AFROLONGEVITY VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

Issued by TAFFD’s | Reviewed and Approved by the Office of the COO
Effective Date: April 19, 2025
Version 1.0

 

Welcome to Afrolongevity

Dear Volunteer,

Welcome to Afrolongevity, Africa’s first and only organized longevity science initiative. As a volunteer, you are not just joining a nonprofit project, you are entering a global movement to rethink aging, extend vitality, and center Africa in the future of health, science, and human dignity.

This handbook outlines everything you need to know as a volunteer: our mission, your role, what we expect from you, what you can expect from us, and how we’ll grow together.

Thank you for choosing to serve where legacy is being built.

Warm regards,

Ósìnákáchī Àkùmà Kálū
Cofounder & Chief Operations Officer, Afrolongevity

 

1. About Afrolongevity

Afrolongevity is a nonprofit subsidiary of TAFFD’s (Transdisciplinary Agora for Future Discussions), dedicated to promoting life extension science, health equity, regenerative policy, and longevity innovation across the African continent.

Our programs focus on:

1. Science communication and education

1. Healthspan research and advocacy
2. Indigenous knowledge preservation
3. Policy reform and youth engagement
4. Longevity competitions, summits, and fellowships

Our vision: To make biological aging treatable, health equity measurable, and African vitality global.

2. Why Volunteers Matter

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our mission. As an Afrolongevity volunteer, you are:

1. A community builder

1. A knowledge translator
2. A science ambassador
3. A voice of Africa in the future of health

We don’t see volunteers as temporary help, we see you as future leaders in this space.

 

3. Volunteer Roles and Pathways

You may serve on one or more of the following volunteer tracks:

1. Communications & Social Media
2. Ambassador (National, regional, state and campus chapter)

1. Scientific Research & Editorial Support
2. Event Planning & Logistics
3. Policy & Advocacy Outreach
4. Youth and University Engagement
5. Tech, Design & Innovation Support
6. Administrative & Reporting Assistance

You will be assigned a coordinator who will onboard you, provide resources, and offer ongoing mentorship.

 

4. Volunteer Commitments

As a volunteer, you agree to:

1. Uphold Afrolongevity’s values of dignity, integrity, and inclusion

1. Honor your commitments and inform us in case of changes
2. Attend onboarding, trainings, and coordination meetings as scheduled
3. Protect confidential or sensitive information you may access
4. Represent Afrolongevity respectfully on all platforms

 

5. What You’ll Gain

Volunteering at Afrolongevity offers you:

1. Professional development through training, mentorship, and real-world experience

1. Visibility and networking at international summits, conferences, and events
2. Certification upon completion of service milestones (3 months, 6 months, 1 year)
3. Publication opportunities (articles, interviews, or co-authorships where applicable)
4. Priority consideration for paid staff roles, fellowships, and external recommendations
5. Equity or revenue-sharing eligibility after 5 years of exceptional commitment
6. Letters of recommendation for employment or academic applications

 

6. Hours and Time Expectations

Afrolongevity respects your availability and other life obligations. Most volunteer roles require:

1. 3–5 hours per week

1. Flexible schedules based on your agreed-upon role
2. Biweekly check-ins with your assigned lead
3. Availability for key events, summits, or virtual meetings (with advance notice)

We only ask that you show up with integrity and consistency.

7. Code of Conduct

Volunteers are expected to adhere to the Afrolongevity Community Code of Conduct, which includes:

1. Respect for all members, regardless of background or belief

1. Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or hate speech
2. Protection of privacy and data, including participant identities and project content
3. Ethical online behavior and brand representation
4. Willingness to report concerns to ethics@taffds.org

Violations may lead to dismissal or loss of affiliation.

8. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

As a volunteer, you may have access to sensitive data, unreleased content, research drafts, or event strategies. You agree to:

1. Keep such information confidential unless formally authorized

1. Acknowledge contributions accurately
2. Understand that all outputs created under Afrolongevity are the intellectual property of TAFFD’s, unless otherwise agreed in writing

 

9. Communication and Support

All volunteers will be assigned:

1. A Team Coordinator for daily and weekly task management

1. Access to our internal communication platforms (e.g., Slack, WhatsApp, Notion)
2. Support from the Office of Volunteers & Internships

Inquiries or escalations should be directed to: volunteer@taffds.org

 

10. Acknowledgment and Exit Policy

Volunteering at Afrolongevity is fully voluntary and may be concluded at any time with proper notice. We ask that volunteers:

1. Provide 2 weeks’ notice where possible

1. Complete an exit reflection form to help us improve
2. Request any documentation (e.g., certificates or letters) before final disengagement

 

Volunteer Agreement Acknowledgment

By signing below, you confirm that you’ve read this handbook, understand the expectations of your role, and agree to uphold Afrolongevity’s values throughout your service.

Name: ___________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________________
Date: ____________________________
Signature: ________________________________________

 

For Questions, Contact:

📧 volunteer@taffds.org, afrolongevity@taffds.org
📍 Office of Volunteer Programs, Afrolongevity – Johannesburg, South Africa
🌍 https://afrolongevity.taffds.org

 

Afrolongevity is not built on time, it is built on people like you, who choose to serve where the future begins. Welcome to the movement.