Volunteer Handbook Is to Act As a Resource Guide and a Summary of the Various Policies and Procedures Applicable to Volunteers of Catholic Charities West Michigan

Table of Contents

Welcome! ...... 2 Aspects of Volunteer Service………………………..……….……….…..……..15 Mission, Values About Us………….………………….……..………….…….….….3 a. Initial Agency Orientation…..……………….….………………..15 Volunteer Engagement Philosophy…………………………….………...... ……4 b. Program Orientation & Training………..….……………….…15 A Message from the CEO………………………………………….……….……………5 c. Volunteer Responsibilities.………………………………………..15 Where We Are……………………………………………….……….………………………6 d. Supervision………………………….…………….………………….…15 Benefits of Volunteering…………………………….…………….….…………….…..7 e. Record Maintenance & Volunteer Orientation……….…16 What We Do (Specific Program Info)………………………….....………………8 f. Corrective Action………………………..…………………………...16 a. God’s Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Bowls and Baby g. Concerns & Grievances……..…………………………….…….…16 Pantry…………………………………………………………………………..8 h. Assessment…………………..………………………………….………16 b. Muskegon Food & Baby Pantry……………….………….……….9 i. Recognition…………………..…………..…………………….……….16 Special Events………………….……….………………………………….…….……..…10 Participation Guidelines………………………………………..………...…………17 a. Soup’s On for All!...... 10 a. Drug Free Policy……………….……..……….………………………17 b. Let’s Go to Bat for Kids!...... 10 b. Non-Smoking Policy………………………..…….………………….17 c. Raising Hope Dinner……………………………..…….…..…………10 c. Dress Code………………………..………………….………………….17 Definition of a Volunteer…………………………………………..…….…………..11 d. Property Policy………………………………………….………………17 a. Employees as Volunteers………………………………...... ……11 e. Non-Discrimination Policy…..…….….…….…..………………17 b. Family Members of Staff as Volunteers…….………..……....11 f. Disability Policy…………………..……………….……………………17 c. Clients and their Relatives as Volunteers……….…..…………11 g. Non-occupational Disability..……………….……………………17 d. Minors as Volunteers……………………………….………………..…11 h. Confidentiality Policy…………………….………………………….18 e. Group Volunteers……………………………………….….………….…12 i. Driving Policy…………….……………………………….…………….18 f. Volunteering vs. Interning vs. Service Learning………...... 12 j. Liability and Insurance……………………..……….………………18 Classification of Volunteers……………………………………………………….…13 k. Harassment Policy………………………....……….……………….18 a. Ongoing Volunteers (Regularly Scheduled……………..…….13 l. Safety……………………..……………………..…………….….……..19 b. Special Event Volunteers (Occasional)..………………..………13 m. Workplace Violence….………………………..……….……………19 c. Direct Service Volunteers……………………………………..………13 n. Personal Involvement with Clients………………………..….19 d. Volunteer Team Leaders…………………..……………………….…13 o. Mandatory Reporting………………..………………..……………20 e. Professional Volunteers…………………………..…………….…….13 p. Social Media and Photos…………………..………………………20 Recruitment and Selection Procedures…………………………………..……14 q. Conflict and/or Issue Reporting……………..………….……..20 a. Volunteer Opportunity Descriptions…………………………..14 Ending Volunteer Service……………………………..…………..……….….……21 b. Recruitment………………………………………………….…..……….14 a. Resignation & Leave of Absence………..……………….…….21 c. Applications………………………………………………………..……..14 b. Termination….…………………………………………….……….……21 d. Interviews…………………………………………….…………..………14 c. Exit Surveys……………………………..……..……….…….…….….21 e. Background/Criminal Records Checks……………..…….…14 d. Thank you!...... 21 f. Volunteer Agreement Form………………………….….………14 e. *Volunteer Agreement Form……………………………………22

1 Welcome!

Thank you for choosing to serve with Catholic Charities West Michigan.

The purpose of the Volunteer Handbook is to act as a resource guide and a summary of the various policies and procedures applicable to volunteers of Catholic Charities West Michigan.

The policies summarized in this manual are provided as a general reference and are not exhaustive for every circumstance that may arise.

As volunteerism within the organization grows and changes, Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) or The Agency, reserves the right to change, revise, suspend, and eliminate any of the policies and procedures described in this handbook. Updates will be provided upon policy changes, when available. It is your responsibility to keep your handbook current and stay informed about practices that affect you.

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the information contained in this handbook, please contact the Coordinator of Volunteer Services or your supervisor.

2 Mission, Values, About Us We are committed to serving the best interests of our clients, representing a diverse population, including persons of all faiths, with particular emphasis on service MISSION to persons with low income and outreach to diverse In the spirit of our Catholic tradition, we lead our diverse ethnic backgrounds. communities with hope and compassion by offering innovative, collaborative programs. Through our team of We are committed to collaboration with others in the highly trained employees, dedicated volunteers and community and church-initiated efforts for needs generous community, we deliver the highest quality social assessment, program planning and service delivery. services. VALUES CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING GUIDING Following in the footsteps of Christ, we are the leaders in PRINCIPLES empowering people to achieve their God given potential As a Catholic Charities agency, we serve all who come to by providing help and creating hope. our doors for aid not because they're Catholic, but because we are. Our mission is rooted in the seven ABOUT US principles of Catholic social teaching. Catholic Charities West Michigan is one of the largest social service providers on the western side of Michigan. We have 275 q Life & Dignity of the Human Person dedicated employees that serve over 24,000 individuals annually regardless of their background, race or religion. q Call to Family, Community & Participation q Rights & Responsibilities In November of 2007, Catholic Social Services of Grand Rapids joined with Catholic Social Services of Muskegon q Option for the Poor and Vulnerable and Catholic Human Development Outreach to form q Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers Catholic Charities West Michigan, which serves the 11 q Solidarity counties of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. q Care for God’s Creation We are a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan, offering a variety of services ranging from prevention and education to crisis intervention. All programs are designed to help families and individuals succeed.

3 Our “Catholic” Connection: Volunteer Engagement Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) is a ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids. We operate under the Philosophy leadership of our bishop, the Shepherd of the Catholic community Volunteers are one of the greatest resources we have at Catholic in the 11 counties of West Michigan which constitute the Diocese Charities West Michigan. People like you, who give their time, of Grand Rapids. energy, and talents to provide help and inspire hope, are essential to our ability to deliver quality services. We are committed to creating opportunities for the community to be involved in our Pope Francis: Elected work. The goals we strive for through our programming would not Supreme Pontiff on 13 be possible without your help. Our program volunteers are March 2013.Today and priceless. always, “the poor are the privileged recipients of the Volunteer engagement is an essential part of Catholic Charities Gospel” … there is an West Michigan. By engaging volunteers in direct service activities, inseparable bond between we are able to expand the efforts of our programs and reach more our faith and the poor. May people in need. we never abandon them. Our volunteers participate by:

q supporting new and expecting mothers Most Reverend David John Walkowiak, q helping individuals and families attain quality food J.C.D. Twelfth Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Appointed Bishop of q assisting with special events Grand Rapids: April 18, 2013. q aiding with many other programs and projects! Installation: June 18, 2013

A bishop offers pastoral care to all those entrusted to his care. By virtue of his consecration and ordination, the bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids is the "moderator of the ministry of the word." His governance insures that this ministry is based upon sacred Scripture, tradition, liturgy, the official teaching authority and the life of the Church. 4

A Message from the CEO

Dear New Volunteer,

On behalf of our Board of Directors, our staff members and our volunteers I want to formally welcome you to the Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) team. Our mission at Catholic Charities is not only to serve the most vulnerable populations of West Michigan; it is also to lead our diverse communities with hope and compassion in the spirit of Catholic tradition. We work hard to create a culture of compassion not only to continue the great history of CCWM, but to also encourage collaboration and build a strong future. Catholic Charities has a responsibility to showcase love to the areas we serve and we are obligated to step in and help those who are struggling; we cannot do this vital work without your support of our programs and staff.

We are fortunate to have you join our team and your commitment to uphold our mission, vision and values. Together, we will reach those in need and work to make a difference in the communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Chris Slater Chief Executive Officer

Where We Are

Benefits of Volunteering

As a volunteer with Catholic Charities West Michigan, you will have the opportunity to provide service in line with many of our agency’s principles, including:

q Solidarity with the poor q The importance of human dignity and fundamental human rights q The priority of the common good q The moral value of work

We strive to provide our volunteers with a positive work environment, necessary training, supervision, evaluation and recognition. In return, we expect you to honor your commitments to the agency, respect other staff members and volunteers, and perform your assigned duties to the best of your ability.

What We Do Baby Pantry The Baby & Toddler Pantries of Catholic Charities West Michigan, located in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, offer a selection of new and Grand Rapids gently used items for infant and toddler care at no cost. Catholic Charities West Michigan offers a wide variety of programming Pantry visitors must be able to show documentation that they are the which serves the 11 counties of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. These are primary parent or custodian for each child needing items from the a just a few of our volunteer-led programs. pantry. Clients can visit the pantry once each month to obtain items for their children.

God’s Kitchen Lunch Service Volunteers assist with organizing, cleaning, and shopping one-on-one Volunteers at God’s Kitchen serve over 175,000 meals each year to with clients as they select items that best fulfill their family’s needs. hungry people in downtown Grand Rapids, as well as six sponsored Hours of Operation: sites throughout West Michigan. Our footprint is the Diocese of Grand Tuesday & Thursdays 10am-12pm Rapids. CCWM strives to address food insecurity not only in urban locations, but in rural areas as well.

Volunteer shifts are 3 hours and involve light meal preparation, lunch Bowl Painting service and clean up. Bowl Painting Parties are a great way to benefit the annual Soup's On for All! fundraiser that brings awareness to the Food and Pantry Location & Hours of Operation: programs of Catholic Charities West Michigan. Bowls are $8 to donate 303 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 and $10 to keep. This is a fun, ongoing and flexible volunteer 616-454-4110 opportunity for all ages.

Office Hours: To acquire a painting kit, contact Carole Hulst at 616-481-3899 Mon-Fri 8am – 4pm

Lunch Service: Meals on Wheels Mon-Sat 12pm – 2pm Thanks to our generous donors, community members and volunteers, Sun 2:30pm – 4pm we are able to package and deliver over 1,000 healthy meals each month to disabled individuals and families throughout Grand Rapids. Special Projects like landscaping and outdoor clean-up are available throughout the year for groups of up to 10. For more information about Meals on Wheels, visit mealsonwheelswesternmichigan.org Contact the Coordinator of Volunteer Services for more info, or visit our volunteer website at ccwestmi.galaxydigital.com 8

What We Do (continued) The Outreach Programs of CCWM feed the hungry, reach out to the Muskegon Baby Pantry elderly, the lonely and the forgotten. We advocate for members of our The Baby & Toddler Pantries of Catholic Charities West Michigan, community who are often overlooked. We help people with hot meals, located in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, offer a selection of new and food, baby support, and senior citizen programs. gently used items for infant and toddler care at no cost. These include: daily hot lunches; ready-to-serve meals to churches; Pantry visitors must be able to show documentation that they are the home delivered meals; food pantry; and Infant and Toddler Pantries primary parent or custodian for each child needing items from the pantry. Clients can visit the pantry once each month to obtain items for their children.

Muskegon Food & Baby Pantry Volunteers assist with organizing, cleaning, and shopping one-on-one with clients as they select items that best fill their family’s needs. Muskegon Food Pantry Hours of Operation: Our Muskegon Food Pantry has been serving the residents in Tuesday & Thursdays 9:30am-12:30pm downtown Muskegon since 1997. Among those using the pantry are single-parent families, unemployed individuals, working low-income families, senior citizens and others.

Volunteers work one-on-one with clients as they choose the food that best fills their family’s needs, and assist with loading, unloading, and organizing the pantry.

Location & Hours of Operation: 1095 Third Street, Muskegon, MI 49441 231-726-5341

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm Food Pantry Hours: Tues, Thurs & Fri 9:30am-12:30pm

Special Projects like unloading donations, participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and others, are available throughout the year for groups of up to 10. Contact the Coordinator of Volunteer Services for more info, or visit our volunteer website at ccwestmi.galaxydigital.com 9

Special Events

Soup’s On for All! Occurs the last Monday in January Our annual Soup’s On for All! event benefits God’s Kitchen and Pantry programming. Guests enjoy taste testing over four floors of soups throughout the BOB, live music, raffle prizes and a complimentary painted Bowl.

Volunteer opportunities include raffle ticket sales, registration, coat check, wayfinding and more.

Let’s Go to Bat for Kids! Occurs late June This free, fun event benefits the Foster Care and Adoption programming of CCWM which help keep families together here in our community. Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) as the CCWM Padres take on a spirited team of Media Giants in a fun-filled baseball game.

Volunteer opportunities include raffle ticket sales, face painting, craft station assistance, wayfinding and more.

Raising Hope Dinner Occurs late November Our annual, Raising Hope Dinner benefits our Family Preservation and Support programs. Guests enjoy a three course meal and open access to “Christmas Traditions Around the World” at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

For more info about our events, visit our website at: www.ccwestmi.org/whats-happening/events 10

Definition of a Volunteer

Catholic Charities West Michigan employees are not required to fill out You are considered a volunteer if you, without compensation or the formal background and reference checks completed, as these expectation of compensation beyond reimbursement for volunteer elements were already completed as part of the hiring process. CCWM related expenses, perform a service at the direction of and on behalf of Employees should interview with program staff prior and will report to the agency. This includes participating in program activities or serving the program’s designated volunteer supervisor. CCWM employees are on the Board of Directors or a program’s Advisory Committee. As a expected to follow the same service guidelines in place for all volunteer, you will be accepted officially and enrolled by the agency volunteers. prior to performance of your tasks.

Catholic Charities West Michigan welcomes adults, youth, families and Family of Staff as Volunteers groups to volunteer with our agency’s programs and does not Family members of staff may volunteer with the agency. When family discriminate against any volunteer because of race, color, age, gender, members are enrolled as volunteers, they will not be placed under the sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. direct supervision of family members who are employees.

*We sometimes partner with other organizations which provide small Clients and Their Relatives as Volunteers stipends to their members (i.e. Foster Grandparents, Senior If you are a client of Catholic Charities West Michigan, you may be Companions, etc.) When they are serving within our programs, we accepted as a volunteer where such service does not conflict with consider these people to be volunteers. provision of services to you or to others. For example, a Muskegon Food Pantry recipient may assist clients indirectly by assisting with Food Pantry organization, and loading and unloading donations, but Employees as Volunteers may not serve clients accessing the food pantry directly.

If you are already an employee of Catholic Charities West Michigan, you may volunteer within any Catholic Charities Minors as Volunteers program offering volunteer opportunities. Under no Volunteers under the age of 18 who wish to participate in an ongoing circumstances are employees expected to volunteer their time, volunteer opportunity must have written permission of a parent or nor are they ever expected or allowed to volunteer for duties guardian before they may begin service. The volunteer tasks assigned they normally are paid to do. to a minor shall be performed in a non-hazardous environment and shall comply with all appropriate requirements of child labor laws.

Definition of a Volunteer (continued)

Group Volunteers Volunteering vs. Interning vs. Service Learning Many of Catholic Charities West Michigan programs accept As opposed to most volunteer opportunities, internships are one-time volunteer service from groups, including high school and primarily educational experiences with an emphasis on learning college service groups, church groups, and employees on corporate academic or career-related skills. In accordance with COA (Council on service days. In these instances, online Special Group sign-up is used Accreditation) standards, “interns will be directly supervised by in place of the formal agency application, and no interview is licensed or otherwise accountable professionals.” Interns may required. Youth may participate in one-time group volunteer receive academic credit for their experiences if they arrange this with activities with the permission and supervision of their leaders. their school ahead of time. Group leaders assume responsibility for obtaining any necessary parent/guardian permission. Service learning occurs when a class or group works with a community partner, such as Catholic Charities West Michigan, on a plan to implement solutions for student-identified community need.

Classification of Volunteers

12 Classification of Volunteers According to the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Service for Families and Children, there are several ways to classify volunteers.

Ongoing Volunteers (Regularly Scheduled) Direct Service Volunteers Direct Service volunteers provide service directly to clients. There When a volunteer accepts a position with a regular schedule, s/he are additional screening requirements for these volunteers. will be considered an ongoing volunteer after serving consistently for six months (or another pre-determined length of assignment, i.e. summer vacation). Volunteer Team Leaders

Board and Advisory Committee members are also considered Volunteer team leaders supervise other volunteers. For example, ongoing volunteers when they accept terms of service. the volunteer who coordinates a group to serve at God’s Kitchen is considered a volunteer team leader.

Special Event Volunteers (Occasional) People who serve as volunteers only once or occasionally in an Professional Volunteers event situation are considered special event or occasional Professional volunteers are those who provide a volunteer service volunteers. Examples of this include when someone unloads using their license, registration, or certification as required by the donations, helps out at a fundraising event, or spends an afternoon profession. These credentials must be current if they are providing organizing our Food Pantry. that professional skill as a volunteer.

Recruitment and Selection

Procedures

Volunteer Opportunity Descriptions If you are participating as a volunteer in a one-time event, then an interview before the event may not be necessary. As a volunteer, you will be given an opportunity description outlining the specific responsibilities of your role. It is your responsibility to read about your position, gain an understanding of the requirements Background/Criminal Records Checks and seek any necessary clarification from your supervisor. Signing the Volunteer Agreement Form demonstrates that you are aware of the Volunteers for ongoing positions are required to undergo a duties your position entails and agree to perform them to the best of background/criminal records check and sex offender registry check your abilities. prior to beginning service.

Driving records checks are required for volunteers who drive for their Recruitment program or transport clients. Catholic Charities West Michigan uses a variety of different methods to recruit volunteers. You may find us reaching out to potential A state of Michigan DHHS Protective Services Central Case Records volunteers via our agency website, volunteer website, other internet Search is required for volunteers who will be working directly with sites and social media platforms, in print publications, and by word of children, as well as an in-person VIRTUS training and Standards of mouth. We also encourage you to let your friends and family know Ministerial Behavior in Dealing with Children & Young People form. about our volunteer opportunities. Catholic Charities covers the cost of all background and criminal Applications records checks for volunteers. As a regular or ongoing volunteer, you will be required to complete the Agency Volunteer Application. Specific programs may also require Volunteer Agreement Form supplemental forms. To document that you have read, understood, and agreed to follow Interviews the Catholic Charities West Michigan volunteer practices and Most ongoing volunteer positions require an interview with the procedures and feel comfortable with the responsibilities of your Catholic Charities West Michigan staff member who will be specific volunteer position, we require you to sign a Volunteer supervising you. Interviews help volunteers clarify the responsibilities Agreement form when beginning service. of the opportunity and help supervisors decide if the prospective volunteer is a good fit.

14 q accept assignments suited to personal interests, talents and Aspects of Volunteer Service skills q maintain dignity and integrity with clients, staff and fellow Initial Agency Orientation volunteers All ongoing volunteers will be required to complete an orientation to q accept guidance and decisions of the volunteer coordinator Catholic Charities West Michigan. Topics covered during orientation q be willing to learn and participate in orientation, training will vary depending on whether the volunteer is serving in a direct or programs, meetings, and continue to learn on the job non-direct service capacity. q report any felony or crime conviction while volunteering with CCCWM q adhere to all CCWWM guidelines and policies Program Orientation & Training As a new volunteer, your program will provide you with its own orientation and the necessary training required for your specific Scheduling & Sign-up volunteer position. A variety of ongoing and one-time opportunities are available for volunteering. Scheduling and sign-up is done through our online volunteer database. Volunteers must register for each “shift” or Volunteer Responsibilities “opportunity” prior to volunteering for an activity. As a volunteer, you can expect certain rights when you donate your time with Catholic Charities West Michigan. Volunteers also have To sign up for a volunteer opportunity: responsibilities pertaining to the specific volunteer role or program. Volunteers represent a very important organization of which you can 1. visit our volunteer website at: ccwestmi.galaxydigital.com be proud. As a volunteer you are free to set your work schedule, but 2. Log in or sign up using your name and email address please be prepared to fulfill volunteer commitments. 3. Select an opportunity and review details We ask that volunteers: 4. Complete and upload necessary documents as requested

5. Register for shifts or a one-time opportunity q be dependable and abide by the agreement made with your supervisor 6. Log hours after completing volunteer activity q notify your supervisor if it is not possible to meet commitments q inform your supervisor of problems, concerns, etc. as they Supervision arise As a volunteer, you will have a clearly identified supervisor who q keep track of volunteer hours and submit via the volunteer will directly oversee your role within the program. This supervisor database will be available to you for consultation and assistance. One-time volunteers will also be informed of their supervisor in case questions or problems arise.

15 Aspects of Volunteer Service (continued) Corrective Action In appropriate situations, corrective action may be taken following an incident or evaluation. Examples of corrective action include: Record Maintenance & Volunteer Time requirement of additional training, re-assignment of a volunteer to a Reports new position, suspension of the volunteer, or dismissal from volunteer Keeping track of the time given by our volunteers is very important to service. us. Each program is required to record hours for each individual volunteer and report them to the Coordinator of Volunteer Services Concerns and Grievances on a monthly basis. Some volunteer positions are more independent Decisions involving corrective action of a volunteer will be reviewed and require volunteers to keep track of their own hours which they for appropriateness by the Program Director, Human Resources must then report back to their supervisor. Director and/or the Coordinator of Volunteer Services. If corrective action is taken, the volunteer shall be informed of the procedures for Volunteer records/files shall be maintained by CCWM. Records expressing his/her concern or grievance. A volunteer has the contain all documents as required by CCWM and maintained in a opportunity to provide a written request to air his/her concerns to secure, locked location, and are the sole property of CCWM. the Human Resources Director or the Coordinator of Volunteer Services Volunteers are responsible for informing the volunteer coordinator of changes to address, email, emergency contact, etc. Assessment Volunteer files shall contain (at minimum) the following: If you are a volunteer with ongoing responsibilities, your supervisor will set up an assessment conversation with you after you have q Identifying information and emergency contacts completed 75 hours or 6 months of service. This is an opportunity for q Volunteer application, onboarding documents, including your supervisor to reflect on your service and provide you with necessary background screenings and reference checks constructive feedback. You will also have the opportunity to share q Position description your thoughts on your experience as a volunteer. Volunteer q Training records, as applicable Assessments are required annually in accordance with Council on q Performance evaluations and all documents related to Accreditation standards. Occasional or “casual” volunteers will performance receive assessments only upon request of the volunteer. q Disciplinary actions and/or discharge summaries q If applicable, a volunteer’s health and medical information Recognition shall be maintained separately from a volunteer’s regular As a volunteer, you are an essential part of our program operations. personnel file and shall be accessible only by authorized Therefore, we believe it is very important to recognize the time and personnel. effort that you put into your service. Recognition opportunities will occur at the agency level, as well as the program level.

Participation Guidelines Certain practices are in place to ensure positive and safe Property Policy volunteering experiences at Catholic Charities West Michigan. Volunteers are responsible for all CCWM property, materials, or written documents issued to them or in their possession or Drug Free Policy control. Volunteers are required to return all CCWM property The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, immediately upon request or upon discharge of volunteer possession or use of a controlled substance is not allowed in assignment. Catholic Charities West Michigan program sites. Additionally, volunteers may not be impaired by any substance while Non-Discrimination Policy serving. Such action may result in your immediate dismissal It is the policy of Catholic Charities West Michigan that there from the volunteer position. will be no discrimination or harassment in its programs, activities or volunteer program based on race, color, sex, sexual Non-Smoking Policy orientation, marital status, religion, national origin, age, Smoking by our employees, volunteers, clients, or vendors in disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, any interior offices or spaces of any building occupied by height or weight. Questions or concerns related to affirmative Catholic Charities West Michigan is not allowed. There is also action, nondiscrimination or equal opportunity should be no smoking permitted within 20 feet of any entryway, vent, or directed to the volunteer coordinator. doorway to interior buildings. Disability Policy

Dress Code Catholic Charities West Michigan welcomes volunteers with As a volunteer, you are responsible for presenting a positive disabilities. CCWM complies with the Americans with image to clients and to the community as a representative of Disabilities Act. Please contact your supervisor if you have Catholic Charities West Michigan. You should dress special requirements so we may accommodate your needs. appropriately for the conditions and performance of your duties. Non-occupational Disability Clothing should be neat, clean, modest and functional. Tank Medical services for non-occupational illness or injury are the tops, tube tops, halter tops, strapless tops and skorts are responsibility of the volunteer and his/her personal physician. prohibited. In addition, volunteers handling food must wear closed toed shoes at all times. Hairnets and aprons are provided when applicable.

if certain requirements are met. You must be providing service Participation Guidelines within the scope of your volunteer service description and have (continued) your own automobile liability and physical damage insurance. Volunteers are responsible for the use of their own vehicle and Confidentiality Policy any injury incurred while operating outside the premises of Catholic Charities West Michigan recognizes confidentiality as a CCWM. We encourage you to consult with your own insurance living principle based on the sanctity and dignity of the human agents regarding the extension of your personal insurance to person. Therefore, the agency will respect the privacy of personal include community volunteer work. information of those it serves or employs. You are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all information to which you are Liability and Insurance exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information In May of 1997, Congress approved legislation that shields involves staff members, volunteers, clients, or other people or volunteers for nonprofit organizations from liability lawsuits. HR911 involves overall program or agency business. Failure to maintain limits the occasions when volunteers, as well as directors, officers, confidentiality may result in termination or other corrective action. and trustees, may be sued in connection with their actions on behalf of a nonprofit. While the legislation removes a volunteer Driving Policy (but not the nonprofit) from liability if an individual commits If you will be transporting clients as a volunteer driver, a negligent acts or omissions while acting within the scope of his or Michigan State Department of Motor Vehicles check and a her responsibility, it does not protect the person if such acts were criminal background check must be completed prior to your caused by willful or criminal misconduct or gross negligence. start. Catholic Charities West Michigan reserves the right to accept or deny you as a volunteer driver based on the findings Harassment Policy of these checks. Catholic Charities West Michigan is committed to a work environment that is professional and harassment-free for all You must be 21 or over to be a volunteer driver and follow all employees and volunteers. Harassment includes, without state and federal traffic laws. All passengers must wear seat limitations, verbal, physical, visual, and innuendo. It also belts. For safety and confidentiality reasons, when volunteers includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual are transporting clients, no additional passengers are allowed in favors, sexually motivated physical contact and other verbal or the vehicle unless they have been authorized by the program. physical conduct, or visual forms of harassment of sexual nature Also, you are not permitted to use your cellular phone while the when submission to such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly motor vehicle engine is running. If you have had a previous OUI made a term or condition of employment or is used as the basis conviction, three years must pass before you may be for unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work considered for a volunteer driving opportunity with Catholic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive Charities. work environment for employees and volunteers. Volunteers Volunteers are covered for automobile liability on an excess should report any issues to their supervisor or coordinator of basis only, through the Agency liability insurance, and then only Volunteer Services.. 18

Participation Guidelines (continued)

Safety

Catholic Charities West Michigan is committed to creating and Prohibited weapons include any form of weapon or explosive maintaining a safe and positive environment for staff and restricted or regulated under local law. (Legal, chemical volunteers as well as persons and families served. Each program dispensing devices such as pepper sprays that are sold will provide volunteers with information on facility safety plans commercially for personal protection are not covered by this and safety protocols related to the assigned volunteer position. policy). Each program will also coordinate annual training for volunteers if Services, tasks, or projects that present a risk of bodily injury or they might reasonably be expected to have exposure to blood property damage should not be carried out by volunteers. borne pathogens while providing their volunteer service. Catholic Charities shall make available the hepatitis B vaccine and Some examples include: vaccination series to volunteers who have occupational exposure, q Ladder work and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up to volunteers who q Roofing have had an exposure incident. q Electrical work q Structural Framing Any injury to the volunteer while fulfilling the duties of their q Major Power Tools i.e., Chain Saws, Jackhammers, etc. position description must be reported to the supervisor q Conduct contrary to church standings immediately. An injury claim may need to be filed.

Volunteers who are injured while volunteering must report it Workplace Violence immediately to his/her supervisor. If the injury is of a severe Catholic Charities West Michigan seeks to provide a safe nature, the volunteer should be directed to the nearest medical workplace for all volunteers. To ensure a safe workplace and facility, based on medical need. Any on-the-job injuries or reduce the risk of violence, all volunteers should review and exposure to transmittable disease or blood borne pathogens understand all provisions of the workplace violence policy. must be reported on the Accident Report form within 24 hours CCWM does not tolerate any type of workplace violence of occurrence. Volunteers are responsible for cost of medical committed by or against employees or volunteers. Employees treatment for injuries occurred while volunteering. and volunteers are prohibited from making threats or engaging in violent activities. Possession of a weapon while on CCWM property or while on CCWM business is prohibited, regardless of whether or not the person is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

Participation Guidelines (continued)

Personal Involvement with Clients If your volunteer position involves working directly with clients, Volunteers may not create any content that suggests s/he has it is important to maintain boundaries with them and to keep authority to speak for CCWM. Volunteers may not release your relationship professional, not personal. confidential information or use CCWM’s logo or any other intellectual property.

Mandatory Reporting Photos of volunteers may be taken and shared on Social Media platforms. Please inform your supervisor should an issue arise While volunteering for Catholic Charities West Michigan you or if you do not want photos taken or shared publicly. have the legal obligation to report: With that said, follow us on Facebook and Twitter! • Any known or suspected child abuse, neglect or any www.facebook.com/CCWMI other behavior placing the health and welfare of twitter.com/ccwestmi children in jeopardy. 22 M.R.S.A. §§ 4011-A and 4012 • Any known or suspected adult abuse, neglect or Conflict and/or Issue Reporting exploitation. Catholic Charities West Michigan values your experience 22 M.R.S.A. § 3477. serving with us. If for any reason a conflict with a fellow volunteer, staff member or Supervisor arises please feel free to Per Agency policy, volunteers are trained in reporting openly share this information with the volunteer coordinator, requirements and associated procedures. It is recommended Supervisor or HR department. that volunteers immediately consult with a supervisor when presented with a situation that may warrant a child or adult CCWM will address any issues and modify best practices in protective report. order to create a positive working environment for all.

Social Media & Photos Catholic Charities West Michigan utilizes social media for business purposes. Some of the goals of participating in Social Media include fundraising, attracting new volunteers and interns, and sharing information on the important work of CCWM within our communities.

Ending Volunteer Service

Resignation & Leave of Absence Your volunteer position may conclude at the end of a particular project, event, or set time period, but you are also free to end your volunteer service with Catholic Charities at any time. Because volunteers are so important to the programs and agency, however, we request that you provide advance notice of your departure and a reason for your decision. Termination Volunteers may be terminated from his/her position as a THANK YOU for volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some of these include: gross misconduct or insubordination, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft of property or misuse of agency generously donating your equipment or materials, abuse or mistreatment of clients or coworkers, failure to abide by agency policies and procedures, time to serve our failure to meet physical or mental standards of performance, and failure to satisfactorily perform assigned duties. community members with Exit Surveys When you leave your position, you will be given an opportunity Catholic Charities West to fill out an exit survey detailing why you are ending your service. The exit survey is also a great place to give us any Michigan! further comments about your experience and to provide any potential ideas for improvements.

Once again, we truly appreciate your willingness to volunteer with Catholic Charities West Michigan! For questions or more information about this handbook, please contact the Coordinator of Volunteer Services at (616) 224-1294.

Volunteer Agreement Form

The volunteer handbook describes important information about Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM), and I understand that I should consult my immediate supervisor or Director of Volunteer Services regarding any questions not addressed in the handbook. I have entered into my volunteer relationship with CCWM voluntarily and acknowledge that there is no specified length of relationship. Accordingly, either CCWM or I can terminate the relationship at will, with or without cause or notice, at any time.

Since the information, policies, and benefits described here are necessarily subject to change, I acknowledge that revisions to the handbook may occur. All such changes will be communicated through official policies or correspondence, and I understand that revised information may supersede, modify, or eliminate existing policies.

I acknowledge that this handbook is neither a contract of volunteer relationship nor a legal document. I have received the handbook, and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and comply with the policies contained in this handbook and any revisions made to it.

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Volunteer Name (Please Print) Date

______Volunteer Signature