ORIENTATION PAPER CHRPDE VOLUNTEER CORPS

August 9, 2010

BACKGROUND

Since the inception of the City and Provincial Center for Human Rights Education (CPCHRE)
in October 2003 and its eventual institutionalization and incorporation of drug education
creating the UNP Center for Human Rights and Drug Education in May 2006, volunteers
(students & faculty) of the center have taken a vital role in the implementation of its
program.

Since human rights and drug awareness are essential part of a harmonious society, peace
education has been integrated to its functions. Thus, it will be the UNP Center for Human
Rights, Drug, and Peace Education (CHRDPE). This new accompanying duty is recognition
of the CHRDE’s effective discharged of its mandate.

At present, the CHRDPE has a very limited staff and resources. These limitations however
are circumvented through the assistance of other members of the Office of the Vice
President for External Affairs and Alumni Relations and its volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTERISM

Volunteerism is simply defined as contributing one's time or talents for charitable,

educational, social, political, or other worthwhile purposes, usually in one's community or
to an organization, freely and without regard for compensation. (Wikipedia) Volunteers
on the other hand, are the individuals who assist organizations or participate in
community work without remuneration.

Volunteers in the entire world have played a crucial role in providing services, organizing
political action, caring for the poor, reaching out to the disadvantaged, providing
education, ensuring equality and civil rights for all citizens, and working for change.

The key issue for volunteers is their faith and trust to the cause they are volunteering.
Only through their commitment to the purpose of the group, organization or institution,
can they be effective volunteers. Since being a volunteer itself is a “sacrifice” – of time,
energy, and even finances, only dedication to the work could compel the volunteer to
carry on. A volunteer must also learn to fit in different situation, adjust to divergent views,
and resourceful in implementing their task.

Volunteering is also fun. A lot of people find new and exciting experiences during their
volunteer work. It develops communicative skills, good character and provides venue for
volunteers to explore their greater potentials. It is a very great opportunity to contribute
something for the community and be part of providing them quality services, as well as
meeting new friends and business/professional contacts.

(Refer to a separate document for the lecture on volunteerism & characteristics of

effective volunteers)

THE MISSION OF THE CHRDPE VOLUNTEER CORPS

1. Promote the CHRDPE’s goal:

 “...to help nurture a culture where human rights are
respected and to establish a drug-free society”
2. Foster a sense of volunteerism among students, faculties and other members of
UNP.
3. Encourage a broader participation to CHRPDE’s programs and activities within the
UNP community.
4. Establish a support group capable of delivering quality human rights, drugs and
peace education program to UNP and its service communities.

THE VOLUNTEERS

UNP students, faculty, and personnel willing to submit themselves to the Volunteer
Corps Guidelines* and extend their time and energy in attaining the VOLUNTEER CORPS’
mission can be a member.

Volunteers are divided into three (3) groups, each focusing on a particular advocacy or
“specialty” of service – human rights, drugs and peace education. Each group will have its
group leader and vice group leader. The two will be responsible in coordinating and
organizing the group to accomplish whatever task given to them.

Apart from attending the different activities of the center, volunteers will also have a
Skills Development Curriculum to equip and allow them to perform their
responsibilities, duties and make sure that they better individuals when they finish their
service from the Volunteer Corps.

*refer to a separate document

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM

The curriculum is composed of seminars, workshops, lectures and trainings which will
provide basic skills and knowledge for volunteers with respect to their functions and
duties.

a. CHRDPE Volunteer Corps’ Basic Orientation

i. The Center for Human Rights, Drug and Peace Education
ii. Lecture on Volunteerism and Characteristics of an Effective Volunteer
iii. The CHRDPE Volunteer Corps and Guidelines for Volunteers

b. Lectures on (a) Human Rights, (b) Drug and (c) Peace Education
c. Strategic planning workshop
d. Trainings:
i. Leadership Training-Workshop
ii. Speaker’s Training
iii. Facilitator’s Training