Code of conduct

The Code of Conduct has been written to keep the communities we work with safe, and our foundation running smoothly.

There's a lot to read in other parts of the website, but if you understand and abide by the following points, we shouldn't have too many problems. Mirror is a long established, and well known, Thai Non-Governmental Organisation, which works very hard to help ethnic minorities in Thailand. It is most definitely not a holiday destination - volunteers are here to work.

Remember, you have applied to volunteer with our organisation - we haven't hit you on the head and dragged you kicking and screaming to come here.

As such, we expect you to abide by our code of conduct. It applies to all volunteers and you will have agreed to these as part of the terms and conditions - it is your responsibility to read the code below, and all other information before you begin your programme.

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, creeds, colours and genders. Each one has their own moral and ethical code, beliefs and lifestyle. Mirror has many volunteers passing through its doors, and we must run a tight, albeit relaxed and happy, ship - to ensure that our own moral and ethical code, beliefs and lifestyle are maintained.

The volunteer project is only one element of the work we do here, but is considered an important part. So, please remember that while on your placement, you represent our foundation and are seen as potential role models by the students and local community. How you act - at Rai Som school, at the project generally, and in town during your days off... affects our work directly. Inappropriate behaviour will damage the important work done, and will mean you are having a negative, not positive effect during your stay. To help us maintain our reputation and standards, we have a code of conduct which is important for you to understand and adhere to...

The following information is a way of harmonising and integrating everyone during their stay at Mirror. It means putting your own needs second to ours for a short time.

Code of Conduct

How to act

Abide by our Code of Conduct
Think of others first
Dress appropriately
Understand you are here to work first and foremost
Leave your culture at home - immerse yourself in Thai and local cultures
Be flexible

Above all else

Bring enthusiasm
Bring understanding
Bring the right attitude
Bring an open mind
Bring an open heart

The Rai Som school project is our biggest enterprise since building our Baan Pordeedin guesthouse in Chiang Rai city. Rai Som school is much more important though - rather than generating income to sustain our foundation, we are giving the opportunity to gain an education to stateless children who otherwise would have a very limited future.

Dress code

Our dress code must be adhered to, from the moment we pick you up to when we drop you off at the end of your stay. It is important that you are dressed suitably, so that you do not offend the hilltribe cultures or local authorities.

Girls:
- long trousers/pants below the knee
- no skirts
- no leggings or yoga pants
- cover your shoulders - no strap tops
- no cleavage shown
- wear a bra at all times
- tops must cover your belly
Boys: tops to be worn at all times, even on Outdoor work

Not only at Mirror, but during your entire time in Southeast Asia - it is not only offensive to most Thais to dress inappropriately, and you will be commented on, but it can also be potentially dangerous.

We are especially strict when volunteers go to teach, are on homestay, or in public when representing us. If we feel you are inappropriately dressed, we will ask you to change clothing, or withdraw you from the activity. Repeat offenders will be told to leave the programme.

Please note that there are project specific clothing requirements too which can be found on the relevant pages.

If you have doubts or questions regarding the dress code, please ask.

Drugs

ANY use of illegal drugs during your stay will result in immediate dismissal from the programme, and possible involvement of the police and your country's embassy.

Applicants with drug convictions are barred from joining our programmes. Applicants with drug-related cautions on their criminal record must notify us before or during the application process - failure to do so will result in removal from the programme.

Alcohol/Smoking

No drinking is allowed during the working week, onsite or offsite. This has been put in place to ensure that volunteers are able to work effectively when required, are not drunk or hungover in front of children, teachers or parents, and do not act inappropriately in public.

We also ask you not to smoke on school grounds, or in front of children generally.

Volunteer accommodation

Volunteers share rooms in the dormitory-style accommodation at Mirror. These dorms are gender-separated, are equipped with basic bedding, mosquito nets and/or screens. Dorms have shared bathrooms - manual flush toilets, cold water bucket showers.

Please respect the space and belongings of those in your building.
Boys and girls sleep in separate dorms, whatever the relationship is.
Entering the dorm of the opposite gender is strictly not allowed.
Because of the dominance of Buddhism within the community, a number of Muslim intern students, and simple respect, we ask that on your way to, and return from, showering that you please fully cover yourself.
Please clean up after yourself. This includes the dormitory, bathrooms, and volunteer office, as well as anywhere else you go onsite.
Please be in your dorm and ready for bed by 22.00 - you're living in a community which goes to bed early and rises early, so we appreciate your cooperation.
Please be quiet after 22.00. Also keep the noise down if you wake up early.
Thai people (and probably your roommates too) will be offended if you do not shower at least once a day. The climate is hot, even during the cold season days, and you will sweat a lot.
Girls, when you have your period, please dispose of the towel in a closed plastic bag and throw it in the garbage. DO NOT flush it down the toilet as you will block the system.
In Buddhist culture, the head is considered holy, and the feet very dirty. So, do not hang trousers, underwear or socks at the head of your bed, or in the path where people must pass underneath.
Report any incidents, accidents or repairs to the staff at morning meeting
Store any food in air tight zip lock bags or containers
When you finish your time here, please clean up your room before leaving.
If you wish to leave any items for future volunteers, please let the staff know.

Teaching at school

You are representing Mirror when you teach. Please behave accordingly:

Greet the teacher with respect, a smile and the traditional wai.
Do not throw anything at children to catch, but pass them politely.
Books are revered in Thailand, so treating them roughly will cause offence.
Do not smoke on school grounds, or in the presence of children.
Please dress smartly, and appropriately, when teaching as this conveys the benefits of learning to the children.

Sexual relations

We do not encourage relations with others during your programme - any negative consequences could affect your stay, create problems with other volunteers, or is against our rules.

Do not invite a girl to go out with you alone, or drink together alone
Do not touch a member of the opposite sex, as this causes offence
Boys and girls sleep in separate dorms, whatever the relationship is
Entering the dorm of the opposite sex is not allowed

Time

You may have heard of 'Thai time', but we run to a schedule - especially at the school.

Breakfast is from 07.30 to 08.30
Working week is 08.30-16.00 (Tuesday-Friday), and 8.30-13.00 on Saturday.
- New volunteers are picked up on a Monday from Fang bus station at 15.00 (3pm)
Everyone is expected to be in their dorms by 22.00 (10pm) - our rural community goes to bed early, and rises early.
Please do not take days off, apart from Sundays or Mondays, while you are with us. Our programmes of work and schedule with the school are based on the dates you committed to when registering.
- If you wish to have time to travel, then do it before you arrive or after you leave - anyone that leaves to travel during their programme without prior agreement will not be accepted back. For this reason, it is very important to factor time to travel into your arrangements.
Don't be late for morning meeting.

Summary

The priority of the organisation, and your priority as well, is the wellbeing of the children and community we are working with, and we can achieve this much better with your help and cooperation. The responsibility to read the information, and act accordingly, is entirely down to you.

Research and understand the culture you are joining. If you are in doubt, ask a question - there is usually someone who will be able to help.
Mirror is a working NGO, with many vital projects working to help hilltribe people secure a better future.
It is not a holiday camp, we are not hotel staff - if you are looking for a tourist experience, there are plenty of travel agencies out there.