1. Volunteering in Corrections
“The Do’s & Don’ts”
Staff Development Emergency Operations

2. Performance Objectives
Participants will identify 6 “Do’s” of
volunteering
Participants will identify 6 “Don’ts” of

3. “Do”… Be present and on time for every commitment
you make. Notify the Community Involvement
Office in advance if unable to follow through on
commitment.
Live up to the responsibility of your volunteer role.
Be honest and genuine at all times.
Be firm and maintain a polite, courteous attitude.

4. “Do”… Be optimistic, but do not encourage unrealistic
goals or critical attitudes.
Respect confidential aspects of your assignment
and the dignity/privacy of offenders/students.
Respect cultural, ethnic, religious and personal
differences of offenders and other volunteers.
Be flexible, make allowances for offender’s and
student’s abilities.

5. “Do”… Report to staff any unusual actions, behaviors, or
violation of any regulations that you observe.
Leave personal items locked in your vehicle, and
bring your identification and keys.
Stay with your group or staff escort while moving
on grounds. Go directly to the area where you will
be volunteering.
Remember that being a volunteer is not the same
as being a “friend” to an offender or student.

6. “Do”… Allow offenders/students to shake your hand as a
greeting, as a congratulatory gesture, or to hold
hand during prayer.
Inform your Community Involvement Coordinator
or Group Leader if you are arrested for, charged
with, or convicted of any crime or misdemeanor
except minor traffic violations.
Be part of the Correctional Team, accept supervision
and training. Your cooperation is vital.
Show empathy toward offenders/students, not
sympathy.

7. “Do”… Inform the Superintendent (in writing) if you have a
friend or relative who becomes incarcerated within
the Department of Correction.
Feel you can consult with staff on any problems
which may arise concerning your services.
Familiarize yourself with the rules of your
Volunteering Training and Reference Guide.

8. “Don’ts”… Don’t argue with staff or an offender/student
about anything. If a problem should arise,
consult with the Community Involvement
Coordinator and your Group Leader.
Don’t show partiality or favoritism toward one
offender/student or group over another.
Don’t become involved in religious proselytism.
Don’t accept any personal gift or favor from an
offender/student or an offender’s/student’s
family members or friends.

9. “Don’ts”… Don’t promise to do any favors, make any telephone
calls, or make any community contacts for any
offender/student unless authorized by the facility.
Don’t discuss topics regarding prison conditions,
policies, prison reform, or any controversial subject
matter pertaining to corrections with offenders.
Don’t exhibit surprise at what you see or hear.
Don’t discuss an offender’s/student’s commitment
to the Department of Correction.

10. “Don’t”… Don’t purchase anything for offenders/students,
send them money, or carry/deliver messages.
Don’t become emotionally involved with an
offender/student. Immediately inform the
Community Involvement Coordinator if you
suspect an offender/student has become
emotionally attached to you.
Don’t bring medication into the facility without
proper authorization of the Community
Involvement Coordinator and your Group Leader.
Don’t give offenders/students legal advice unless
you are an approved legal volunteer.

11. If you have any questions, please review the module again.
You have completed the module on “The Do’s and Don’ts” of Volunteering.
Congratulations!
If you have any questions, please review the module again.
Thanks for volunteering with the IDOC!
Good luck!
Staff Development Emergency Operations