Puerto Rico 2022 Handbook

1. Why were these organizations chosen?
   • They are nonprofit organizations that we believe in their mission.
2. What if I don’t want to volunteer?  Do I still come with the group?

Experience #1: Friday, May 27th: Painting Classrooms for Local Youth Center

Nonprofit Partner: Crearte Inc. 

We have partnered with a local San Juan organization called Crearte, which offers services aimed at helping children and young people residing in high-risk communities to develop values through the arts. CREARTE offers social services and educational programs in the communities it serves, where students are invited to participate in programs aimed to build character and acquire values that promote healthy emotional development. In order to offer these programs and services to their local community, it is important that they have the space and facilities to do so. Because I said I would will be volunteering our time to help paint 7 classrooms in their center to help prepare them for their upcoming programs. While there we will have the opportunity to learn more about their work and the impact they make in the community

Important need to know: We will be painting so please ensure you bring clothing you are comfortable with getting dirty/ paint on. 

Experience #2:Saturday May 28th: Hurricane Home Repairs

Nonprofit Partner: SBP Puerto Rico

On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall on the island of Puerto Rico as a Category 5 hurricane. The damage of this event was catastrophic, with more than 53% of structures on the island being impacted with major damage. As we enjoy the beauty of the island during our trip, we will make an impact in helping those affected by volunteering with SBP Puerto Rico, an organization committed to the recovery and rebuilding of areas affected by the disaster. Together as a group, we will work to rebuild local houses to help allow families to return to safe and secure homes. There are currently thousands of families who have been waiting for more than 3 years to move back into their homes. We will help make their dream a reality through hard work and a commitment of our time. Activities will include painting, scrapping, and demolition of homes alongside the SBP team.

Important need to know: Bring and wear clothes that you are comfortable with getting dirty or potentially ruined. All volunteers must wear pants that reach the knee for safety reasons (no

shorts). Volunteers will be sent home and asked to change if wearing shorts. Volunteers

must wear shirts with sleeves (no tank tops, spaghetti straps, etc.). NO open-toed or open-heeled shoes. NO TOMS or other cloth-like shoes.  Wear shoes that are sturdy and appropriate for construction work such as sneakers and boots 

• You can read and review their volunteer welcome packet HERE: Our group will be divided into smaller groups that will be assigned to two separate houses. Learn more about the two families we will be helping by reading their background HERE for house 1 and HERE for house 2. 

Action Item: All volunteers must complete the SBP registration form online and while this is a group project, indicate you are a volunteer as an individual on the form: Click on the form HERE to complete and be sure to include because I said I would in the ” how you heard about us” section

Experience #3:Sunday May 29th: Coastal Trash Clean Up

Nonprofit Partner: Scuba Dog Society

Puerto Rico is known for its natural beauty, yet trash and recycling is a known issues for the island. Most of Puerto Rico’s landfills fail to meet federal standards and are almost full. Residents and experts worry that trash will soon overwhelm the region. Aquatic trash can lead to declining fish populations, which can hurt communities that rely on fish, employment, income, and tourism. Furthermore, trash reduces the aesthetic and recreational value of waterfront destinations because trash washed up on shorelines or floating in the water is unappealing and possibly unsafe. While many efforts have been made by the residents of Puerto Rico through annual coastal clean-ups, there is still work to be done. Because I said I would will help to keep the island of Puerto Rico clean, healthy and beautiful by participating in a local coastal clean up during our stay,

Important need to know: Recommended clothing/attire includes; Sports shoes/boots ( closed that are sturdy and appropriate for hiking/walking), a hat for sun protection, sunscreen,  long sleeve shirt, and sunglasses ( See their volunteer infographic on recommended attire HERE. Bring a reusable water bottle for this project as well (a water jug will be available to refill bottles during the day).

Action Item: All volunteers must complete the Scuba Dog Society waiver found here.  Additionally, we will be using the Clean swell app to track our clean-up impact. We will split into groups of 4 or 5, and one individual will be asked to download and track their group’s progress using the app. If you are interested in volunteering to be the leader of your group please watch the video on how to use the app and download it HERE.