Volunteer Portal

Information for Volunteers

Point of Difference

Welcome to the Volunteer Portal

Welcome to the Volunteer Portal of Point of Difference.
This platform serves as the central access point for individuals who wish to support our humanitarian, medical, youth, and inclusive community projects through voluntary engagement.

Volunteers are a vital part of our mission. Your time, skills, and commitment help us deliver humanitarian aid, operate projects such as the hospital ship Spirit of Hope, and create safe and supportive spaces for young people.

Purpose of the Volunteer Portal

The Volunteer Portal is designed to:

• provide information about volunteer opportunities
• support transparent communication and coordination
• ensure clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities
• uphold safeguarding, safety, and ethical standards
• facilitate training, onboarding, and documentation

The portal supports both short‑term and long‑term volunteer engagement.

Who Can Volunteer

We welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds who share our values of responsibility, respect, and inclusion.

Volunteers may include:

• medical and healthcare professionals
• maritime and technical specialists
• youth workers and educators
• logistics, administration, and support staff
• general volunteers supporting projects and events

Some roles require specific qualifications, experience, or certifications.

Areas of Volunteering

Volunteer engagement at Point of Difference may include work in areas such as:

Humanitarian & Medical Support

• assistance on humanitarian missions
• support for medical operations (role‑dependent and qualified)
• logistics and operational support

Hospital Ship – Spirit of Hope

• maritime operations support
• medical and non‑medical roles on board (mission‑specific)
• project, logistics, and technical assistance

Youth & Community Programs

• support for safeguarded youth events
• assistance with LGBTQI‑inclusive, age‑appropriate programs
• educational and community activities

Organizational Support

• administration and coordination
• communications and outreach
• fundraising and project support

Safeguarding & Code of Conduct

All volunteers must agree to and comply with:

• the Code of Conduct of Point of Difference
• safeguarding and child‑protection policies
• zero‑tolerance rules for abuse, discrimination, harassment, or exploitation

Protection of children, young people, beneficiaries, and volunteers is a top priority.
Violations may result in immediate termination of volunteer engagement.

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you are expected to:

• act respectfully and responsibly at all times
• follow instructions and safety guidelines
• respect confidentiality and data protection requirements
• work within your assigned role and competence
• uphold the values and reputation of Point of Difference

Volunteer roles do not constitute an employment relationship.

Training & Onboarding

Before starting, volunteers may be required to complete:

• onboarding and orientation sessions
• safeguarding and ethics training
• role‑specific training or briefings

Background checks or documentation may be required depending on the role and legal context.

Health, Safety & Well‑Being

Point of Difference is committed to a safe volunteer environment.

Volunteers must:

• comply with health, safety, and security procedures
• report risks, incidents, or concerns immediately
• act responsibly to protect themselves and others

Support structures are in place to address concerns or issues.

Data Protection

Personal data provided through the Volunteer Portal is processed in accordance with:

• the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR / DSGVO)
• applicable data protection laws
• the Privacy Policy of Point of Difference

Data is used solely for volunteer management and organizational purposes.

Ending Volunteer Engagement

Volunteer engagement may be ended:

• by the volunteer, with reasonable notice where possible
• by Point of Difference, for operational or safeguarding reasons

Upon termination, access to the Volunteer Portal may be withdrawn.

Contact & Support

If you have questions about volunteering or the Volunteer Portal, please contact:

Point of Difference – Volunteer Coordination
Email: Volunteer@point-of-difference.org
Website: https://www.volunteeratpod.de

Thank You

By volunteering with Point of Difference, you contribute to humanitarian action, inclusion, and meaningful impact.

Your commitment makes a difference.