SDF Volunteer and Internship
SURMAI Welfare Groups

Volunteer and Internship Policy

SURMAI Welfare Groups of SDF

Effective Date: 01 September 2025

1. Introduction

Registered as a Section 8 non-profit company under the Indian Companies Act, 2013, Supansha Development Foundation (SDF) is committed to fostering dignity, opportunity, and sustainable well-being for all. Our work is anchored in the CREATE values — Choices, Respect, Empathy, Accountability, Transformation, and Efficacy — and guided by four strategic pillars, collectively termed HERB: Healthcare & Well-being, Education & Livelihoods, Research & Data Science, and Biodiversity & Eco-care. Volunteers and interns are integral to achieving our mission, bringing skills, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives that strengthen our programs and the SURMAI Welfare Groups.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all volunteers and interns across Head Office (HO), State Office (SO), Regional Office (RO), and District Office (DO). Internships are project-based or arranged through institutional tie-ups, while volunteers can be individuals, businesses, NGOs, or philanthropists. All contributions are valued and recognized as essential to SDF's mission of the SURMAI Welfare Groups.

3. Engagement Principles

• Equal Opportunity & Diversity: SDF ensures non-discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, age, disability, or socio-economic background.
• Recognition: Every contribution, small or large, is acknowledged and celebrated as part of the organization’s collective impact.
• Respect & Inclusion: All volunteers and interns are treated equitably, with their skills and dedication valued.

4. Application & Onboarding

• Interested candidates can apply via the SDF website Join Us page or through institutional tie-ups for internships.
• Orientation and training are provided to familiarize volunteers and interns with SDF’s mission, projects, and operational guidelines.
• Assignments are made based on skills, project requirements, and available opportunities.

5. SURMAI Welfare Groups Integration

All volunteers are part of the SURMAI Welfare Groups (Social Union for Progressive Advancement and Navigation towards Sustainable Holistic Actions Network) and grouped as:

• Development Doers: Skill-powered individuals
• Development Dealers: Businesses and service providers
• Development Designers: NGOs and SHGs
• Development Donors: CSR corporates, government agencies, angel investors, and other funding agencies

This network fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and ethical, action-oriented social development across Healthcare & Well-being, Education & Livelihoods, Research & Data Science, and Biodiversity & Eco-care.

6. Roles & Responsibilities

• Volunteers and interns are expected to actively contribute to assigned projects and programs.
• All participants report to designated project managers or mentors, ensuring supervision, guidance, and skill development.
• Interns may also join the SURMAI Welfare Groups as Development Doers during or after their internship.

7. Duration & Attendance

• Internships are time-bound and project-specific; duration is communicated at onboarding.
• Volunteer engagement is renewable annually on 1 January, with project-specific assignments and flexible hours based on commitment and availability.
• Volunteers do not receive salaries, but may receive incentives or travel reimbursement as per SDF HR Policy.

8. Code of Conduct

• All volunteers and interns must maintain professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality in all work.
• Compliance with statutory guidelines including PoSH, POCSO, and workplace safety is mandatory.

9. Health & Safety

• Volunteers and interns are encouraged to maintain vaccinations, including COVID-19.
• Workplace safety guidelines, emergency protocols, and health support services are provided.

10. Recognition & Feedback

• SDF provides certificates, letters of appreciation, and formal acknowledgment of contributions.
• Regular performance feedback and mentorship are offered to enhance learning and development.

11. Grievance Mechanism

• Volunteers and interns can report complaints regarding harassment, unethical behavior, or safety concerns.
• Complaints are submitted through Complaint Form and are handled confidentially without retaliation.

12. Review & Compliance

• This policy is reviewed annually and updated by the HR & Admin team.
• Volunteers and interns are expected to comply with all SDF policies and procedures.

13. Conclusion & Contact

This Volunteer & Internship Policy underscores SDF’s commitment to fostering a supportive, ethical, and inclusive environment. Volunteers and interns are recognized for their contributions and provided guidance to ensure impactful engagement.

Supansha® Development Foundation (SDF)
Registered Office: 13/50, Sethinagar, Gupteshwar Road, Jabalpur – 482008, Madhya Pradesh, India
Email: supansha@supansha.org
Website: www.supansha.org