregard for the alcohol policy (e.g., being intoxicated, drinking on the worksite) will lead to immediate dismissal.

Participants removed from the trip for a Code of Conduct violation will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and will forfeit all trip fees. No refund will be issued.

Acknowledgement

By participating in this Nomads of Hope trip, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. I commit to being a respectful, safe, and positive member of the team.