Alignment with our mission: Obtaining one time registration https://tggfct.org/responsible-human-mission/ for life time is the first step you need to complete once you have made up your mind to volunteer onsite with TGG Foundation.

Clarity and Connection: It is essential to have a clear understanding of our culture and knowledge-sharing program, as well as the distinction between Work Exchange and Volunteering opportunities when considering a visit to our charity organization. Our focus is to help you identify your inherent talents and interests. We operate with a dual focus- one encompasses office and administrative tasks, as well as revenue-generating activities, which enable us to provide you with accommodation, this aspect falls within our Work Exchange Program under the following roles and responsibilities – 
1) Maintenance work (Physical) 
2) Create, sell and generate revenue (Tangible Contribution) 
3) Website modification, social media, documentary production, promotional activities (Visibility Creation)
4) Fundraising for various projects after creating a good fundraising strategy. (Tangible Contribution) 
5) Collaborations for promoting Bridging-the-gap, Global Citizen Program and Holistic Experiential Learning Program (Networking)
6) Research to develop the RHM Center on TGG Foundation-owned land, aiming for sustainability and scalability of our programs
Additionally, we provide volunteering opportunities in community development initiatives such as social media promotion, videography, photography, and vegetable cultivation.
Equally important is the alignment of one’s values with our organization’s mission, encapsulated under the Responsible Human Mission. Understanding and connecting with these values will not only enrich your experience but also enhance the impact of your contribution to our cause.

Identify your skills and knowledge to exchange: Having a clear plan of action is essential for any volunteer, especially for those who are providing skills and knowledge in a specific field under this exchange program. It is important to understand the needs and requirements of the organization that you will be working with, and to develop a plan that aligns with their goals and objectives. For example, if you are providing construction or technology expertise to a rural development charity like TGG Foundation, you may want to consider the specific needs of the organisation and develop a plan that addresses those needs. This may include providing hands-on support for specific projects, helping to develop new fundraising strategies that can support ongoing initiatives and participate in fundraising. In addition to having a clear plan of action, it is also important to stay organized and communicate effectively within the organization you are working with. This may include regular check-ins and progress updates, as well as maintaining open lines of communication throughout your volunteer period. By taking these steps and developing a clear plan of action, you can ensure that your exchange is productive and meaningful, while also making a positive impact in the community you are working with.

Plan your trip: Once you have chosen a project and an RHM Registration is obtained, start planning your trip. Consider the length of the program, the season, and any visa or travel requirements.

Block your accommodation: We provide 3 type of accommodations. Choose the most appropriate one and block your accommodation.
1. For volunteers interested in volunteering & work exchange program can opt for shared Dorm-General, fostering a sense of belonging and trust among volunteers while ensuring cost-effectiveness. In this arrangement, a shared washroom facility is located at 25 meters from your room.
2. For those who are interested only in volunteering and no work exchange program, can opt for a budget-friendly share Dorm-Special (on twin sharing basis) accommodation, paying just Rs. 500 per day per bed with a shared washroom facility conveniently accessible are available.
3. Alternatively, for volunteers expecting a little more comfortable stay, we offer a double room with with en-suite bath with hot and cold water in our Earth House, priced at an affordable rate of Rs. 1000 per day for single person and Rs.1500 for couples.

Online Integration: Volunteers planning to join us from November 1st to March 31st, are kindly asked to complete an online orientation program before their arrival. This will ensure a smoother transition and reduce the need for extensive assistance upon arrival, enabling them to seamlessly integrate into our volunteering project. Our Experiential Learning Programme takes place from November to March, and as our daily schedule is quite packed during this period, we may have limited availability to personally introduce volunteers to the project and activities, potentially causing them to feel less connected.

Items to carry: Other than your personal belongings, items that you need to carry for the onsite volunteering program are : Cloths to wear during field work, Garden Gloves, Mask, Safety Glass, Gumboot, Cap, laptop, essential medicines, rain preparedness if visiting during monsoon, etc.

Be respectful and open-minded: When volunteering in a different culture, it’s important to be respectful and open-minded. Take the time to learn about the culture and customs of the community you will be working with, and be willing to adapt your behavior and communication style as needed. Be open to new experiences and perspectives, and be willing to learn as well as teach.

Keep them out before entering : Please leave your ego outside before entering in any of the centers created by TGG; there’s no room for them here. We kindly request that you approach with humility and acknowledge the tremendous effort it takes to create such an opportunity. We extend the same courtesy and respect in return since we too realise the effort taken by you to travel all the way to meet us here to participate in this volunteering/exchange/both program.

Office Activities: Promotion of Experiential Learning Program, Establishing Collaborations, Fundraising for projects in progress, Design thinking, Creative communication and Documenting.

Volunteering Activities: Community development projects mainly related to TGG Aid projects, social media promotion, videography & photography and vegetable cultivation.

Common Activities: Cooking & cleaning, collecting dry leaves, vegetable garden maintenance, harvesting, watering plants, social media promotions, videography & photography, etc. 

Our Practice: We practice minimalism at the RHM Center hence we encourage two major meals a day, recycling & upcycling, simple living, low carbon footprint, sharing resources and cost effective travel. Alcohols and Smokes are strictly prohibited.

Yoga Program: Under NISD School of Yoga, yoga training is offered through approved yoga school in Wayanad at an additional cost per person of Rs.6000/- for the 10-hour Foundation Certificate Course for those who are interested.

Creative: If you possess creative talents and want to fully unleash their potential while also embracing sustainability and nature-friendly practices, this is an ideal platform for such endeavors. We wholeheartedly encourage and support this pursuit within these parameters. If you require assistance or require the use of machinery or tools, arrangements can be made for an extra fee.

Culture Exchange: We, the hosts at the RHM Center, are also the founders of TGG. We enjoy meeting people who are truly interested in a simple way of life and are transitioning from thinking about “I” to embracing “WE”. We’ve already lived most of our lives and doesn’t have much desire for material needs, and are dedicating our time to help those who are starting a transformative journey. In our daily routine while we are at the RHM Center, we prepare morning refreshments at 8 AM, breakfast at 10 AM, tea and snacks at 3:30 PM, and dinner at 7 PM. We’re happy to share our meals with everyone here if you express your willingness in advance and respect our meal times. During dinner, we encourage sharing dishes, so you can cook one or two items and we can have a potluck dinner. Additionally, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, we encourage informal conversations to strengthen our bonds without any barriers or cultural differences.

Knowledge Exchange We will assess your enthusiasm, dedication, abilities, and talents while you volunteer with us, and we will provide opportunities for you to explore and develop them until you feel confident and excel in your chosen area. Throughout your volunteering period, you will also gain knowledge about our alternative way of living, the advantages of collaboration in a competitive world, and practices to attain financial independence. On Sundays, there is no obligation to participate in any activities, especially if you plan to be out for the entire day. All participants who successfully complete the program will become members of the Nomad Community of Responsible Humans / RHM Club / Associate, depending on their interest.

Cooking Facility : At the RHM Center, we’ve set up a community kitchen for everyone who comes here. This facility will be shared by other volunteers too. Please feel free to cook any food of your choice and by respecting the preferences of other members too.

You are responsible for your own safety: Wayanad is a district enveloped by numerous small forests, expansive reserve forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. The region’s lush greenery is predominantly due to the extensive plantation activities, including tea, coffee, and fruit trees, which offer a welcoming habitat for wildlife, particularly during the night. When traveling at night, it is of paramount importance to exercise the utmost caution. We strongly advise all visitors to remain inside their rooms between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, as a precautionary measure to ensure your safety and to minimize any potential interactions with wildlife.

Termination of Volunteering: We’re doing our part to help build a responsible community through our different projects, and we’re not expecting anything in return. When you volunteer for these initiatives, you’re also playing a role in being socially responsible. In this whole journey, TGG Foundation and its members aren’t the ones benefiting; it’s you who gets the chance to grow as a person in a world that often emphasizes material things. However, if at any point we see that your goals don’t align with our social responsibilities, we may have to end your volunteering and cancel your RHM Registration.

Wayanad is a district enveloped by numerous forests, plantations and wildlife sanctuaries, all welcoming habitats for wildlife. We strongly advise all visitors to remain inside their rooms between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, as a precautionary measure to ensure your safety and to minimize any potential interactions with wildlife.

Many tourist places are closed on Mondays, so it’s a good idea to plan your visits on your days off. You can find more information at Wayanad Tourism. The nearest bus stop to the RHM Center is ONNEYAR, just 1 km away. You can also take an auto or taxi to get around. The closest train stations are Kozhikode and Mysore, both about 100 kilometers away. The main bus station near the RHM Center is Sulthan Bathery, approximately 18 kilometers away. The nearest airports are Calicut International Airport, Kannur International Airport, and Mysore Airport, all approximately 100 kilometers from Wayanad.

We encourage you to share your experience review with us to ensure continuous improvement and make the experience memorable for all participants.
Spread the word on TGG Foundation with others, inspiring and encouraging them to participate in similar opportunities.