PLEASE REVIEW TAF'S VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS
Be prompt and dependable. Know your volunteer commitment and follow through with what you have agreed. If possible, notify the Volunteer Coordinator by phone or email at least a day in advance if you can’t make your scheduled engagement or will be unable to make it on time.
Be professional in appearance. Dress in a manner that is appropriate for interacting with youth, including (but not limited to) avoiding clothing that is revealing, that portrays or glorifies substance abuse, sexual situations or any other ensemble that can be interpreted as inappropriate.
In a remote learning environment (e.g. Zoom Classroom): Sign in by sending a private message in the chat box to the Zoom Host with your First and Last Name and Email address.
In a non-remote learning environment (e.g. serving in the building):
Sign in and out upon arrival and departure. Sign in at the main office and obtain the required identification badge. Greet teachers to let them know you have arrived. When leaving, please sign out at the main office.
Bring a smile and your willingness to work.
Be honest in your approach and attitude.
Be patient when working with students. They may be having difficulties of which you are not aware. Your patience will work wonders.
Be flexible in responding to the needs of students and staff.
Be confidential. A student’s work and behavior in school are to be held in confidence. Discuss any problems or concerns you may have regarding a student with either a school staff member or the TAF Volunteer Coordinator, not with other volunteers, parents or members of the community.
Be a positive role model for students in attitude, behavior and language. Let your actions and conversations demonstrate respect for yourself and others. Avoid language that may be perceived as discriminatory or offensive.
Respect boundaries. Do not engage in any behavior that can be construed as inappropriate or invasive. This includes (but is not limited to) taking photos of students, giving gifts, being alone with a student for any reason, confiding in them about your personal/social life, interacting with students outside of the scope of service in any manner and disclosing a student’s personal information with anyone besides a TAF staff member. Additionally, TAF has a “No Touch” policy. Volunteer/student interactions are equivalent to adult/child interactions with all the responsibilities they encompass.
Notify a staff member if a student confides in you about anything concerning or potentially precarious. Staff will do the necessary follow-up.
Communicate. Ask questions, share ideas, get to know the staff and other volunteers. Don’t hesitate to call, leave a note, or ask for a meeting with the TAF Volunteer Coordinator to discuss any problems or concerns that may arise. Every problem can be solved with respect and honest communication.
Protect privacy. Do not ask for or accept a student's address, email, phone number or any other form of social media information. Do not share any of your contact information with a student, either. Never use systems, logins or accounts assigned to someone else.
Be respectful of students’ diversity of culture, religion, race, gender identity, sexual orientation and background.
Ensure positive closure. If you plan on ending your volunteer involvement prematurely, please notify the TAF Volunteer Coordinator. It is especially important that the students be left with the clear message that you have enjoyed working with them.
Background Check and ID. Background check consent is required for all TAF volunteers. I hereby give my permission for TAF to conduct the Washington State Patrol criminal background check. I understand that this information will be used to determine my eligibility for a volunteer position with TAF. I also understand that I have the right to request a copy of my background check results obtained by TAF from Washington State Patrol by contacting TAF's Volunteer Coordinator. To dispute background check results, I will contact Washington State Patrol.