Code of Conduct
The number-one priority of OSSO’s Code of Conduct is to ensure safety among volunteers and children.
OSSO’s strict 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 volunteer in has their own set of rules.
SAFETY
Volunteers are prohibited at any time to be outside the volunteer facility alone.
Daytime: When exploring the city or traveling, minimum group size is 2 people.
After dark: No volunteers outside the compound after dark without a Volunteer Director.
Notify OSSO staff of your intended destination(s) before leaving the grounds.
Consumption of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana) is not allowed inside or outside the OSSO compound. Bar, club or party attendance outside the OSSO compound is not allowed.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed.
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 your own cost.
Reckless actions that put children, staff or volunteers at risk of harm are prohibited.
DRESS AND GROOMING
The people of Ecuador are conservative in dress and grooming. The dress and grooming (including hairstyles) of volunteers should be modest, neat and clean. Dressing as modestly as the workers in the different orphanages shows respect and strengthens relationships.
Do not wear crop tops, tank tops or off-the-shoulder shirts at any time.
Shorts are not allowed while on shift or in public.
Knee-length dresses or skirts are allowed, but not while on shift.
OSSO AND RELIGION
While OSSO is aligned with the principles, teachings and values of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we respect different beliefs of volunteers and of the orphanages where we serve. Demeaning or criticizing another's beliefs is not allowed. Proselytizing to advance any religious doctrine or agenda in orphanages is not allowed.
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 at 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 the orphanage staff.
NO DATING OR SEXUAL RELATIONS
Volunteers are not allowed to date or participate in physical/sexual relationships with their fellow volunteers, directors, staff members, or any local individuals while participating in OSSO's program. Flirting with local Ecuadorians is a safety concern that must be taken seriously and is strictly prohibited. Appropriate physical contact is allowed between those who are married or in an established relationship prior to arrival in Ecuador.
Individuals of the opposite sex are not permitted in each other's rooms, except for married couples or adult couples who were in a pre-existing relationship prior to volunteering with OSSO.
NON-COMPLIANCE
Due to the importance of ensuring volunteer/child safety and maintaining strong relationships with the orphanages we serve, volunteers who display blatant disregard to these rules will be dismissed from the program and sent home at their own expense.