The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is pleased to welcome American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad (AYUDA) as the newest IVPA member.
AYUDA’s mission aims to “empower youth to serve as agents of change in diabetes communities around the world.” Since 1997, non-profit organization has been sending volunteers to work in partnership within communities to develop and implement diabetes programs.
AYUDA empowers youth by providing hands-on experiences that inspires volunteers to serve as agents of social change, not only at the local level in diabetes communities abroad but in other areas of their lives as well. AYUDA volunteers go through a rigorous application and training process before partnering in-country with local diabetes organizations. Past projects included hosting camps for kids with diabetes, providing training for families affected by diabetes and outreach to communities on how to live happier, healthy lives. AYUDA volunteers serve during the summer month and applications for 2012 will be available soon.
“AYUDA is a unique volunteer organization in that it is very mission driven. They offer quality volunteer experiences, focused on youth empowerment and helping those affected by diabetes” says IVPA Executive Director Genevieve Brown. “We are excited to welcome them as a member of IVPA.”
“We are pleased be a part of the IVPA and to be joining other likeminded organizations that share our commitment to empowering volunteers and promoting local sustainability abroad,” Nicolass Cuttriss, Co-Founder of AYUDA added.
IVPA stands for quality and responsibility in the field of international volunteering. Organizations in the US are eligible for membership in IVPA if they meet IVPA’s Practices and Principles and have at least two years of incorporation.
About IVPA
The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is an association of non-governmental organizations involved in international volunteer work and internship exchanges. IVPA is an association of volunteer sending organizations but does not organize or run its own volunteer programs. IVPA stands for quality and responsibility in the field of international volunteer abroad programs. Members uphold the IVPA’s Principles and Practices as guidelines for good programming as well as meet stringent membership criteria