Those requesting volunteers
What is the purpose of this program?
This program is about connecting SCIPTs who want and need help, with SCIPTs who are willing to give help.
Who can request a volunteer?
Anyone who is a member of the International SCIPT Network can request a volunteer.
What sort of volunteer work can be requested?
Any type of volunteer work which could be reasonably performed by a SCI Physiotherapist can be requested. For example, it would be appropriate to request a SCIPT volunteer to travel to your country and:
- Teach on a one or two-day workshop
- Spend 6 months helping to set up a SCI service.
- Work side-by-side with you as a mentor or another set of hands.
- Review SCIPT policies and procedures
- Set up a clinical or research program.
Alternatively, it would be appropriate to request a SCIPT volunteer to work from their own country and help do any of the following:
- Translate educational material
- Review content of educational material
- Provide emails to a clinician or new researcher from another country
Do calls for volunteers need to be reviewed and approved before posting?
Yes, all calls for volunteers will be reviewed and need to be approved. However, this is primarily a formality to ensure nothing inappropriate is posted.
Will the International Network of SCIPT help coordinate volunteer work?
No, the International Network of SCIPT will not help coordinate volunteer work. Instead, it will just act to put those who want and need help in touch with those who are willing to give help. It will not be involved in any other way. All arrangements will then be between the two parties.
What safeguards will be in place to ensure volunteers are appropriately skilled for the job?
It will be the responsibility of those requesting volunteers to ensure that potentially interested volunteers are appropriate for the job. The International Network of SCIPTs will not be involved in screening volunteers.
How do I post a request for volunteers?
You need to be logged into this website. You will then find a red tab titled "upload volunteer". You can place your details and the details about the type of volunteer you require here. You will need to provide an image that depicts the type of work involved (eg. an image of your country, website etc). This will need to be in a jpg format.
Those volunteering
How much time does a volunteer need to devote?
A volunteer can devote as much or as little time as they like. However, before taking on a project they need to discuss their available time with the coordinator of the project.
Who will fund any travel or living expenses associated with volunteering?
Any expenses associated with volunteering will need to be met by the volunteer or negotiated with the host.
Who will help me coordinate travel and accommodation?
Volunteers and hosts will need to liase directly about travel and accommodation. The International Network of SCIPT will be not be involved in these arrangements.
Why would I volunteer?
You might consider volunteering because it is a simple and tangible way to use your unique SCIPT skills to help other SCIPTs and people with SCI around the world. You can contribute as little or as much time as you like.
How do I register my interest in a particular volunteer project?
If you find a project you might be interested in, then contact the executive of the SCIPT Network. We will then put you into contact with the those requesting help.
I am willing to volunteer time but I can not see anything which I am interested in and/or able to do?
If you are interested in volunteering but can not see anything which interests you and/or you are able to do, then please contact us and let us know what sort of volunteer work you could do. Often it is a matter of just matching people up and not all volunteering opportunities are posted on this website.