Checklist for planning a trip with the FIMRC Volunteer Program

1. Decide if you are traveling as an individual or as a group. If you are traveling with others, meet with members of your group to discuss possible trip dates and locations. Please review current volunteer program options and packets online at http://www.fimrc.org/missions/index.php. Please note that some program details and donations have changed in recent months, so please refer to the project pages of this website for the most up-to-date information. Our spots tend to fill up fast during our peak seasons, so do not hesitate to book well in advance!

2. Contact missions@fimrc.org with your desired dates of travel, preferred location, and group size if applicable. Please also send a list of names and email addresses of those in your group. After the Office of Volunteer Programs confirms that your spots are available, you will receive an email containing a link to our enrollment forms as well as instructions for signing up and deadlines for the submission of all payments and paperwork. It is very important to note this deadline as a late fee must be charged if it is not met. Also, FIMRC reserves the right to give up your spot to other interested volunteers after your deadline has passed. If you will be an unaccompanied minor (under age 18) at the start of your program, you must download a Minor Application Form, complete and submit it, and receive approval before enrolling in a program.

3. It is very important to note that FIMRC’s Office of Volunteer Programs maintains contact with volunteers primarily through email. Please make sure the email address which you provide FIMRC is one that you check regularly, as important information about enrollment and deadlines will be communicated via email messages.

4. Fill out all enrollment forms and submit them along with the full program donation and any other associated costs. Some of the forms, which cover medical history, emergency contact information, flight information, and other items, can be submitted online. Others need to be signed and submitted via postal mail or fax. If you are part of a volunteer group, we ask that your group members submit these forms at the same time in a single fax or mailing, for ease of administration purposes.

If you have any questions about your booking, please check the volunteer program pages and FAQs, and if you do not find an answer to your questions please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Volunteer Programs at missions@fimrc.org.

5.  You may consider collecting donations of clothing or medical supplies for the clinic of your destination. Please check with FIMRC for the most pressing needs. Also, if you are interested in purchasing FIMRC t-shirts or scrubs, order early so that they will arrive before your trip!

6. You will receive an information packet prior to departure that provides more information about packing and arrival. Please continue to be in touch with any questions. Please note that FIMRC does arrange transport to and from the airport, as well as other in-country transportation. These and other important details will be communicated in the pre-departure packet.

7. If you have submitted all forms and payments, read over the information available to you, and contacted the Office of Volunteer Programs with any questions or issues you may have, you are ready for your volunteer mission! As you can see from the photos and testimonials on this website, you are about to take part in an incredibly rewarding experience that will have a lasting impact on children in need! FIMRC congratulates you for completing all the steps necessary for your volunteer experience.