Volunteers: Rights & Responsibilities of a Volunteer

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.

• Know as much about the organization as possible — its policies, people and programs.

• A suitable assignment — with consideration for personal preference, temperament, life experience, education and employment background.

• A job description.

• Training for the job and continuing education on the job — including training for greater responsibility.

• A place to work — a designated place that is conducive to work and worthy of the job to be done.

• New opportunities and a variety of experiences — through advancement or transfer, or through special assignment.

• Be heard — to feel free to make suggestions, to have a part in planning.

• 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.

• 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:

• Be prompt and reliable in reporting for scheduled work. Keep accurate records of your hours worked.

• Attend orientation and training sessions scheduled.

• Be considerate, respect the ability of the staff, and work as a member of the team.

• Notify your supervisor as early as possible if you are unable to work as scheduled.

• Carry out assignments in good spirit and seek the assistance of your supervisor in any situation requiring special guidance.

• Have the ability to work with a culturally diverse population of clients.

• Accept the right of the agency to dismiss any volunteer for poor performance, including poor attendance.

• If you have criticism about another person, convey it to your supervisor.

• Decline work that is not acceptable to you and 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.

• Respect current agency policies (i.e. Affirmative Action, Sexual Harassment, etc.)