volunteer online orientation

870 Richmond Square, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1V7(514) 931-6265 ext. 31 • [email protected] • www.tyndalestgeorges.com

Volunteer Orientation


Who Should Complete this Orientation? Anyone who is considering volunteering at Tyndale St-Georges should complete this online orientation to the Centre.

The orientation will take between 15-30 minutes.

Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this orientation you will:

– Be familiar with the history and mission of Tyndale St Georges– Know Tyndale’s programs – Understand Tyndale’s approach to working with our participants– Be aware of your important role as a volunteers– Recognize the benefits of volunteering at Tyndale– Know Tyndale’s expectations of volunteers– For tutors: learn strategies for tutoring


Tyndale St-GeorgesTyndale St-Georges Community Centre is located in the low-income but high potential community of Little Burgundy.

Founded in 1927, we have been serving the community of Little Burgundy offering socio-recreational and educational programs and services.


Our Mission

To Empower the community of Little Burgundy by offering programs designed to promote self-reliance, mutual aid and fulfillment through education, cultural, social, employment and recreational programs, providing individuals and families with encouragement, tools, opportunities and support.

To help develop the community of Little Burgundy and to work with community partners to enhance the cultural, social, economic and environmental well-being of the community.

To be a presence to the community of Little Burgundy and accompany its people through their struggles and successes.


Community Demographics– Population of over 10,000 – 37 % recent immigrants – 2/3 of children and youth live below the poverty line – Highest concentration of low-income housing in Quebec – 40% of families are headed by a single parent – 32% of Little Burgundy students drop out before finishing high school


Departments

Tyndale has 4 departments: – Early Childhood– Children, Youth & Families – Adult Development (Little Burgundy Employment Center)– Volunteer Department


Early Childhood

The Early Childhood program is run by a small team of enthusiastic and dedicated workers who have created a nurturing and communicative environment for parents and children of different backgrounds.

The program aims to reinforce parental support and stimulate young child development through several different activities. We release a newsletter every month with parenting advice, play suggestions, safety tips, and more!


Children Youth & FamiliesThe Children, Youth and Family Department strives to improve academic and social skills, promote personal development and encourage present and future success with the families and teens that we work with. This department consists of a team of dedicated staff and over 130 enthusiastic volunteers who serve more than 300 youths. We offer numerous programs to support and fulfill the needs of children, teens and their families.


Adult Development Programs@ Little Burgundy Employment CentreThe Adult Development Program aims to prepare community members to become active members of the Montreal workforce. Carried out through the Tyndale Little Burgundy Employment Center (LBEC), it offers numerous vocational resources, including a job search board, computer training, a reference library, and highly-skilled staff.


Volunteer DepartmentVolunteers are the heart and soul of Tyndale. If it weren’t for volunteers we would not be able to run our programs.

There are many different opportunities for volunteers to become involved at Tyndale St-Georges. Each volunteer position has its own unique tasks and responsibilities and we strive to place volunteers in positions that match with their skills and abilities.


Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteers at Tyndale help out in a variety of ways, including:

– Tutoring elementary and high school students, – Animating recreational activities, – Playing basketball with youth, – Preparing and serving snacks, – Helping out in our Tyndale Treasures Community Store, – Teaching computers– Assisting with administrative work– Helping in the volunteer department– Helping at different special events– And more…


The Benefits of Volunteering with Us

Volunteers will :

– Be a valued part of the Tyndale St-Georges team– Be able to participate in fun and exciting activities– Learn and grow with us– Gain valuable experience– Meet new people from all walks of life– Have opportunities to attend various Volunteer events/workshops/information

Sessions throughout the year– Receive guidance and support from Program Staff and Animators– Be recognized for their work at Appreciation Events – Receive letter of recommendation after 30 hours of service


Our Expectations of volunteers• Be on time and respect your commitments-if you can’t make it, call us!

• Come to the Centre with a positive attitude and spirit. Participants love volunteers who can make them laugh, smile or just feel special.

• Be willing to learn and work with others. We have many different people at the Centre, each one bringing a unique gift. If there is a problem we work it out, we don’t talk badly of others or walk away feeling upset.

• Be a role model. The participants are looking to you for the right way to act and interact. Show them how to shine!

• Wear appropriate clothing; short skirts, belly T-shirts, T-shirts with offensive messages or photos are not allowed. Volunteers are expected to wear shoes that are appropriate for their activities. This all contributes to the positive environment of the Centre.

• Ask questions. The only question we don’t like is the one you aren’t asking!!


Things to keep in mind when volunteering

Volunteering at Tyndale is fun and exciting! Sometimes though you may come across difficult situations. Conflicts may arise with program participants or even staff.

With children: it is very important to provide clear expectations. Always remind them of the rules and be consistent. When children are behaving appropriately remember to praise them and support their appropriate choices.

If you are having any difficulty with any participants or staff it is important for you to communicate with the program staff or the volunteer director. We will intervene as needed.


VOLUNTEER CORRECTIVE ACTION POLICYTyndale greatly appreciates the support of all its volunteers. In order to be clear, we have provided clear

expectations of the volunteers, and have asked you to sign the volunteer code of conduct. If there is ever a problem, this is our correction action policy with volunteers:

Corrective Action• If concerns are noted, the volunteer will receive a letter from a Department Director or Program

Coordinator outlining the area of concern and identifying next steps, • Corrective action is within the discretion of the Volunteer Department Director, Program Directors and

Program Coordinators and follows the following format:– Warning– Additional Supervision – Reassignment– Dismissal from volunteering at Tyndale St-Georges

Immediate Volunteer Dismissal• In cases of extreme violation of the Code of Conduct, Confidentiality Contract or general Tyndale St

Georges’ policies and procedures, volunteers will be asked to leave immediately. The volunteer will be provided with a confidential letter identifying the reason(s) for the dismissal. Grounds for dismissal may include, but are not limited to:

• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while performing volunteer duties (the parents of volunteers under 18 would be notified of the reason for expulsion. No exceptions)

• Theft of property or misuse of program equipment or materials • Mistreatment or inappropriate conduct toward clients, families, co-workers or cooperating agency

personnel • Taking action without program or court approval that endangers the child or is outside the role or powers

of the program • Breach of confidentiality • Conflict of interest which can not be resolved • Falsification of application materials or misrepresentation of facts during the screening process


VOLUNTEERING - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhen I arrive where do I hang up my jacket and put away my bag?You can put your jacket and bag in the Volunteer Office or bring them with you to the location you are

volunteering. Please note that Tyndale St Georges does not assume any responsibility for lost or stolen items. Therefore, it is important that you keep your valuables with you to ensure that they remain safe.

Do I have to sign-in?YES! The sign-in sheet is located just outside the volunteer office. It is important to sign-in and out

because we keep these statistics to have a better understanding of how volunteers contribute to the Centre.

How do I know what I am supposed to do once I get to the activity?Our staff will welcome you and provide you with the guidance and support you need. Ask questions

about what you are doing when it is not clear to you.

What happens if I am having a problem with one of the front line staff?We do our best to ensure all our volunteers’ issues are dealt with professionally and in a timely manner.

It would be important to first try and communicate your problem to the staff member in question. If you are still unable to resolve the issue, you should meet with one of the Program Coordinators. If you still feel that your needs are not met, you should set up a formal meeting with the Volunteer Department Director or Program Director.

What happens if I cannot come in on my scheduled day?We ask that you call or e-mail the Volunteer Department Director,

Will I receive a reference letter after I have completed volunteering?We would be glad to provide you with a letter, after you have volunteered for 30 hours with us. Just let

the Volunteer Department Director know when you need it.


Congratulations, you finished the general Tyndale orientation!

• Next Steps:

• In order to begin volunteering, please fill out the volunteer quiz : http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FLTNSKB

(For Volunteers who will be TUTORS, you must continue with the TUTOR ORIENTATION as well).

• Once you have completed your appropriate orientation and quiz you will be contacted by the volunteer department to begin volunteering at Tyndale St-Georges!

THANK YOU!

volunteer online orientation

Entertainment & Humor

quebec h3j 1v7

richmond square

tyndale st georges

montreal workforce

little burgundy students

departments tyndale

community members

mission of tyndale st