For Enrolled Volunteers

Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Volunteers can be terminated from their Cross-Cultural Solutions program at the discretion of the Country Director for jeopardizing one's own safety or the safety of fellow participants, violating local laws or cultural norms, or jeopardizing Cross-Cultural Solutions relationship with the community in which we work.

Drugs

The use of drugs is illegal. Anyone who is found asking for, buying, or using drugs will be expelled from the program and may be reported to local authorities. This policy is strictly enforced.

Alcohol

Both minors and adults are prohibited from bringing and drinking alcohol in the CCS Home-Base. Volunteers under the age of 21 are also prohibited from consuming alcohol while participating on a Cross-Cultural Solutions program. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit registered in the United States, we follow all United States laws. In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21. Adults are allowed to drink alcohol as long as their drinking does not endanger their personal safety or the safety of fellow volunteers, and does not present a negative image of Cross-Cultural Solutions to the community. Additionally, adult volunteers who accompany underage volunteers to places where alcohol is served will also be asked to leave the program.

It has become necessary for CCS staff in some program sites to implement additional restrictions. These additional restrictions have been implemented out of respect for the community and our Partner Programs. In many cases, our volunteers are working with people who have been abused or abandoned by family members who suffer from alcoholism. In some instances, the site-specific restrictions are in place due to local laws.

These program sites have the following specific alcohol restrictions:

Peru (Ayacucho): Volunteers are allowed to drink alcohol only on Friday and Saturday.
Ghana: Volunteers are allowed to drink alcohol only on Friday and Saturday.
Costa Rica: Volunteers are prohibited from drinking alcohol at any time in the communities. Volunteers may drink alcohol in other communities during Free Time on weekends.
India: Volunteers are allowed to drink alcohol only on Friday and Saturday. *Note: Local Indian law does not allow persons under the age of 25 to drink alcohol.