“Let me be a little kinder, Let me be a little blinder To the faults about me; Let me praise a little more, Let me be, when I am weary; Just a little bit more cheery, Let me serve a little better Those that I am striving for. Let me be a little braver When temptation bids me waver, Let me strive a little harder To be all that I should be; Let me be a little meeker to the brother that is weaker; Let me think more of my neighbor and a little less of me.” – Unknown

Who can volunteer?

You can volunteer with One Day Closer if you have a giving heart or are a medical professional. This could be a Doctor- MD, DO, ND,DC, Lac, dentist, or an RN, PT, LMT, etc. We also consider Peace Corp volunteer types in certain areas. Since we operate, mainly, outside the United States we are also able to take recent graduates. Each person is considered on an individual basis. Though it is preferable that you have overseas experience and are licensed in your country, if you have the willingness to give and volunteer, that is half of the criteria and you will be considered. Our main modality of healing is Chinese medicine and acupuncture but all are encouraged to apply regardless of their medical background.

How do I volunteer?

Please fill out this from online and submit it. Once the form is filled out and submitted, someone from One Day Closer will contact you. After you have discussed your volunteer objectives with personal at One Day Closer the next step will be to put down a deposit to secure your position for your volunteer experience.

Where do we volunteer?

One Day Closer volunteers wherever there is a “health care need”. We typically serve outside of 1st world countries, but One Day Closer will travel anywhere we are asked to help. Each volunteer trip will be posted on the website with details on dates, locations, and needed practitioners and supplies.

What does One Day Closer do?

We as individuals or a group travel to foreign countries to provide free health care for those individuals in need. This may mean we are treating in a large city or a small town. We may be treating in a hectic environment or in a very rural medical camp. We may be living with a host family or living and treating in different locations. We don’t charge these individuals anything for the treatments and we try to leave them better educated about managing their own health. When possible, we will train a local resident to continue what we have started.

When does One Day Closer volunteer?

The free medical treatment camps are at different times of year. Some camps may be only for 14 days, and some may be up to four months. All volunteers are encouraged to spend at least 2 weeks at a medical camp. Since each medical camp will be different from the other, we can discuss your time tables and treatment concerns on an individual level.

Why volunteer with ODC? It is always an amazing experience!

Medically, we will see a majority of diseases that alternative health care practitioners will never get the chance to see in America. We will be able to treat patients every day or every other day instead of once a week. You will be able to see what is “working” and what is not. In the areas where we treat, the people don’t have access to basic health care, so you will be in a position of not only an alternative medical healthcare practitioner, but as the point of contact for serious medical problems as well. We will be treating hundreds per week. You will become friends with these patients and they will teach you so much as well! Your time treating in the medical camp will be a time to focus on your medical profession; your technique and your knowledge. We often share complicated cases and since we are all treating in such a close space, we can’t help but learn from each other, no matter the style of medicine you practice.

Spiritually, it is a time to grow! You will be in a foreign environment. We most likely will be eating the traditional food, living in ways that you may not be used to. The language and customs may be foreign to you. After a long day of treatment we will have time to reflect on our treatments, life, culture, ideas and values. On each trip I learn so much. Not only about medicine, but also about myself.

Physically, it is demanding work. There will be many people who need healthcare at our medical camps. We typically don’t have the modern conveniences of the Western World, and at times that can be challenging. We strive to never turn anyone away.

It will be fun! You will make lasting friendships with your patients and your contemporaries. You will take back with you an experience that will continue to change you forever. You will become a part of something so much bigger than yourself.

What this is not?

This is not a vacation. Typically we treat between 8-10 hours a day, 5-6days a week. This is not for the faint of heart. In many of these countries the diseases and poverty are extreme. A volunteer must have the mental fortitude to stay calm and focused in these types of situations. While overseas you will need to be self motivated, self disciplined, a team player, energetic, enthusiastic and caring.

Why do I need to pay to volunteer?

There is a small cost involved with volunteering with ODC. This cost covers your lodging while at the medical camp, transportation in country, the cost of getting the camp set up, acupuncture needles, herbal powders, medical supplies, paying locals to help us. It covers all meals prepared for you, guides, translators, assistants and other people that are involved in the camp. Except for airfare, and spending money for personal items you should not have to pay for anything else. Each camp is different and we try to keep all costs as low as we can by having the people in the host country donate their time and energy as well.

What will you need?                                                     

Some basic things you will need are as follows:

• Minimum age of 21 years
• A valid passport from your country of origin
• All necessary shots as defined by the World Health Organization/CDC for the area in which you will be traveling.
• Your own medical supplies, (if you practice Acupuncture and Chinese medical herbs supplies will be provided by One Day Closer)
• Your own round trip plane ticket. (All in country transportation will be provided by One Day Closer)
• Since each camp is so different, there will be more in depth discussion once you have signed up.

What are the next steps?

Below you will see the link, “Volunteer now”, click on that and fill it out. Once you have filled out the form, and we have reviewed it, talked with you, and approved it; You will be given a password for the “make a payment” page. At that point, you will be able to sign up for a camp and secure your spot for your volunteer trip. On the “make payment page” you will be able to sign up for 1 week to 1 month. (if you desire to stay longer than 30 days at a particular medical camp we can always discuss your individual needs) We look forward to approving you and seeing you at the next ODC medical camp.

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER NOW!

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt