Volunteer

Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) founded by the Discalced Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church about two decades ago with a view to redressing the deplorable conditions of the Nigerian Prisons and Prisoners in Nigeria.
The voluntary giving of one’s time and talents for the good of the community is a long-established and important feature of CAPIO since its inception.

Volunteers are an unpaid workforce available to further the goals and to help meet an array of needs in a resource constrained organization. Volunteers can play a distinctive and vital role in supporting those whose lives have been damaged by crime, in helping those who have been involved in crime to find a way of life that is free from offending and in contributing to the policy debate about the appropriate response to crime.

In turn, individuals can benefit in numerous ways from their involvement in a voluntary capacity with CAPIO in its work in criminal justice issues. Volunteering in this area can be a means of becoming actively responding to Christ’s invitation to visit him in prison and to identify with the poor. Volunteering with CAPIO can offer the chance to broaden horizons and work with people from a variety of backgrounds and with different life experiences in order to accomplish something worthwhile. It can provide an opportunity to develop new skills or revive old ones, to explore career options, to gain practical experience in the workplace, and to try out an area of work that might not otherwise be a feasible option. It can present interesting and worthwhile challenges, requiring volunteers to draw on their inner resources and skills and leading to a questioning of preconceived ideas about crime, offenders and the operation of the justice system.

• Volunteer code of conduct: Every volunteer member is expected to be transparent and willing to work in line with the mission and vision of CAPIO.

• Recruitment: Whoever subscribes to the aims and objectives along with the mission and vision of CAPIO shall be deemed fit to be screened as a prospective volunteer member.

• Role outlines for identified volunteer positions: Each volunteer shall fit into any of the five units of CAPIO, namely Legal, Medical, Rehabilitation, Advocacy, and Social Welfare.

• Volunteer membership form: CAPIO shall keep volunteer membership form which shall be filled by all volunteer members at the point of joining the organization.

• Induction: Each volunteer shall be duly inducted by the management board.

• Statement of Understanding: Each volunteer member shall sign a statement of understanding which shall contain the volunteer willingness to subscribe to the mission and vision of CAPIO.

• Volunteer personnel record: CAPIO shall keep a personnel record of each volunteer.

• Rights of volunteers: A volunteer is entitled to notices of CAPIO family meetings and he/she can make meaningful contributions to the growth of the organization.

• Responsibilities of volunteers: A volunteer must show commitment to CAPIO and see to his/her assigned duties.

• Confidentiality of work done on behalf of the organization: A volunteer shall not have access to confidential client information and shall keep as confidential every work done on CAPIO’s behalf.

• Recognition of volunteer by paid staff: All staff must recognize volunteer involvement in the organization and give due regard to them.

• Performance Review: The Board shall, while assessing the growth of the organization, review volunteer performance in the organization.

• Volunteer awards and acknowledgement: Efforts of volunteers shall be duly acknowledged and rewarded by management through award presentation.

• Dispute and grievance resolution: Where disputes arise between volunteer members, or there exist any grievance whatsoever, such shall be resolved by management and communicated at family meetings.

• Inappropriate behaviour and volunteer dismissal: Where a volunteer is found wanting, the board shall immediately withdraw his/her membership and de-register such a person. However, a volunteer shall be entitled to fair-hearing.

• Resignation: Where a volunteer communicates his/her intention to resign, efforts shall be made by the board to know the reasons thereto.

• Bereavement: Where a volunteer is bereaved, the CAPIO family shall pay condolence visits, and be actively involved in the rites thereafter. Where the family loses a member, same involvement shall apply.

• Learn about CAPIO

  • Visit our website or social media pages.

  • Understand our mission: supporting prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families.

• Check the Areas You Can Serve

  • Skills training

  • Legal aid support

  • Medical outreach

  • Fundraising

  • Awareness campaigns

  • Office or admin help

• Meet the Requirements

  • Be 18 years or older.

  • Commit your time and skills as agreed.

  • Respect confidentiality and CAPIO’s values.

• Apply

  • Fill out the volunteer form on our website or office.

  • Attach any relevant documents (CV, ID).

• Attend Orientation

  • Get trained on CAPIO’s work, code of conduct, and safety guidelines.

• Start Volunteering

  • Join assigned projects or outreach programs.

  • Give feedback and stay active in the volunteer network.

Your motivation

• Why you want to volunteer.

• What causes or issues you care about.

2. The organization’s mission

• Understand CAPIO’s focus, values, and approach.

• Know how your work supports their goals.

3. The role requirements

• Skills, experience, or qualifications needed.

• Time commitment and availability expectations.

• Any training or orientation involved.

4. Code of conduct

• Rules on ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism.

• How to interact with beneficiaries, partners, and the public.

5. Practical considerations

• Location and travel requirements.

• Any costs or reimbursements.

• Safety and security measures.

6. Impact expectations

• What success in your role looks like.

• How your contribution will be measured or recognized.