Community Agreement

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Collin! We rely on dedicated volunteers to support people on the move traveling through Oaxaca, Mexico. This Community Agreement is designed to ensure a safe and respectful environment for both volunteers and people on the move.

Background and Knowledge

Understanding Difference/Positionality and Privilege

As a volunteer with Collin, it's important to be aware of how one’s background, appearance, and experiences influence the way one moves through the world and how this can show up in one’s understanding of others and interactions with them. The ‘position’ we all have in relation to one another is unique to each individual and is called our positionality. Positionality refers to one’s social location in terms of factors like nationality, race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation and even immigration status. While Collin values good intentions, we also work to avoid hurtful actions accidentally caused by clouded or misguided judgments.

Here's how your positionality could impact your interactions:

• Shared Experiences: You may have some shared experiences with the people we serve, but there are also differences in your histories and current situations. We encourage conversation, but be mindful of these differences. Personal discussions of experiences of people on the move should always be done on the person’s own terms, so as not to inadvertently bring up traumatic experiences or give false hopes. Let the person you are conversing with express their own opinions, experiences, and feelings – and only if they want to share. 

  • These are some examples of what not to say: Why did you leave your home? What happened on your way? Don’t worry, you’ll be fine once you arrive ~ X country is great! Be careful, I hear there are dangers on the way.

  • These are some examples of what you might say: How are you today? Did you sleep well? Is there anything I can help you with today?

• Language Barriers: There may be language barriers between you and those we serve. Be patient, and use clear, simple language. Many people are passing through Oaxaca, and not all are Spanish-speaking. Some speak Creole, French, Cantonese, Mandarin and Arabic. We encourage those who want to practice their language skills to speak with people in their language, though improving your own skills should not be the primary purpose of the conversation.

• Cultural Differences: What seems normal in your culture may be offensive in another. Be mindful of your body language, humor, and assumptions.

• Unconscious Bias: We all have unconscious biases. Reflect on your background and how it might influence your interactions with those transiting through Oaxaca. Focus on empathy, understanding, and listening.

To keep everyone safe, we follow these Safeguarding Principles:

Support Not Rescue

Collin prioritizes the safety and well-being of all people on the move. The people we serve are in a vulnerable position but retain power in the decision they made to migrate and persevere through their experiences. Do you understand that people we serve may need support, but not rescue?

Power Dynamics

Even if you are also a person on the move, you may still hold a position of power relative to others due to factors like state protection available to you from embassies and consulates, gender, sexual orientation, certain ethnic markers (such as appearance, dress, color of skin, accent, and religious markers) and access to resources. Because of these power dynamics, everyone has their own innate biases and must act in that understanding. Do you agree to serve people on the move without prejudice or discrimination, and to do so without thoughts of personal pleasure, satisfaction, or gain? 

Respect

We treat all people on the move with respect, regardless of their background and status. Do you agree to uphold these principles in your interactions?

Confidentiality

People on the move may share personal information with you. Do you understand the importance of keeping this information confidential, unless you believe the person presents a risk to themselves or others? Immediately report a person you believe to be at risk to the Executive Director.

Financial Assistance

While you may want to help people on the move financially, Collin discourages volunteers from giving personal money or resources to the people we serve. This type of giving can create dependency and undermine the organization's ability to provide support sustainably and equitably. Collin provides resources and services that are tailored to the needs of people on the move in the larger Oaxacan context – we encourage you to direct people to these resources.

Physical Contact

Physical contact should be avoided unless initiated by the person on the move in a professional setting (e.g., first aid). If physical contact is necessary, you must obtain verbal consent prior to contact. Do you agree to maintain appropriate physical boundaries?

Photography/Videography

Photos or videos of people on the move require prior written consent of all persons associated or impacted by the image or video taken. Children and those appearing to be under the age of 21, must have parental or custodial consent. Do not take photos or videos unless instructed to do so, or with the permission of the Executive Director. Do not post or share any photos or videos unless given permission by the Executive Director. Do you understand this policy?

 Reporting Concerns

If you witness, suspect, or hear of any security and safety breach (e.g.,misconduct, exploitation, inappropriate behavior), you must report this to the Executive Director and the Volunteer Training Coordinator immediately. Do you agree to report any concern to the above persons?

Do you feel comfortable speaking up if you see a fellow volunteer behaving inappropriately with someone we serve or anyone who is considered to be in a vulnerable position? Please note that we promise your anonymity. 

Thank you for your time and honesty in completing this Community Agreement. Your commitment to ethical volunteering and awareness of positionality is essential to the success of Collin's mission. For any questions, please contact the Volunteer Training Coordinator.