1. An Ounce of Prevention: The Benefits of Establishing Volunteer Policy Or: How I Implemented Volunteer Policy at CCDA By: Chris Like

2. vŏl'ən-tîr (n) A ‘volunteer’ is anyone who performs a task on behalf of an entity without recompense or expectation of recompense beyond reimbursement.

3. Why Write Volunteer Policy? It provides a Framework that allows for revision and improvement It saves time and effort with regards to decisions and work-flow It allows a contiguous atmosphere for volunteers regardless of turnover in supervisory staff

4. Program Design What Goes Into a Policy? Structure! Clarified Roles and Responsibilities for volunteers and staff Defined lines of communication Formal direction of current practice Legal considerations General Guidelines for achieving long-term goals

5. Types of Policy Statement of Positions/Beliefs Risk Avoidance Rule making Record of program function for future review and increased effectiveness

6. 6 Basic Stages Job Description Recruitment Screening & Interviewing Orientation/Training Supervision Recognition

7. Job Description Defined duties and accountabilities Key to recruiting, motivating and evaluating results A thorough job description will promote greater efficiency and require less effort on the part of the management

8. Elements of a Job Description 1.Duties/Responsibilities: –Specific tasks and foci 2.Structure –Specifies how and when the volunteer will make decisions relating to duties –Outlines the boundaries that the volunteer must work inside

9. Job Description (cont) 3.Outcome –Clearly communicates goals and expected results 4.Accountability –Demonstrates a proactive approach to holding the volunteer responsible for effective results listed in the outcomes.

10. CCDA Workshop Facilitator This position is under the jurisdiction of the Workshop Committee which works with the Signage committee to make sure workshops are running smoothly and efficiently. Working at the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator, it makes sure workshops are facilitated and evaluations are distributed and collected. It makes sure workshop presenters have everything they need and the rooms are set up with the equipment the presenters requested. The ultimate aim of the Workshop Facilitator is to ensure that each workshop presenter is free of superfluous concerns and distractions.

11. Recruitment Methods Warm Body –Information dissemination Targeted –What is needed? –Who can do it? –How do we reach them? –What will encourage them to apply? Concentric Circles –Recruiting populations already in contact and familiar with the organization CCDA uses all 3

12. Interview/Orientation Interview – Online Submission Online Orientation Intro to CCDA Training Onsite: walkthrough, splitting up for specifics

13. Supervision Who Provides it? Flexible Management –Roving observation – volunteer supervisors Time Allocation for Management –Delegate responsibilities to allow time for real- time management.

14. Awards/Rewards Time-sensitive service period –Things – swag –Events – lunch/picnic Public Recognition –Tee-shirts –Announcement/Ovation – for past and current volunteers –VIP address at Orientation of appreciation

15. Resources http://www.casanet.org http://www.energyizeinc.com http://www.citizensinformationboard.ie http://www.charityvillage.com