Worldwide Lawyers Association Volunteer Policy
At the Worldwide Lawyers Association, volunteering is a process that not onlycontributes to addressing the international community’s needs in human rights, justice, and law, but also supports the personal and professional development of volunteers. Volunteers have the opportunity to contribute to the association’s missionand vision, while simultaneously gaining knowledge, skills, and experience that fostertheir personal and professional growth. This process is based on a dynamic of mutual benefit, learning, and contribution: while the association offers valuableexperience to its volunteers, the volunteers contribute to the association’s goals.
Volunteering goes beyond individual contribution; it is an act of solidarity. Volunteerswho come together in support of universal values such as the protection andadvancement of human rights and the rule of law expand the association’s socialimpact. Within this framework, the volunteer process is conducted based on theprinciple of transparency. Transparency ensures that volunteers clearly understandthe association’s goals and expectations, establishing a relationship of mutual trust. The association encourages open communication in its relationships with volunteersand commits to fulfilling its responsibilities towards them.
Fair assessment is an indispensable element of the volunteer process. Eachvolunteer is evaluated based on their individual abilities, experiences, and potential. This both supports the volunteer’s personal development and enables theassociation to receive the most effective contribution in the areas it needs. Theassessment process is conducted under the principle of zero tolerance fordiscrimination, and equal opportunities for all volunteers are guaranteed.
Mutual respect is one of the fundamental elements of the volunteer relationship. Theassociation values the time and effort of volunteers, while volunteers show respectfor the association’s mission and working principles. This mutual respect not onlyfosters a healthy work environment but also encourages long-term contributions fromvolunteers. Additionally, it is emphasized that volunteering is a completely voluntaryprocess, and volunteers have the freedom to manage their time and commitments.
In conclusion, volunteering at the Worldwide Lawyers Association is an experiencethat contributes to individuals‘ efforts to advocate for human rights in line with theassociation’s mission, while enhancing their personal development and socialresponsibility. The volunteer process offers participants the privilege of being part of the association and leading social change, with a focus on humanitarian values.
1-) APPLICATION PROCESS:
Individuals who wish to volunteer at the Worldwide Lawyers Association must firstcomplete the volunteer application form available on the association’s officialwebsite. Applicants are expected to explain their motivations for volunteering in detailand indicate the areas in which they wish to contribute to the association’s activities.
The application forms are carefully reviewed by the Volunteer Coordination Unit. During this review, the association assesses whether the volunteer’s request alignswith the association’s current needs. For example, if an applicant has strongcommunication skills, they may be considered for the social media management orpublic relations team. During this initial evaluation, the applicant’s professional skillsand alignment with the association’s ethical values are also taken into account.
2-) INTERVIEW PROCESS:
Once the preliminary assessment is completed, selected applicants are invited to an interview. The interview, conducted either in person or online, provides a moredetailed introduction to the applicants. During the interview, applicants are askedquestions to assess their awareness of human rights, advocacy, and social justiceissues. Additionally, their motivation for volunteering, ability to work in teams, andcommunication skills are evaluated. The interview also covers topics such as theapplicant’s previous volunteering experience and how they aim to contribute to theassociation’s work.
At the end of the interview, the applicants are provided with information about theassociation’s activities, the role of volunteers, and the expectations. They are alsogiven the opportunity to ask questions and receive information about the next stepsin the process. Individual evaluation reports are prepared for each volunteercandidate, and decisions are made regarding their placement in suitabledepartments.
This process aims to both meet the association’s needs effectively and utilize thevolunteers‘ interests and skills in the most efficient way. Proper placement of volunteers ensures both the association’s effectiveness and the volunteers‘ satisfaction with the process.
3-) ORIENTATION AND TRAINING:
The orientation and training process is designed to ensure that volunteersunderstand the operations of the Worldwide Lawyers Association and can contributeeffectively. Accepted volunteers first attend a mandatory orientation program. Thisprogram aims to communicate the association’s mission and vision in detail, ensurethe adoption of its core values, and provide a clear understanding of the areas of activity.
At the beginning of the orientation program, the association’s founding purpose andits human rights and social justice-based approach are thoroughly explained. Volunteers are given an overview of the association’s operations, including itsstructure, divisions, management processes, and how projects are organized. Special attention is paid to the association’s ethical values, and it is emphasized thatvolunteer activities should align with these values. Volunteers are provided with basicethical guidance to address potential ethical dilemmas they may encounter in humanrights-focused work.
The training program covers both theoretical and practical content to help volunteersunderstand their responsibilities. Information about legal operations, reporting, monitoring, and analysis processes is provided in detail. For instance, volunteers aretrained on how to prepare reports during fieldwork, as well as the ethical rules tofollow when collecting data. Additionally, basic knowledge about national andinternational regulations concerning human rights is shared. The training is supportedby interactive sessions, allowing volunteers to apply what they have learned throughsimulations and case studies.
During the program, volunteers are directed to relevant working groups based on their individual interests and skills. For example, volunteers interested in legal support are trained on basic legal terminology and processes, while those working in communication and advocacy are given information on media management andcampaign design.
At the end of the training program, volunteers are introduced to the tools, software, and protocols they will use within the association. For example, data securityprocedures and personal data protection are discussed in detail. Additionally, volunteers are informed about how to reach mentors and support mechanisms withinthe association.
Finally, throughout the orientation and training process, volunteers are given theopportunity to ask individual questions and share suggestions before starting theiractive roles. This comprehensive approach ensures that volunteers not onlycontribute to the association but also have the chance to develop in a supportiveenvironment.
4-) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The duties and responsibilities during the volunteer process are defined in detail toensure that volunteers can use their skills effectively and serve the association’sgoals. Volunteers can work in various departments of the Worldwide LawyersAssociation, including legal operations, reporting, monitoring, and education. Eachvolunteer’s duties are shaped according to their skills and interests indicated duringthe application process. This approach aims to contribute to both the association’sgoals and the volunteer’s personal and professional development.
The association places great emphasis on confidentiality and ethical guidelines thatvolunteers must adhere to while carrying out their duties. Volunteers are expected toact in accordance with principles of impartiality and independence. They are requiredto maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information they may encounter duringprojects or fieldwork. Confidentiality policies are explained in detail during orientationand training, and volunteers are asked to sign a written commitment.
While carrying out their tasks, volunteers are expected to prepare reports that meetthe association’s standards and provide accurate and timely information. Forexample, volunteers in legal operations are expected to be diligent when preparinglegal documents and support legal processes under the association’s guidance. Similarly, volunteers in reporting and monitoring are expected to analyze datacollected from the field in accordance with the formats provided by the association.
Supporting volunteers is crucial for a successful process. The association offers a mentorship program to help volunteers address challenges they may encounter andimprove their skills. Under this program, an experienced member of the associationprovides guidance and develops solution-oriented approaches when needed. Mentorship helps volunteers adapt to their roles within the association andcontributes to their professional development.
The feedback mechanism is implemented to regularly assess the performance of volunteers and encourage their development. Volunteers receive constructivefeedback on both their strengths and areas for improvement. Feedback meetings areheld periodically, providing an opportunity for volunteers to share their views as well.
Finally, to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the volunteering process, volunteers are regularly provided with training and workshops. These sessions helpthem acquire new skills, update existing knowledge, and contribute more effectivelyto their tasks. In this way, volunteers not only serve the association’s mission but alsogrow personally.
5-) TERMINATION OF THE VOLUNTEER PROCESS:
The volunteer process may come to an end for reasons determined by either thevolunteer or the association. If a volunteer decides to leave the association, thisprocess is conducted transparently and with mutual respect.
Before the termination of the volunteer process, a meeting is held between thevolunteer and the responsible unit manager to evaluate the process. During thisevaluation meeting, the volunteer’s contributions, impact on the project, andexperiences gained during the process are reviewed. Volunteers are also given theopportunity to provide feedback and share suggestions for improvement. Thesefeedbacks are considered an important resource for improving the association’svolunteer management processes.
When the volunteer process is completed, the association provides the volunteer witha certificate of appreciation and a participation certificate. These documentsrecognize the volunteer’s contribution to the association’s work.