35.0 Background
The OSSO Code of Conduct has been developed over 25+ years of experience with hosting volunteers of a large variety of backgrounds. Its purpose is to keep both the volunteers and OSSO safe, and to optimize the service experience for both the volunteers and children.
35.1 Safety Rules
Safety rules are required due to cultural and legal differences between the USA and Latin America, which may lead to safety concerns in some situations.
35.1.0 Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is not safe and is prohibited, due to risks of crime, unreliable transportation, and lack of legal protection.
35.1.1 Accepting Rides from Strangers
Accepting rides from strangers is dangerous in most countries. In Latin America US females are often viewed as sexually promiscuous and it is high-risk to accept rides from strangers who are not registered taxi drivers.
35.1.2 Uses of Buses or Public Transport
Although OSSO did uses busses in the past, public transport methods in Cuenca have become targeted areas for pickpockets and thieves. Volunteers are no longer permitted to use public transport.
35.1.3 Leaving the OSSO Complex
Leaving OSSO housing alone is prohibited. US citizens are viewed as wealthy and stand out as targets for muggers and pickpockets. DOVEs are an exception to this rule as they travel directly with trusted transport to large, public shopping areas.
35.1.4 Curfew
In Cuenca sunset is around 6-7 pm. Volunteers must return to OSSO housing by 9 pm.
Occasionally there are increased safety concerns in the area. In cases such as these, the Operations Coordinator might bring the curfew forward. They will inform the DOVEs of the reason for the change. The DOVEs and/or Operations Coordinator are charged with explaining the circumstances to the volunteers. The DOVEs provide / foster enriching, engaging evening activities for the volunteers' enjoyment.
35.1.5 High-Risk Behavior
Attending bars, nightclubs, and parties with alcohol is not allowed.
Consumption of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana), smoking, and vaping are strictly prohibited during the volunteer service period. Such actions will result in the volunteer being dismissed from the program.
Getting tattoos during volunteer service is strongly discouraged as it is a high health risk.
35.1.5 Abuse
Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse of any child, volunteer, director, or orphanage worker is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal from the program at the volunteer’s own expense. It may also result in legal prosecution.
35.1.5 Reckless Actions
Reckless actions that put children, staff, or volunteers at risk of harm are strictly prohibited. If they occur the DOVEs will create an incident report in Grid and report what happened to the Operations Coordinator. The Operations Coordinator will assess the incident and take appropriate measures. Egregious reckless actions may result in dismissal from the program.
35.0 Dress and Grooming
The culture of Cuenca is conservative in dress and grooming. Volunteers should dress modestly, neatly, and cleanly to show respect and strengthen relationships.
Crop tops, low-cut tops, spaghetti-strap tank tops, or off-the-shoulder shirts are not allowed at any time. When outside the OSSO complex, all shirts must have sleeves.
Shorts are not allowed while serving or in public.
Knee-length dresses or skirts are allowed but not while serving in orphanages.