Our mission is to provide love and care to children deprived of parental care and to change the lives of the volunteers who love and care for them.
14.0 Purpose
The WhatsApp groups are used to build connection among volunteers, helping them strengthen friendships, share memories, and carry the sense of community beyond their time of service.
14.1 Group Members
The WhatsApp groups are created by OSSO Office Staff. Each group includes the Recruiter, the Social Media Specialist, the Volunteer Program Director, the Operations Coordinator, the DOVEs, and the Development Director. Volunteers serving during that semester, regardless of type, are also added to the group by the Operations Coordinator. If new DOVEs are assigned for the upcoming semester, they should also be added to that semester’s group.
14.2 WhatsApp Groups as Onboarding Tools
The WhatsApp groups serve as part of the volunteer welcoming / onboarding process. Before arrival, Volunteers can introduce themselves, become acquainted with one another, and ask questions about the program. Approximately 1-2 months before the start of the new semester, The Directors of Volunteer Experience (DOVEs) are responsible for initiating introductions, answering questions about the site and orphanages, and maintaining early communication with Volunteers. They also use the WhatsApp to hold individual video calls with volunteers prior to arrival, confirm airport pickup arrangements, and respond to calls and messages as needed. These groups allow Volunteers to feel more prepared and connected before beginning their service.
14.3 Leaving WhatsApp Groups
At the end of each semester, the official DOVE phone must be removed from the WhatsApp groups to prevent an accumulation of groups on the device. Other participants, including OSSO Office Staff, Operations Coordinators, and DOVEs using private phones, may decide individually whether to remain in or leave the groups.
14.4 Guidelines for Use
All communication in the WhatsApp groups should remain respectful, relevant to the program, and consistent with OSSO policies.
Each member of the WhatsApp groups has defined responsibilities:
14.4.1 Recruiter – Observes group interactions to understand how Volunteers are adjusting and to stay informed about the group’s overall experience.
14.4.2 Social Media Specialist – Reminds Volunteers about photo-sharing opportunities and may invite them to contribute images for organizational use.
14.4.3 Volunteer Program Director – Primarily observes group interactions and occasionally provides input or clarification as needed.
Operations Coordinator – Adds Volunteers to the group, provides logistical details, communicates safety information, answers location-specific questions, informs Volunteers about excursions, and shares program updates.
Directors of Volunteer Experience (DOVEs) – Facilitate introductions, answer questions about the site and orphanages, organize video calls, confirm airport pickups, and maintain communication with Volunteers before and during service. They also share the semester’s Google photo album link in the group and ensure it is pinned for easy access.
Development Director – Engages with Volunteers toward the conclusion of their service and assists with their transition into OSSO alumni.
Volunteers – Participate respectfully, ask questions, engage with peers, and share appropriate photos and experiences related to their service.
All communication in the WhatsApp groups should remain respectful, relevant to the program, and consistent with OSSO policies.
14.4.5 Directors of Volunteer Experience (DOVEs) – Facilitate introductions, answer questions about the site and orphanages, organize video calls, confirm airport pickups, and maintain communication with Volunteers before and during service. They also share the semester’s Google photo album link in the group and ensure it is pinned for easy access.
14.4.6 Development Director – Engages with Volunteers toward the conclusion of their service and assists with their transition into OSSO alumni.
14.4.7 Volunteers – Participate respectfully, ask questions, engage with peers, and share appropriate photos and experiences related to their service.