I am aware the mission of GANSU, INC is to provide opportunity for underserved Chinese to have restoration of physical sight, with the ultimate goal of leading them, or others, to spiritual sight. As a volunteer, sponsored by GANSU, INC, I understand I will be held accountable for assisting the organization to accomplish this mission.
I voluntarily agree with, and submit to, the following statements for the good of the GANSU, INC mission and for harmony within its volunteer teams:
In situations where most volunteers are not familiar with the host language, it is obvious that actions do the speaking, therefore, whether in word or deed, I will seek to conduct my life in front of all of the people with whom I work (fellow volunteers, Chinese host personnel, patients and their families, and any other individuals or groups) in a manner that will not call into question the goals of GANSU, INC, nor the God whom we seek to serve. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Modestyand neatness in my dress. In respect to those of the culture of which I will be serving, and to the team members which I will serve alongside, I will dress in a conservative manner to avoid the possibility of offense. This includes guidelines such as: Shirts / Blouses with sleeves and without low necklines when in the public eye; Shorts / Skirts / Dresses that are no shorter than the top of the knee. I also understand that expensive jewelry, most likely beyond the means of the people being served, is not appropriate to wear in China. I also agree to avoid drawing attention to body piercing, which may require the removal or change of jewelry.
2. Strictadherence to circumspection in all aspects of relationships. With the exception of an accompanying spouse, I will not be involved in a more than casual relationship with any person, be it another volunteer, or any Chinese individual, while serving with GANSU, INC. I will seek to avoid even the appearance of impropriety by neither giving, nor receiving, particular attention to/from any other individual, that might be viewed as inappropriate by fellow volunteers or the Chinese.
3. Understanding that sincere Christians may differ regarding the use of alcohol by believers, I will agree not to use alcoholic beverages at any time, even if pressed by Chinese hosts in social settings, while I am working as a volunteer for GANSU, INC. I do this even though it may be my lifestyle decision to use alcohol in circumstances when I am outside of GANSU, INC’s sponsorship.
4. In conversation with others on my team or with Chinese host personnel, I will avoid speaking negatively concerning any of the conditions under which I am living and working. I will be open to learning from others, sharing myself and my skills humbly, without demands. I will respect the Chinese culture and avoid expressions of western superiority.
5. Understanding that knowledge of Chinese customs and traditions can be interesting as well as helpful to a successful mission, I will endeavor to understand the Chinese culture with the goal that my words and actions are not viewed as disrespectful by those I serve. I will seek, also, to exercise sensitivity and respect while shopping, especially in rural areas, so that my bargaining is not viewed as demeaning or overbearing. I will not be wasteful or excessive in my use of food or drink provided to GANSU, INC at reduced cost by Chinese hosts.
6. Political conversations may be introduced by the Chinese, however, I will endeavor to avoid extensive political discussions (GANSU, INC has the desire to remain apolitical). I will endeavor to obey all laws and respect the Chinese government, and I will seek to be a good influence by my lifestyle, not political activism.
GANSU, INC is my sponsoring organization, and, as such, I will pursue my responsibility to it. I will endeavor to be professional, patient, loving, and kind, and to seek to reach out and touch the lives that surround me daily in the love that God has for them. I will endeavor to be sensitive and flexible regarding unforeseen problems, seek other team members for advice, and try to work together in love and submission to my fellow team members.
Understanding that GANSU, INC has taken years to establish credibility, I will respect what God has allowed it to accomplish, and the role it is to play in the future. I will seek to do nothing that would jeopardize the mission of GANSU, INC, by trying to promote my own agenda. While not all inclusive, examples of the latter might include:
1. Passing out tracts in a public setting without first establishing a relationship with those to whom I give the literature (i.e., overtly acting as a public missionary);
2. Promoting specific denominational or doctrinal preferences, such as baptismal method or specific gifts of the Spirit;
3. Utilizing GANSU, INC’s established Chinese relationship system at a later time, for my own purposes, without the consent of GANSU, INC. This would include Public Health or local hospital host administrators, or any other individuals met while serving with GANSU, INC.
I recognize fully that failing to adhere to these volunteer principles may place the GANSU, INC mission in jeopardy, may lessen the potential medical or spiritual impact of the project, and may cause confusion or suspicion for the Chinese (Christian or secular) observing the lives of GANSU, INC volunteers. I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand the entirety of this code of conduct, and agree to abide by all of it, for all of my activities, while serving as a volunteer with GANSU, INC.
