Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with VER-Volunteer Emergency Relief will be asked to complete and sign a volunteer application. The application includes basic contact information, personal information, areas of
interest, and emergency contact information.

All volunteers are required to attend a general orientation on the nature and purpose of the organization. Volunteers will be asked to attend an orientation before or when arrives at the site of operation.

Volunteers who do not adhere to the rules and procedures of the organization or who fail to perform their volunteer assignments at a satisfactory level may be subject to dismissal. No volunteer will be terminated until the volunteer has had an opportunity to discuss the reasons for possible dismissal with their supervisors and the person in charge of the operation.

Possible grounds for dismissal may include but are not limited to, the following: gross misconduct or insubordination, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft of property, or misuse of organization equipment or materials, abuse or mistreatment of others, failure to abide by organization policies and procedures, and failure to satisfactorily perform assigned duties.

As representatives of the organization, volunteers, like staff, are responsible for presenting a good image to the community. Volunteers are to dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of their duties. Some programs may have specific dress code requirements that will need to be adhered to. Wearing extremely loose clothing or dangling jewelry which may get caught in other items should be avoided as this could potentially hinder conducting assigned work and can also pose a safety hazard to self or other coworkers. For example, tasks that require moving items or filling boxes and grocery bags. Use closed-toed shoes all the time while in operation. Volunteers arriving dressed inappropriately may not take part in activities unless suitable accommodations can be made.

Note: Clothing must not portray themes related to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, sex, or violence.

Meal Service: Kitchen dress code is critical to ensure the safety of our volunteers as well as to preserve the quality of the food.

Volunteers must wear:

• Closed-toed shoes
• No bracelets, watches, or dangly earrings
• Appropriate clothing – long sleeves must be pushed above elbows while working with food.
• Hairnets or a hat/cap
• Gloves and aprons

Is not allowed in the hours of operation and premises. This includes products related to smoking, chewing tobacco, snuff, or smokeless tobacco.

Volunteers must immediately report any injuries while volunteering. Their supervisor will provide an Accident Report to be completed immediately. If a volunteer witnesses an accident, they should notify their supervisor or any supervisor on shift immediately. A written report must also be completed.

Each staff and volunteer are expected to obey safety rules and exercise caution in all work activities. Immediately report any unsafe conditions or hazardous situations that you observe to your supervisor or other appropriate supervisors. If you are unsure how to do a job safely, ask your supervisor.

Note: Some activities will require some equipment like masks, gloves, and goggles.

The possession, distribution, or use of alcohol or illegal drugs at any Volunteers of VER operation site is forbidden.

It is the policy of VER not to permit verbal or physical conduct by a volunteer which harasses, disrupts, or interferes with another’s work or performance or which creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment.

Any pre-existing medical conditions that would restrict a person from
performing any physical activities must be reported.
Note: No one should attempt to lift over 50 pounds without assistance.

Volunteers may not administer medications of any kind, including over-the-counter medicines, to the community in any Volunteers of VER Operation.

No volunteer may give information concerning Volunteers of VER or any of its programs to the news media unless specifically authorized to do so by management. These inquiries should be referred to the person in charge or its Director.

• Be prepared to work long hours; 12 to 14-hour days aren’t outside of the norm.
• You will likely be subject to highly stressful situations where your own basic needs (like bathroom access and eating) will need to be deferred for a time.
• Your accommodations (food, shelter, etc.) are likely to be basic and austere. Indoor plumbing may not be available. You may be housed in a tent (that you have to bring with you) or a gymnasium or a church with many other people. Keep in mind that once your volunteer time is over, you can go home. Those you are helping likely cannot.
• You are going to encounter disaster survivors. They are going to be stressed. They may be desperate. They may be angry. Pack your patience
  and understanding.
• Be prepared to provide your credentials, certifications, and identification to the jurisdictional representatives with whom you are assigned to volunteer.
• Volunteers are encouraged to maintain a high standard of integrity and professionalism when relating with community members.
• Volunteers should not be alone with one community member. Please stay in the sight of others.
• Volunteers are not to initiate or allow anyone to have physical contact with community members without staff advisement and the permission of the community member.
• Volunteers are not to engage in a private transaction involving gifts, services, or money with any community member. Any gifts should be directed to or channeled through the organization.
• Volunteers may not accept money or gifts from community members for services rendered.
• Failure to follow these rules could result in serious injury and/or termination from the Volunteer with VER-Volunteer Emergency Relief. I read, understood, and agree with these rules.