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.

Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities

 

 VOLUNTEERS HAVE THE RIGHT:

To be respected and listened to. 
To be appropriately assigned to a service project. 
To be properly oriented to the organization.
To ask for feedback regarding your service.
To training and supervision as well as guidance and support.
To learn the policies and procedures of this organization.
To be heard, have a part in planning and to feel free to make suggestions.  
To have issues of concern be taken seriously and handled appropriately.
To take part in meaningful and satisfying service.

VOLUNTEERS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Be open and honest with your Volunteer Coordinator and supervisor.
Communicate any concerns which are likely to affect your volunteer duties.
Be reliable and responsible.
Understand the role of paid staff, maintain a positive working relationship with them and stay within the bounds of the volunteer role.
Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive organizational information and that of those being served. 
Understand and honor commitments of time and tasks.
Accept guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator and supervisor.
Perform duties as assigned and directed. 
Be willing to learn and participate in orientation, training programs and meetings.
Comply with the policies and procedures of this organization.
Serve as ambassadors of goodwill for this organization.

TERMINATION OF VOLUNTEER STATUS:

If a volunteer’s conduct or work performance is unacceptable, the Volunteer Coordinator will schedule a meeting to discuss areas of concern. If the problem persists, the volunteer will be notified in writing that their volunteer status has been terminated. If the performance concern is judged too serious to delay, a participant's volunteer status may be revoked immediately.

Examples of behavior resulting in termination include, but are not limited to: physical or sexual abuse, stealing, lying to paid staff or the individual you are working with, repeatedly failing to perform assigned tasks, and knowingly violating regulations.