Youth Ambassador Service Application

Youth Ambassador Applicants are students in high school, ages 16 to 19 years old. Students must be at least 16 years old, in or entering 11th grade, when they apply for the service expedition.

Read and follow the instructions carefully:

1. Please read and fill out ALL information requested on the following pages of this form. Sign via e-signature before submitting your application to Help Nurtures Hope. NOTE: Applicants younger than 18 years old must have parental/legal guardian signatures.

2. Where prompted in the application, please upload a quality digital headshot of yourself (the applicant) no larger than 3 MB.

3. Acquire TWO Letters of Recommendation for service from two different adults, who have no familial relationship to you (the applicant). Where prompted in the application, please upload a quality and legible digital copy of each letter.

4. Pay the $25.00 application fee. 

5. Upon receipt of the application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your applicaiton. 

6. A representative from Help Nurtures Hope will call you to schedule an interview date, time, and location. Please plan on being at the interview 30 minutes early and fully prepared.

Selection Process Disclaimer

Oftentimes due to the number of applicants requesting a specific expedition, the Help Nurtures Hope board must determine who will be selected for specific service expeditions based on all information and documentation provided in the application and interview.

Applicant qualification and selection are NEVER based on personal or familial data, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religious affiliation, demographics, or quantity of service.

EVERY applicant who provides Help Nurtures Hope with complete and honest information requested, who agrees to fully abide by the Help Nurtures Hope Disclaimer and Code of Conduct, and who participates in the interview has the equal opportunity of being fairly reviewed and selected for a specified service expedition.

Those qualified applicants who are not selected for a specific service expedition may be placed on a waiting list for the service expedition of choice or elect for priority placement and participation in another available service expedition with Help Nurtures Hope, Inc.

Service Expedition Selection

Choose at least one and up to as many for which you would like to be considered.

*NOTE: Ouelessebougou, Mali, Africa, Service Expedition on January 4 to 15, 2020, is limited to age 18 and older. All applicants must be high school graduates before commencing the expedition on January 4, 2020.

If you have any questions about Help Nurtures Hope, any of the service expeditions, or the application process, please call Brontë at (801) 580-7678 or contact us by email at helpnurutreshope@gmail.com.

Letters of Recommendation

Acquire TWO Letters of Recommendation for service from two different adults, who have no familial relationship to you (the applicant). Upload a quality and legible digital copy of each letter.

Community & Volunteer Service

Help Nurtures Hope Service

Concerns

Your Story

Cost, Payment Schedule & Coverage

I understand that in order to participate in Help Nurtures Hope's program and expedition, I will accept the obligation to raise $3,950 by March 1. Upon being selected to serve, I agree to pay a $500 deposit to secure my space on the team within the first month of being accepted. Also, I will be responsible for paying $1,500 on or by January 15 and the remaining balance in full on or by March 1. 

Disclaimer: Overall funds are based on purchasing airfare costing ~$2,000.00. The difference of any fare greater in value will be added to the overall cost of the expedition. HNH will do its best to find the safest yet most cost-effective fares.

I also understand that because Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. is a nonprofit organization, any payments or donations are nonrefundable. In the event that I am not able to participate in the training program or go on the expedition, I understand that any money I have raised or donated cannot be refunded or reserved for future expeditions. However, I accept that should Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. need to postpone an expedition due to extreme world and natural events (i.e. pandemics, earthquakes, etc.), the money you raised will be available for the first available expedition only.

Additionally, I understand that Help Nurtures Hope funds will provide international airfare commencing from the designated city, all in-country transportation and translation, accommodations, food, clean drinking water, evacuation and emergency insurance, Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. program costs and administrative fees. I understand that Help Nurtures Hope funds will not cover any personal costs, including but not limited to required travel documentation (i.e., passport, visas, notarized letters, etc.) or any recommended and required vaccinations, medical costs or prescriptions. I realize that I am also responsible for my personal expenses internationally, such as souvenirs, non-service activities, clothing, personal items, extra food, and extra beverages.

Because participants may be located throughout the United States or further afield, I understand that all participants will be responsible for any extra travel costs required to gather at the designated departure city (usually Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle) and time to commence the international travel in order for equitable use of nonprofit funds.

Required Participation

I understand that upon being selected to serve, I will commit to attending and engaging (in person or online) in the designated program meetings held monthly starting in October and five mandatory service/work days, including packing day. I may only miss up to two program meetings and one service/work day. If I miss any extra meetings or service/work days without a valid reason, I realize that I will be dismissed from the team. 

I understand that as part of Help Nurtures Hope's leadership and lifelong humanitarian program, I am personally responsible for completing the leadership workbook and 100 hours of local, genuine-need service before the June expedition dates. I will commit to keeping a log of my service hours as well as a personal journal of my thoughts and experiences about my experiences. I understand that completing the workbook and local service hours prepares me for serving internationally and permits me to go on the expedition.

Personal Preparation

Help Nurtures Hope's international experiences require each participant to be able to physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially cope with the extreme cultural change in food and diet, as well as social and religious customs, with the physical environment of a developing country, and the psychological as well as emotional situations they may encounter and witness. I understand that for my continued ability to travel internationally and legally under the care and supervision of Help Nurtures Hope, Inc., I must provide a medical release form signed by a healthcare provider stating that I may travel with the group. Although emergency and evacuation insurance is provided, I understand that I must have proof of my own medical insurance.

Expected Diplomacy

Help Nurtures Hope expeditions require participants to act as high-ranking ambassadors for their country and this organization. I accept being a compassionate leader, solid worker, resilient problem solver, dedicated learner, and respectful guest while participating in the culture, customs, and daily lives of the people of Cambodia. I will exercise sensitive diplomacy in my conduct, interaction, speech, and choices to build trust and maintain peace in my relationship with the Cambodian people and all other countries I may be privileged to visit. I will not complain, condemn, or criticize any person in any country of any race, including my team members and leaders. I understand that Help Nurtures Hope will not tolerate any action, words (spoken or written), or misconduct that defames, offends, or injures another person or that could damage foreign and personal relations in any capacity. Such conduct will result in dismissal from the program before June or immediate cessation of participation while on the expedition and discussion with a parent about the individual's possible return home at personal cost for any incurred expenses for a change of fare.

Required Forms

I understand that upon my selection to serve, I will be asked to complete other forms, including but not limited to media/social media release, policies, medical information, and Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability, Indemnification Agreement.

Acceptance of Terms

I certify that I have read this disclaimer and that my answers in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

I understand that false or misleading information in my application or interview may disqualify me as a candidate and result in my dismissal.

SERVICE YEAR ACCEPTANCE:

Participants in the Help Nurture Hope, Inc. program are carefully chosen and interviewed by the Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. directors, staff, and selected team leaders. Participants will be selected based on an application that reflects a sincere desire to serve both locally and abroad, the strength and commitment to become a leader to the team and community, the ability to get along well with others and respect culture and its diversity, as well as the drive to use education, experiences, skills, passions, and talents that will contribute to the team and leadership program.

NOTE: Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

LOCAL and NATIONAL SERVICE:

Local service is a critical element to the Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. program and each team’s service year. Service is essential to our mission of creating lifetime leaders and humanitarians. Each participant will be required to contribute 100 hours of local service during the service year. Participants are responsible for recording and verifying the exact dates and times of their service hours with a chosen mentor and validator. Participants younger than 24 years old may elect to begin the Congressional Award, which requires focused service as well as personal development and physical fitness. Completion of the Congressional Award is a personal choice.

 

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PREPARATION:

Participants of the Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. program are responsible for following through on all requirements of the service year outlined in this document, team contact media, and team meetings. There will be mandatory meetings held once a month beginning in October and 5 work/training days. The training taught throughout these meetings will aid in preparing participants for international service as well as leadership locally and abroad. Assignments and activities outside the mandatory meeting times may be included. It is the responsibility of each participant to complete the training and any additional assignments and action items. Participants are responsible for contacting team leaders, facilitators, and mentors with any questions and concerns.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE EXPEDITIONS:

Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. International Service Expeditions are not tourist vacations. While they offer amazing service and cultural learning experiences, participants will inevitably encounter inconvenient, frustrating, and difficult situations and environments while traveling in developing countries and working with impoverished people. Participants should remain optimistic, flexible, and cooperative.

EXPEDITION SUPERVISION:

All Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. International Service Expeditions will be supervised and led by 5 adults--an expedition team leader, an assistant team leader, 2 adult mentors, and a medical professional. The Help Nurtures Hope board also assists with leadership education, community outreach, media outreach, and service project fundraising. Moreover, an in-country coordinator plus local translators, guides, and drivers assure the safety and enjoyment of all involved.

EXPEDITION ARRANGEMENTS:

Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. will arrange for all international travel to, from, and
within country, as well as global evacuation and emergency insurance, all lodging and all meals in country and expedition related. Participants are required to provide personal passports, required visas, all medical needs, and personal funds for personal purchases.

No divergent tourist activities will be tolerated in conjunction with Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. International Service Expeditions, meetings, or work/training days. All expedition itineraries will provide opportunities for cultural experiences and interactions in country.

SUPPORT:

Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. wants and expects participant support and positive attitudes throughout the course of the applicant’s service year. Participants are required to abide by the CODE OF CONDUCT during the entire service year, both locally and internationally. They are to represent the values and ethics of Help Nurture’s Hope, Inc.’s mission at all times and in all situations.

This code of conduct applies to all activities associated with Help Nurtures Hope, Inc., including but not limited to local and national service activities, team meetings, local work/training days, international travel, and the Congressional Award.

• I agree to obey and sustain the laws of the United States and the country associated with my Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. service year team throughout local, national, and international service. I agree to make honest and complete declarations at customs.
• I will respect the property rights of others. This respect includes refraining from stealing, concealing, damaging, or misusing the property of others.
• I am not involved in, nor will I become involved in, alcohol and drug use, including possession, use, or distribution of any narcotic, dangerous, or illegal drug (as defined by applicable federal or state law), except as prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. I understand that underage alcoholic drinking as per U.S. law (21 years old) as well as legal-age alcoholic consumption are prohibited during my Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. International Service Expedition from the moment I depart and until I return home, during all flights, layovers, and traveling abroad.
• I will respect the rights of others during the entire Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. experience locally, nationally, and internationally. This commitment involves not physically or verbally abusing any person, sexually harassing any person, engaging in behaviors that endanger the health or safety of myself or any person, or obstructing or disrupting the privacy of any person or the mission performance of Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. activities at the direction of leaders associated with the organization. 
• I will always respect the rules and direction of team leadership and mentors. I will stay with the team and participate in all team activities, unless otherwise directed by the team leadership. I, nor any other participant, will go out alone. I understand that any attempt to do so will be considered willful contempt for the Code of Conduct. During activities, I understand that I will be in a group of minimally three people, one of them being an adult leader or mentor.
• I understand that co-ed rooming, unless individuals are legally married, as well as public or private displays of intimate affection (anything other than friendly hugging), are not allowed during the service year or on the international service expedition. It is my objective in participating in the Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. program to be a part of the team and focus on the accomplishment of activities associated with the service experience. Additionally, any intimate relationship outside of marriage is strictly prohibited between team members and international community members as this puts into peril participant safety and international partnerships.
• Due to the complex cultural differences and beliefs of the countries being served, I will not engage in any activities relating to body modification, including but not limited to getting a tattoo or piercing during the service year. If I already have tattoos or piercings, I will do my best to conceal them.
• I will be respectful in terms of dress code requirements as is culturally appropriate for both my local service location and international service expedition location. The team leader and international director will inform participants of the required dress code. All participants are expected to respect and adhere to the dress code requests.
• I will use respectful and appropriate language, conversation, and gestures among my team members and the people of my international service area. I will use positive and uplifting words and refrain from defaming or offending the international culture.
• I will make my opportunity to serve a chance to be present among the people that I am serving and create meaningful connections at home and abroad. As such, I will respect the expectations set forth by my leaders and mentors regarding cell phone, internet,
  and social media use.
• I understand that each participant on the team is a representative of the Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. Non-profit Organization. As a participant, I will not attempt to further any personal cause or agenda—religious, political, or otherwise—in the name of Help
  Nurtures Hope or which is outside the stated or understood purposes of the Help Nurtures Hope, Inc. Organization.
• I understand that a single violation of this Code of Conduct may be grounds for expulsion from the service year at any time, locally or internationally. If internationally, I will return home early at my own or my legal guardian’s expense. 
• I have read and understand this Code of Conduct and agree to abide by all its requirements.

By signing (typing your legal name) in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation to the provided email address that your application was received. Please print all pages for your records and retain as verification of your application.

APPLICATION FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS:

 $25.00

Pay in the following ways:

• VENMO:   @Help-Nurtures-Hope
• CHECK:     Made payable to Help Nurtures Hope**
• CARD:        Help Nurtures Hope Fundraising Store

Note: No application submission will be considered until Help Nurtures Hope receives the full payment.

**Send check payments to

Help Nurtures Hope, Inc.
P.O. Box 521521
Salt Lake City, Utah 84152