This FAQ section is a summary of questions made by various age ranges and communities which have been answered by NHI HQ Members! This is to serve as a quick information resource for ALL volunteers and even contracted staffers. If there are any questions that should be added, please let us know. Information here is subject to change, and is continuously being updated throughout the year.

"What forms do I need to have completed?"

You will be completing the following forms: Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability Form for the corresponding year, a Background Check Form, Travel Form, Medical Form, as well as the coursework for Child Abuse, Sexual Harassment Prevention, Stay Safe / Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Professionalism, and NHI Fundamentals. If you are a crossover student attending the LDZ or CWS, then you will need to complete a Parent Release Form and Travel Form as well.

"I don't have enough recruits, what do I do?"

You can earn credit by hosting meetings, making calls to potential NHI Applicants, and nominating students. Vols need to let us know if they want a list of students to follow up with. Check announcements on our Google Classroom for any opportunities or invitations to meetings.

"What if I can not afford to crossover because I was previously sponsored by a school, community, etc.?"

Please remember that any scholarships are given AFTER you've applied to a program. A quick and easy way to talk about this is by emailing admissions@nhimail.com where they can guide you throughout this process. There are also different ways for paying for your program such as gaining donations, fundraising, the 20 for $20 plan, etc. Every school is different but we aim to see everyone succeed and at a program this summer!

"I am a senior and cannot recruit due to being so busy, what can I do?"

We understand where you're coming from - being a HS senior is a LOT of work and takes up a lot of your time. We offer call campaigns throughout the recruitment season in which you can call prospects who've attended NHI presentations earlier in the semester. Every 3 calls = 1 recruit credit so, calling 15 prospects could earn you 5 credits, which is the minimum amount to complete this requirement. They also range from 9th graders who would attend a GD, 10th graders who would attend an LDZ, and 11th graders who would attend either an LDZ or CWS. If you'd like to participate, please email us as soon as you can because the spots could be filled quickly upon release.

"I am currently an undergrad...what am I supposed to be doing before March?"

If you are an undergraduate volunteer member or alumni, you must communicate with us asap. Granted, there aren't as many continuous requirements for you all to be working on as there are for high school members; so it could seem as though you aren't expected to do anything right now. If you are an undergrad. that would like to staff a specific program/role - you need to message us at your earliest convenience, as we are going to place key staff members early in 2025. We additionally offer JFL Internships (in-person and remote) specifically for our undergrad. Volunteers.

"How do I know if I'm going to the program / am confirmed / drop-proof?"

Once you have completed all of the necessary requirements and have been reviewed by NHIHQ, you will receive an acceptance letter to the program you're most interested in. Once YOU give us a "100% YES, I will be attending this program as this role", you will then receive a clear confirmation of your program/role placement. Do not buy tickets until you've directly spoken with an HQ staff member (so, either Reilly Garcia, Julio Cotto, or Nicole Nieto!) Also, please relay all information to Volunteer@nhimail.com (CC any of our NHI HQ members, your regional Project Administrator (PA) or forward it) so I can make sure that it's been entered into our system.

"How do I know if I am exempt from the $45 Volunteer Fee?"

Those who are exempt from this fee are: Executive Education Directors, Education Directors, Assistant Education Directors, Secretaries of States, Onsite Directors, Assistant Onsite Directors (if not a senior counselor), Parent Chaperones, School Chaperones, NHI HQ Staff Members, JFL College Interns, StaySafe Officers, and all New Mexico volunteers (irrespective of your role).

Those who pay the $45 volunteer fee: JFL high school students, LDZ Junior Counselor, LDZ Senior Counselor, CWS Senior Mentor, CWS Head Coach, CWS Umpire, Assistant Secretary of State, Assistant Onsite Director (if also a senior counselor).

"When should I purchase my flight?"

As soon as you have received your 100% confirmation to attend the program as a volunteer staff member, you may proceed to purchase your ticket. The longer you wait, the more expensive your flight may be, which we all want to avoid! If you are a contracted program staff member, speak with NHIHQ Purchasing for our travel policies by writing to Celeste Polanco (celeste_polanco@nhimail.com). Everyone's plans are different but we are here to help you figure it out! Our NHI Travel Guide for Volunteers is posted above and is updated as we receive more information from our host universities.

"What days/times do I need to be on campus/at the program?"

ALL Volunteers are expected to be at the program on DAY 0, which is the day BEFORE the participants arrive. EXAMPLE: If you are a JC for a LDZ program that begins on July 15, you should schedule your flight to arrive one day earlier (Day 0) on July 14, preferably landing by 10am-11am to allow time to check in. Depending on your role, some staff arrive 2 days earlier (Day 00). Unless otherwise stated, arrive on Day 0!

"Who do I report to, what can/can't I do, and what is the Duty of Care?"

At a program, your ultimate boss is/are the Education Director(s). The chief of staff to assign duties and responsibilities is the Onsite Director. You are expected to fully participate in all activities of the program, and may not take time away from program participants' needs for personal reasons that conflict with the program schedule. Your duty is to care for the wellbeing, safety, and growth of each student, and remain on campus for the duration of the program.

"How do I maintain consistent communication?"

Contacting us personally is your best mode of communication. Email reilly_garcia@nhimail.com, call 512-357-6137, or use the NHI Volunteer Google Classroom/Discord for quick communication.

"How can I participate in a recruitment opportunity?"

Please message us directly if you are wanting to participate in the call campaign opportunity that can earn you recruitment credit. You can also reach out to family members, friends, and local community contacts to nominate students.

"How can I track my progress as a volunteer?"

Review your bi-weekly status updates (emailed around the 1st and 15th each month). Report any discrepancies to NHIHQ quickly so they can be fixed.

"Do we need to pay for housing, meals, and travel on our own?"

NHI volunteers do NOT need to pay for housing or meals. NHI will cover your dorm room and three daily meals. You are responsible for travel costs, incidentals, and any extra purchases.

"How can I help NHIHQ?"

Sign up for a call campaign during recruitment season to help HQ and earn credits.

"What if I can't volunteer this summer because I am too busy / have other commitments?"

Let NHIHQ know as soon as possible so an alternate volunteer can be selected. You can still help locally or return the following summer.