Once in a lifetime Opportunity


I do not have frequent access to the internet. Will this affect my chances of getting picked as a volunteer?
A: Most patients begin feeling better within the first week, though some people may take a little longer.

I sent in my application a few months ago, but I have not received a reply. Why is this so?
A: The team at the Vesak Day Celebration Organising Committee (UNDV) will be matching the volunteers' skills and experiences to the volunteer opportunities available. This will take some time and we seek your patience and understanding. We will try our best to contact you as soon as we have found a suitable match.

Am I eligible to volunteer even if I am above 40 years of age?
A: Certainly! There are many available volunteer opportunities for everyone who is committed and willing to help. Many volunteer functions require mature individuals and we welcome people of all age groups to apply.

I am still in school and will be below 18 years old in year 2015, so must I apply through the school? Why can't I register as an individual?
A: It is not recommended that students sign up as individuals. Individual volunteers have to be 18 years of age on or before 1 March 2015

I want to volunteer along with my company in a specific area. How do I register?
A: Corporate and organizational volunteers can contact us through this email: vesakcelebration2015@gmail.com and we will get in touch with you soon.

I am not staying in Thailand. Can I participate as an international volunteer?
A: International volunteers are welcome to join us in this exciting event. However, all travel and accommodation costs and arrangements must be borne by the volunteer. International volunteers – like all other volunteers – must also fulfil all training requirements in preparation for the final selection.

What kind of training will I have to go through and what is the time period that I will have to commit?
A: All volunteers will have to go through core training and specialist training. Core training starts in April 2015: volunteers will go through core training in batches until the end of April 2015. Core training is comprised of general modules that will equip you with knowledge about Vesak history, Buddhism, volunteerism, etc. Some of the core training may be conducted on-line. Specialist training is job- and venue-specific: training details will vary depending on your job assignment. It will start in April and. Attendance for all training is compulsory. Volunteers who do not attend training will be risking their volunteering opportunities.

Training will be conducted mostly on weekends. We are currently working out the details of the training. Training updates will be posted on the undv.org.

What is my commitment during the games?
A: Volunteers are expected to commit at least 5 days during the Vesak Day Celebration, working in 8 to 10 hour shifts. Some volunteer function may require more days of commitment. Please look for details on the icundv.com website for updates on job descriptions.

I want to be involved in a specific role but I'm not sure if I am suitable. Can I still apply?
A: Preference will be given to those with relevant skill or experience for the volunteer positions. However, training will be provided for all volunteers to ensure that everyone is sufficiently prepared for the Vesak Day Celebration. To facilitate job matching, please select more than one area of interest for volunteering.

What happens if I decide not to volunteer for the Vesak Day Celebration after going through the training?
A: You may decide to withdraw anytime. However, you must return all uniform and equipment, and accreditation passes issued to you

Will I be reimbursed for my transport and meals?
A: All volunteers will be provided with meals and refreshments during their training days as well as during deployment for the Vesak Day Celebration. We are also working to provide free transportation for all volunteers during the Vesak Day Celebration. Please look out for details on the website.

Are uniforms provided?
A: Yes, uniforms will be provided to all volunteers, i.e. volunteers who have successfully completed all training and evaluation.

What if I lose my uniform? Will I be issued with replacement?
A: The uniform issued to volunteers is a controlled item. Volunteers without uniform will not be allowed into the venues to perform their duties. Volunteers who lose their uniform will have to purchase new sets at their own cost. Please look out for details in the volunteer policy section in the website.
Do I have what it takes to be a Vesak Day Celebration Volunteer?
As a Vesak Day Celebration Volunteer, you need heaps of passion and commitment.
Before the event, you will have to dedicate some time training for the job, and there will be a lot of hard work during the celebration, but also lots of fun!
As a volunteer, you will not receive a salary. But what you will get is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Buddhism religion.

To be a Vesak Day Celebration Volunteer, please make sure
You are able to complete all the compulsory pre-Vesak Day Celebration training and attend pre-Vesak Day Celebration volunteer briefings.

You are prepared to volunteer your time and service for at least 5 days in a row during the celebration Day, and work on 12-hour shifts each time.

While we welcome diverse language skills, please note that the working language is English. Hence, you need to be able to understand English. If you know any other languages, it would be a plus!

You need to have Internet access and an email address (we'll be keeping in touch with you mostly through email and the website). The e-learning and evaluation components will be conducted online as well.

What happens after I submit my application?
We will try to match your interests with the volunteer opportunities available. If you're shortlisted, we'll contact you before the end of March. As volunteers with different skills may be required for each phase in the run-up to the Vesak Day Celebration, we may contact each of you at different times.

There are many areas in which you could volunteer. We'll try our best to match your interests with the opportunities available, but please understand that a perfect fit may not always be possible.

If you have not heard from us, please be patient. This means we're still trying our best to match you to the most appropriate volunteer opportunity. When one becomes available, we'll be sure to get in touch with you. We expect to complete volunteer selection by May 2013. If for whatever reason, we don't have a suitable opportunity for you, we will inform you by April 2013. There are other ways you can nonetheless be a part of the Olympic Vesak Day.

Once you are selected as a Vesak Day Celebration volunteer trainee, you will be asked to attend training sessions to get yourself ready. Only by completing all your training will you "graduate" as a full-fledged Veasak day Celebration Volunteer.

What kind of training will I receive?
You must attend the compulsory Core Training course, where you will learn more about the Vesak Day Celebration Movement and Buddhism

You must also attend venue- and job-specific Specialist Training to prepare you for your duties during the Vesak Day Celebration.

Training will be conducted either online through e-learning or in classes. We urge you to take your training seriously as it will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges on the job. The final selection of volunteers will take place in May 2015 after you have completed your training and evaluation, so put your best foot forward!

What do I get for being a YOG Volunteer?
As a Vesak Day Celebration Volunteer, you will receive a Certificate of Participation as a token of recognition of your contribution. More importantly, you get the special opportunity to be part of the United Nation Day of Vesak, see first-hand what goes on behind the scenes, make friends with Buddhist people from all over the world and learn about the cultures and traditions of visitors from both near and far!

What's more, all Vesak Day Celebration Volunteers can choose to be contacted for volunteering opportunities for future events.

I want in! How do I volunteer?
Complete the application form and submit it on-line by click here

© 2015 undv.org / United Nations Day of Vesak
More information please contact:
ICDV & IABU Office
401,Zone D, D400 4th floor, School Building,
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Lamsai, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya 13170
Tel: + 662 623 6323, 66 35 248 098 Fax: + 66 35 248 099
Email: vesak.undv@gmail.com