Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities & Consequences when Expectations are not met

RIGHTS:
1. The right to be treated with respect by fellow volunteers and clients.
2. The right to volunteer without discrimination due to race, sexual orientation, gender expression and religion.
3. The right to discuss concerns about the pantry and its operations with other volunteers and the pantry’s Board of Directors.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Complete a Volunteer Application and a release form. Those volunteering in the afternoon and having contact with clients, must also complete Civil Rights Training required by the SLO Food Bank. Return forms to the volunteer coordinator.
2. Understand the policies and procedures related to their volunteer assignments. A volunteer opportunity will be assigned in accord with the volunteer’s skills, aptitudes and interests, and correlated with current organizational needs.
3. Meet mutually agreed upon expectations around the volunteer role.
4. Be competent at learning the tasks involved in the volunteer role. Have the ability to follow directions. Be physically able to complete the assigned volunteer task.
5. Exercise open and professional communication with fellow volunteers and the ALF Board regarding all matters of their service.
6. Act in accordance with the mission of this organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Arrive for shift or volunteer opportunity on or before the assigned time.
2. Maintain confidentiality of clients and treat them with respect.
3. Afternoon volunteers will use SignUpGenius to secure a time slot for the position they have been trained.
4. If ill, cancel time slot on SignUpGenius and call the volunteer coordinator so that the vacant position can be filled. ALF Policies & Procedures Page 62 Revised 8/31/2024 (JF)
5. Understand all the responsibilities of the shift so that one is able to take on other tasks and work together as a team.
6. Respect fellow volunteers. If problems arise, bring them to the team lead.
7. Wear clothing appropriate for the volunteer position. For example, flat, close-toed athletic-type shoes for all activities on the pantry side. Do not wear any garments that may be controversial to other volunteers or clients, for example tee shirts or caps with political, religious or adult beverage slogans.

PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING VOLUNTEER PROBLEMS:
Should a volunteer fail to meet the requirements and responsibilities listed in this document, the following steps are to be taken:
1. The team lead or volunteer mentor will keep written documentation to include dates and explanations of problem occurrences.
2. When conveying information about a problem with a volunteer using email or text, the team lead or volunteer mentor will maintain the volunteer’s confidentiality by using the process set forth in Attachment 15 - Confidentiality in Emails or Texts Policy.
3. The team lead or volunteer mentor will discuss grievances with the volunteer.
4. The team lead or volunteer mentor will bring grievances to the attention of the volunteer coordinator, the pantry president or an assigned board member.
5. Should the behavior continue to be non-conforming after a period of time agreed upon by both parties, the volunteer will be asked to resign during a face-to-face meeting.
6. The volunteer will also receive a mailed letter from the ALF Board of Directors stating the grievances and that the volunteer may no longer offer their time at the ALF Food Pantry.