3/6/2018
Volunteer Handbook
For additional information,
please contact the Operations Director,
Jonathan Putt - (804) 435-9696
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CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME 2
MISSION, VISION & CLUB CODE 3
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 4-5
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM POLICIES & PROCEDURES 6-9
I. Background Checks
II. Records Keeping
III. Your Volunteer Commitment
IV. Your Role as a Volunteer
V. Club Closings & Changes in Hours of Operations
VI. Discrimination & Harassment
VII. Mutual Respect & Disclosure
VIII. Dress Code
IX. Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol Policy
X. Personal Safety and Injury
XI. Emergency Procedure
WEB RESOURCES FOR VOLUNTEERS 10
APPENDIX:
KEY STAFF MEMBER PHONE NUMBERS 11
VOLUNTEER SERVICE AGREEMENT 12
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P.O. Box 564
517 North Main St
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
Tel 804-435-9696
Fax 866-860-6613
www.bgcnn.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karla R. Beale President Shawn Lamb
First Vice President
William A. Hines, Jr.
Second Vice President
Dennis Burchill
Third Vice President
Ronald Davenport
Secretary
Jeffrey M. Wainscott Treasurer Donna R. Anderson June Daffeh Edward G. Fuehrer Randal R. Greene Merthia Haynie Marjorie Lampkin Paula G. McNulty ADVISORY COUNCIL
Kenneth Knull Patrick McCranie Julien Patterson
Steven D. Parker
Mary Kay Rotert
Executive Director
Phillip A. Mumford
Operations Director
Jonathan D. Putt
Dear BGCNN Volunteer;
On behalf of our Board of Directors and Club staff, I would like to take this
opportunity to thank you for your commitment of time to both our youth members
and to our organization as a whole. Your volunteer service is highly valued. The
experience, skills, and enthusiasm that you bring will add a refreshing dimension
to this organization. Though the work will be challenging at times, rest assured
that your efforts will bring enrichment to the lives of our Club members and
empower them to become positive role models and leaders in their communities.
Your efforts will help us strengthen the impact we have on the lives of each of our
members. Because of the commitment that you have made, we will be able to
come that much closer to achieving our mission of enabling all young people,
especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive,
caring and responsible citizens.
In turn, we hope our volunteer program can offer you the same life-altering
experiences. We are confident that, for whatever reason you chose to volunteer,
you will find fulfillment through your efforts at the Boys & Girls Club of the
Northern Neck. The more dedicated volunteers like yourself who can be
encouraged to join our team, the better we will be at providing a safe place for our
members to learn and grow. As well, we will be helping each youth build ongoing
relationships with caring adult professionals while providing those life-enhancing
programs, hope and opportunity for the future.
The purpose of this manual is to outline BGCNN’s expectations for volunteers
and to provide you with some basic youth development information so that you
can begin your commitment feeling confident and prepared. However, this
manual is meant only to serve as a starting point or a guide for you to follow so
that we are all on the same path together. Please know that my door is always
open if you should have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions
regarding the Club or your volunteer experience. Communication is key and
sharing ideas will help us make the greatest difference in the lives of those we are
here to serve.
Thank you, again, for your commitment to the young people of the Northern
Neck!
Sincerely,
Phillip A. Mumford
Executive Director
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Welcome to the Boys & Girls Club of the
Northern Neck
Our Mission Statement To enable all young people,
Especially those who need us the most,
To reach their full potential as
Productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
We provide A safe place to learn and grow…
Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals…
Life-enhancing programs and
character development experiences…
Hope and opportunity
Our Vision To create a safe environment where young people will feel nurtured, acquire confidence, build
character, enhance self-esteem, achieve their potential, and realize their dreams
Club Code I believe in God and the right to worship according to my own faith and religion.
I believe in America and the American way of life…
in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
I believe in fair play, honesty and sportsmanship.
I believe in my Boys & Girls Club, which stands for these things.
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Boys & Girls Club
of the Northern Neck
Volunteer Program
A key feature of getting Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck (BGCNN) volunteers off to a good
start is matching volunteer skills and desires to Club needs. After determining the program match,
each volunteer will attend an orientation session with staff and current volunteers and will be
assigned a BGCNN staff resource person to assist in their integration into the Club.
Programs and Services for which Volunteers are needed:
YOUTH (6-12 years old)
Power Hour – Offers a structured time and place for Club Staff and Volunteers to help all
members with an important aspect of the educational process – HOMEWORK.
Second Step – teaches at-risk youth, 10-14 years old, tools for social and academic success.
TOGA Oyster Club – Teaches club members, both youth and teens, to grow oysters in the
most efficient way possible while gaining an understanding of the value oyster gardening
brings to improving habitat.
Young Chef – A cooking program that teaches youth the fundamentals of cooking. Club
members develop different skills such as measuring, reading recipes, counting calories, and
even preparing meals.
BGCNN Choir – Club members, both youth and teens, sing together and perform out in the
Community for special occasions and special events.
All Stars – Organized sports programs of all kinds (basketball, baseball, golf, softball,
swimming, pickle ball, cheerleading, dance, soccer, etc.)
Smart Girls – Small group health, fitness, prevention, education and self-esteem
enhancement program for girls, 10-18 years old.
Positive Action – A character development program for all ages.
Youth of the Month – Youth of the Month is a recognition program, celebrating the
extraordinary improvements and achievements of Youth Club members.
Torch Club – A program that gives youth, 10-12 years old, the opportunity to develop their
leadership skills through service to their club and Community.
TEENS (13-18 years old)
Power Hour – Offers a structured time and place for Club Staff and Volunteers to help all
members with an important aspect of the educational process – HOMEWORK.
Second Step – Teaches at-risk youth, 10-14 years old, tools for social and academic success.
TOGA Oyster Club – Teaches club members, both youth and teens, to grow oysters in the
most efficient way possible while gaining an understanding of the value oyster gardening
brings to improving habitat.
Teen Chef – Intended to broaden teen’s culinary horizons. This program offers healthy
alternatives, as well as teaches teens to prepare their favorite foods.
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BGCNN Choir – Singers of all ages are taught to appreciate various genres and vocal
techniques.
All Stars – Organized sports programs of all kinds (basketball, baseball, golf, softball,
swimming, pickle ball, cheerleading, dance, soccer, etc.)
Smart Girls – Small group health, fitness, prevention, education and self-esteem
enhancement program for girls, 10-18 years old.
Positive Action – A character development program for all ages.
Teen of the Month – Teen of the Month is a recognition program, celebrating the
extraordinary improvements and achievements of Teen Club members.
Keystone Club – A program that helps to develop good character and positive leadership
skills for teen members. Teens learn the value of good citizenship and community service.
Money Matters – A program that helps to promote financial responsibility among teens, by
building their basic money management skills.
Career Launch – A program that guides teens in exploring a variety of careers, making
sound educational decisions, and preparing for the world of work.
Teen Talk – Guest speakers talk with teens about issues and opportunities.
Youth of the Year – Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier
recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of teen Club members.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES ALSO ARE NEEDED FOR: Learning Center, Technology Center,
Social Recreation (Games Rooms), Art, Music, Dance, Athletics, Teen Center, Steak & Burger
Fundraiser Event, Casino Night Event, Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Cheerleading, etc.,
Administrative Support, and other Special Occasions.
MENTORING: Mentors are caring individuals who, along with parents or guardians, provide
young people with emotional support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example
in a structured and trusting relationship to enable the youth to be able to reach their full potential.
All mentors will go through a screening process and undergo training by the Club staff and other
mentors.
BGCNN is always in search of new opportunities to fulfill our mission. If you have a program,
workshop or project idea, feel free to talk to a staff member or the Volunteer Manager.
This list is subject to change as new learning and recreational opportunities come available.
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Volunteer Program Policies & Procedures
I. Applications
All volunteers over 18 years of age, whose commitment will last more than one day, must
complete a volunteer application that includes a criminal background check.
An individual who volunteers for only one day of service or for an event will need to fill out
a Volunteer Agreement form. (See form attached) and will not be permitted to work
independently with children.
Individuals with any record of youth related and/or sexual offenses will not permitted to
Volunteer with BGCNN.
II. Record Keeping
Volunteers should sign in and out in the Volunteer Binder at the Club’s front desk or in the
Administration office every time they volunteer. This is very important for both safety and
grant funding requirements.
Please notify the Volunteer Manager if your address, phone number or email changes. As
there may be times when we will need to reach you, it is important we have up-to-date
information.
III. Your Volunteer Commitment
We ask that long-term, non-project-based volunteers try to commit to at least three months of
service.
If you have committed to be at the Club on a particular day and are unable to attend, we ask
that you contact the Volunteer Manager so an explanation can be given to the staff member
or child who was expecting you. This helps to teach our children about respect.
Sometimes a child you expected to be at the Club will not be there. Please be flexible and
find another child or staff member to assist. The BGCNN is a drop in facility and many
children do not attend every day, but depend on their parent’s schedule.
You have the right to terminate your volunteer commitment at any time without any reason
and BGCNN reserves the same right.
If/when you find that you are unable to continue volunteering, please make every effort to
come in one last time to say goodbye to the staff and Club member(s) with whom you
worked.
IV. Your Role as a Volunteer
Volunteers can change children’s lives and each time you volunteer you should remember
the significant impact you are making by what you say and do.
Volunteers are encouraged to develop friendships with Club Members, but should maintain
appropriate boundaries. You should not:
provide housing,
give money and/or gifts,
engage in one-on-one mentoring of a youth who has not been assigned to me and that
is not supervised by BGCNN,
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provide transportation to Club Members in your own vehicles or in Club vehicles,
unless you have submitted the proper paperwork and have been approved through the
BGCNN administrative office.
work alone in a room with a child, unless they can be seen from adjacent areas in the
Club or through a window or open door.
Volunteers should not yell at or physically correct/discipline a child. Discipline issues should
be reported to staff.
Any shared personal information learned from a child; should be treated as confidential
unless it affects the child’s wellbeing, in which case it should be reported to the staff person
in charge, the Volunteer Manager, Operations Director, or the Executive Director.
Volunteers shall not contact parents, schools, medical professionals, government agencies, or
others on behalf a member of BGCNN, without expressed authorization of BGCNN.
Report suspected abuse and bullying to staff.
Side hugs are allowed and encouraged.
V. Club Closings and Changes in Hours of Operations
The BGCNN office and Club are closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
The Club closes approximately two weeks prior to the beginning of the school year (mid -
late August) and the week following the end of the school year (mid – late June), in order to
prepare for changes in the Club’s programming and activities.
The Club may close or alter its operating hours at other times for staff in-services, field trips
and other occasions.
We will notify you of Club closings for inclement weather and other schedule changes
through our automated cal l ing system and may place notice on our Web site and
Facebook pages as well. You may call 804-435-2422 if you need more detailed information.
VI. Discrimination and Harassment
The BGCNN does not discriminate in volunteer opportunities on the basis of veteran status,
marital status, physical or mental disability, race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin,
sexual orientation, medical condition, political activity, or ancestry.
Harassment by or directed toward volunteers, Clubhouse staff or Club Members will not be
tolerated.
Use of slurs, epithets, threats, derogatory comments or visual depictions, unwelcome jokes
and/or teasing should immediately be reported to the Volunteer Manager.
VII. Mutual Respect and Disclosure
BGCNN emphasizes a policy of mutual respect between volunteers, staff, and members.
Self-respect and respect for others are absolutely necessary when serving young people. If at
any time you feel as though there is a lack of respect in the Clubhouse environment, please
bring it to the attention of the Volunteer Manager, who can provide support and mediation to
resolve issues.
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VIII. Dress Code
All Volunteers should present themselves in an appropriate professional manner. Casual
attire, including jeans, is allowed, and should be clean, appropriately modest, and not incite
controversy.
IX. Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol Policy
Smoking by volunteers is prohibited on the premises of the Clubhouse and at all BGCNN
events involving youth.
Volunteers should never engage in any activity with Club Members or take part in Club
activities while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
Volunteers are prohibited from possession of illegal substances on Club time or on Club
premises.
BGCNN reserves the right to take all appropriate and lawful actions to enforce this substance
abuse policy when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a volunteer has violated this
policy.
IX. Personal Safety and Injury
Please be aware of personal safety while volunteering at BGCNN.
Use reasonable judgments when lifting heavy objects, operating machinery or participating
in any activity that may involve physical injury.
In the event of an injury, please report it to the appropriate Clubhouse personnel.
BGCNN is not responsible for personal items that are lost or stolen. Please do not bring
valuables to the Clubhouse.
XI. Emergency Procedures
In case of an emergency, contact the closet staff member!
Injury
Stay with affected person
Call 911
Stabilize the victim and protect from further injury
Administer First Aid or have staff member perform first aid
Fire
Rescue in immediate area and escort out of danger (BGCNN emergency meeting
location is in grass on front of building on the side toward the bus gate)
Activate fire alarm
Call 911 from safe location
Severe Weather
If weather begins to damage the building, have occupants assume a kneeling position
against a wall, head down, hands covering the head
Earthquake Procedures
Instruct occupants to immediately “drop, cover and hold”
When shaking stops, assume a kneeling position against a wall, heads down, hands
covering head
Stay inside during the earthquake to avoid objects falling on you while you are trying
to leave the building
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Wait for aftershocks to pass and evacuate the building
Move occupants to a safe area away from the building (BGCNN emergency meeting
location is in grass on front of building on the side toward the bus gate)
Administer first aid, if needed
Intruder Procedures:
Call 911
Secure immediate area to confine the problem
Secure building by locking appropriate doors
Wait for police
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Child Development Resources If you are interested in learning more about youth development, children’s issues, and other
related information, the following web sites may be of interest.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck offers a website with up-to-date information about
our Club, our Club Members, and our community partners. Access us at
www.BGCNN.com.
For our Facebook page, go to
www.facebook.com/BGCNN
Boys & Girls Clubs of America has an excellent site with information about the national
organization and its impact on the youth of America. The site address is
www.bgca.org
Besides the BGCA website above there is also another site designed just for BGCA Club staff,
youth members and volunteers. Within this site you can see what other clubs are doing in the area
of programs. Online volunteer training and many other opportunities for program improvement or
enrichment can be found at this site. Just go to
www.bgca.net
This site will require you to register, which can be done with the assistance of the administrative
staff. Once you have been approved by our Club, you will have access to an abundance of great
knowledge as well as the experiences of clubs across the nation.
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United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) offers in-depth information about the lives of children,
at a global level. Visit them on-line at www.unicef.org
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KEY STAFF MEMBER CONTACTS
FOR ADMINISTRATION/ORGANIZATION
Phillip A. Mumford, Executive Director/CPO
804-435-9696
FOR PROGRAMS/OPERATIONS
Jonathan Putt, Operations Director
804-435-9696
Shelby Ware, Unit Director, Volunteer Manager
804-435-9696
Ulysses Turner, Teen Program Director
804-435-9696
Tierra Redmond, Northumberland Program Director
804-435-9696
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Volunteer Agreement
As a Volunteer I agree to:
Abide by and support the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck.
Attend on the agreed upon time and day or, if I am not available, contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
Report discipline issues to staff and not yell at or physically correct/discipline a child.
Report suspected abuse and bullying to staff.
Treat as confidential all personal information shared by children, unless it affects the child’s wellbeing, in which case it should be reported to staff.
Refrain from contacting parents, schools, medical professionals, government agencies, or others on behalf a member of BGCNN, without expressed authorization of BGCNN.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with the children and in doing so I WILL NOT:
provide housing;
give money and/or gifts;
engage in one-on-one mentoring of a youth who has not been assigned to me and that is not supervised by BGCNN;
provide transportation to Club Members in my own vehicle or in Club vehicles, unless approved; and
work alone in a room with a child, unless I can be seen from adjacent areas in the Club or through a window or open door.
Please raise any matters of concern to one of the following senior staff members:
Volunteer Manager/ Unit Director: Sheena Hebbons, 804-435-2422, [email protected]
Operation Director: Jonathan Putt, 804-435-9696, [email protected]
Executive Director/ CPO: Phillip A. Mumford, 804-435-9696, [email protected]
Multi-day volunteers: ___I acknowledge that I have received, read, understand, and agree to comply with the volunteer handbook. (Multi-day volunteers are asked to record their volunteer hours in the Volunteer Sign-in Binder at the Front Desk.) Volunteer’s Signature ________________________Printed Name ___________________ Date_______ Contact Telephone # ________________Email_______________________ Volunteer’s Address ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________