OSSO Rules and Code of Conduct

The number-one priority of OSSO’s rules is to ensure the safety of volunteers and children.

OSSO's rules are required due to cultural and legal differences between the USA and Latin America, which may lead to safety concerns in some situations. Additionally, each orphanage we work in has its own set of rules, which your Volunteer Directors will train you on.

1. SAFETY RULES

• Volunteers are prohibited from being outside the volunteer facility alone.

• Daytime: When exploring the city or traveling, the minimum group size is two people.

• After dark: No volunteers are allowed outside the compound without permission from a Volunteer Director.

• Volunteers must notify OSSO staff of their intended destination(s) before leaving the grounds.

• Consumption of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana), smoking, and vaping are strictly prohibited inside or outside the OSSO compound.

• Bars, clubs, and party attendance are not allowed outside the OSSO compound.

• 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.

• Reckless actions that put children, staff, or volunteers at risk of harm are strictly prohibited.

2. DRESS AND GROOMING

The people of Ecuador are conservative in dress and grooming. Volunteers should dress modestly, neatly, and cleanly to show respect and strengthen relationships.

Crop tops, tank tops, or off-the-shoulder shirts are not allowed at any time.

Shorts are not allowed while serving or in public.

Knee-length dresses or skirts are allowed but not while serving in orphanages.

3. RELIGION

While OSSO is aligned with the principles, teachings, and values of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we respect the diverse beliefs of volunteers and the orphanages we serve.

Demeaning or criticizing another’s beliefs is not allowed.

Proselytizing to advance any religious doctrine or agenda in orphanages is strictly prohibited.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PHOTOS

OSSO requires all volunteers to treat each child’s personal story and information with the highest respect and confidentiality.

No phones or cameras are allowed on shift.

In Ecuador, it is illegal to photograph the children and residents of orphanages.

Any correspondence with children and individuals we serve must be approved by orphanage staff.

5. NO DATING OR SEXUAL RELATIONS

Volunteers are not allowed to date or participate in physical, sexual, or inappropriate talk/relationships with fellow volunteers, directors, staff members, or local individuals while participating in OSSO’s program.

Flirting with local Ecuadorians is a safety concern and strictly prohibited.

Married couples or pre-established relationships before arrival are permitted appropriate physical contact.

Individuals of the opposite sex are not permitted in each other’s rooms, except for married couples or adult couples in a pre-existing relationship before volunteering with OSSO.

6. NON-COMPLIANCE and dismissal

Due to the importance of ensuring safety and maintaining strong relationships with the orphanages we serve, any volunteer who blatantly disregards these rules will be:

• Immediately dismissed from the program.

• Sent home at their own expense.

7. Acknowledgment and Agreement

I hereby acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the OSSO Rules and Code of Conduct, as outlined above.

I understand the responsibilities, expectations, and guidelines listed and agree to abide by them while participating in this program.

I commit to upholding the standards and procedures set by Orphanage Support Services Organization (OSSO) and acting in accordance with its policies.

I understand that if I disregard or break OSSO’s rules, I will be dismissed from the program and sent home at my own expense.