YOUR RIGHTS AS A VOLUNTEER
The assets you bring to an agency are considerable.
As a volunteer you have the right: • To be treated as a co-worker, not just free help. • To a suitable assignment--with consideration for personal preference, temperament, life experience, education and employment background. • To know as much about the organisation as possible-its policies, people and programs. • To training for the job and continuing education on the job-including training for greater responsibility. • To a role description. • To a place to work - a designated place that is conducive to work and worthy of the job to be done. • To new opportunities and a variety of experiences - through advancement or transfer, or through special assignment. • To be heard - to feel free to make suggestions, to have a part in planning. • To recognition - in the form of promotion and awards, through day to day expressions of appreciation and by being treated as a bona fide co-worker. • To sound guidance and direction.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A VOLUNTEER
There are responsibilities of a volunteer that accompany your rights as a volunteer. All of those involved in the relationship must have respect for one another and a desire to cooperate in meeting designated needs. Your responsibilities include: • If you have criticism about another person, convey it to your supervisor. • Be prompt and reliable in reporting for scheduled work. Keep accurate records of your hours worked. • Notify your supervisor as early as possible if you are unable to work as scheduled. • Attend orientation and training sessions scheduled. • Be considerate, respect the ability of the staff, and work as a member of the team. • Carry out assignments in good spirit and seek the assistance of your supervisor in any situation requiring special guidance. • Accept the right of the agency to dismiss any volunteer for poor performance, including poor attendance. • Decline work that is not acceptable to you; maintain an open mind with regard to other people's standards and values. • Communicate personal limitations - acceptable out-of-pocket costs, transportation needs, time constraints, etc. • Provide feedback, suggestions, and recommendations to your supervisor and staff if these might increase the effectiveness of the program. • Give written notice if you cannot continue in your volunteer position or if you are requesting a leave of absence from the program. • Have the ability to work with a culturally diverse population of clients. • Respect current agency policies (i.e. Affirmative Action, Sexual Harassment, etc.)
|