​Diversity and Inclusion Policy:

At Minga House Foundation, we believe that diversity enriches our community and inclusion strengthens our impact.
We are fully committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental ability, socioeconomic status, or any other personal characteristic.

​Our Commitment:

• We welcome volunteers, students, professionals, and partners from around the world with openness, respect, and appreciation for cultural diversity.
• We actively maintain a discrimination-free environment, encouraging dialogue, mutual respect, and intercultural understanding.
• We ensure equal opportunities for participation and leadership across all of our programs and initiatives.
• We regularly review our practices to ensure that our programs remain inclusive and accessible to everyone.

​Volunteer Code of Conduct

At Minga House Foundation, we value the contribution of each volunteer and aim to provide a respectful, safe, and collaborative environment for everyone involved. This Volunteer Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected from all participants in our programs, as well as the consequences of failing to meet these expectations.

Expected Behavior. All volunteers are expected to:

• Treat others—staff, fellow volunteers, community members, and program participants—with respect, kindness, and professionalism at all times.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, humility, and a willingness to learn from others.
• Adhere to local laws and regulations and respect the customs and traditions of the host community.
• Maintain punctuality and reliability in all assigned duties and scheduled activities.
• Use Minga House Foundation property and resources responsibly.
• Immediately report any concerns, safety issues, or breaches of conduct to staff.
• Follow all health and safety protocols as instructed by the organization.
• Abstain from any form of harassment, discrimination, or violence, including verbal, physical, or emotional abuse.

Prohibited Conduct. Volunteers must not:

• Use or possess illegal drugs or controlled substances.
• Arrive for service under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Engage in romantic or sexual relationships with program beneficiaries.
• Participate in any activity that could harm the reputation of Minga House Foundation or the communities we serve.
• Share or publish unauthorized photos, videos, or stories of program participants, particularly minors, without consent.
• Violate the terms of the volunteer agreement or fail to meet participation requirements.

Consequences of Misconduct. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in:

• A verbal or written warning
• Temporary suspension from activities
• Termination of volunteer participation
• Notification of authorities if applicable
• Being responsible for any costs associated with early dismissal

​Essential Eligibility Criteria

Minga House Foundation welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. To ensure the safety, effectiveness, and success of our programs, all applicants must meet the following Essential Eligibility Criteria before being accepted as a volunteer.
These criteria apply to all volunteers, regardless of age, nationality, or prior experience, and help ensure that each participant is able to engage meaningfully, respectfully, and safely in our community-based projects.

General Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old by the start of their volunteer program.
• Have a valid passport and be eligible to enter Colombia under current immigration laws.
• Submit a complete volunteer application and all required documentation prior to arrival.
• Be physically and mentally able to participate in daily activities, which may include standing, walking, or working in outdoor settings.
• Demonstrate a commitment to respecting cultural differences and working collaboratively with others.
• Be willing to follow all organizational policies and codes of conduct.
• Provide proof of international travel insurance covering medical emergencies and accidents.
• Participate in a pre-arrival orientation, including a video conference, prior to joining the program.
• Be able to commit to the minimum program duration of 2 weeks, with a maximum of 89 days.

Language Requirements
While many of our programs do not require Spanish, some placements do require an intermediate or advanced level of Spanish to ensure effective communication and meaningful interaction with the local community. Applicants will be notified during the application process if their desired program has a Spanish language requirement.

Program-Specific Requirements
Certain volunteer roles may have additional criteria such as:

• Relevant academic or professional background (e.g., education, health)
• Experience working with children or vulnerable populations
• Vaccination records or specific health requirements
• Willingness to undergo a background check, depending on the project

Safety Guide for Minga Volunteers