We are so glad that you have decided to volunteer at Communities In Schools. We hope that all individuals- students, staff, and volunteers- who interact with our organization be treated with the utmost respect and offer that same respect to others. To better understand the expectations at CIS, please read through the Volunteer Code of Conduct. This code is also applicable to all staff members.
1. Volunteers will interact and respond to students and all individuals with respect and consideration treating all children equally regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual identity, or culture.
2. Volunteers will use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, and criticism.
3. Volunteers will respect the privacy of all individuals participating in CIS programs and will ensure confidentiality is maintained, as appropriate.
4. Volunteers are required to report any suspicion of child abuse to CIS staff.
5. Volunteers will not give gifts or special favors to individual children or show preferential treatment to a child or group of children to the exclusion of others.
6. Volunteers should never be alone with a single child at any time.
7. Volunteers should never leave students unsupervised. Volunteers will make sure restrooms are not occupied before allowing children to use the facilities. Volunteers will stand inside the doorway while students use the restroom. If a student needs assistance, doors to the facility must remain open.
8. Volunteers will refrain from intimate displays of affection towards others. Volunteers will use appropriate touch including pats on the back or shoulder, side hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Volunteers will refrain from full frontal hugging, touching personal areas, or patting the buttocks.
9. Volunteers will respect student’s right to not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable. A student’s right to say “No” is to be encouraged and respected.
10. Volunteers will not have private or outside (of the school) interactions with students. This includes social media, phone, computer, or personal interactions.
11. No abuse of any kind will be tolerated towards students including physical, verbal, sexual, mental, or neglect. Any form of abuse will not be tolerated and is cause for dismissal.
12. Smoking or use of tobacco in the presence of students or on school property is prohibited. Possessing, using, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during volunteer hours is prohibited.
13. Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life, and any kind of harassment are forbidden.
By agreeing I affirm I have read, understand, and will comply with the Volunteer Code of Conduct. I understand that any violation of this Code of Conduct may result in suspension or termination.