Meals on Wheels of Wake County has adopted the following policies regarding volunteer involvement. Please read them thoroughly and contact us with any questions. Your signature is required when you register to Volunteer as your agreement to abide by this Code of Conduct.
Purpose of Volunteer Policies
These policies are written to provide overall guidance and direction to people engaged in volunteering activities. These policies do not constitute, either implicitly or explicitly, a binding contractual or personnel agreement. MOW Wake County reserves the exclusive right to change any of these policies at any time and to expect adherence to the changed policy.
Definition of ‘Volunteer’
A “volunteer” is anyone who, without compensation or expectation of compensation beyond reimbursement, performs a task in support of the aims and objectives of MOW Wake County. Volunteers shall not be considered as “employees” of MOW Wake County. The minimum age to volunteer with MOW Wake County is dependent based on the type of volunteer engagement and will be listed accordingly. Any volunteer under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Liability
Volunteers are expected to understand the risks associated with volunteering. Further, volunteers hereby waive any claims against, indemnify, and hold harmless MOW Wake County, its respective officers, directors, employees, sponsors, representatives and volunteers from any and all liability, including attorney fees that may result from illness, personal injury, property damage, or wrong doing resulting from involvement with the MOW Wake County program.
Volunteers Under 18
Volunteers under 18 years old must have their registration completed by a parent or legal guardian in order to volunteer with MOW Wake County. In addition, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign this Code of Conduct statement. Parents are invited to call or email MOW Wake County with any questions or comments about our program.
Discrimination
MOW Wake County is committed to a policy of fair representation and will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, disability, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, geography, or age. MOW Wake County will follow this policy in selection of volunteers. Volunteers are expected to adhere to these same standards in the course of their duties.
Service at the Discretion of the Organization
MOW Wake County accepts the service of all volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the organization. Volunteers agree that MOW Wake County may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the agency. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible to the volunteer.
Representing Meals on Wheels of Wake County
Volunteers are asked to not contact organizations or individuals on behalf of MOW Wake County unless they are given express directions to do so. Prior to any action or statement which might significantly affect or obligate MOW Wake County, volunteers should seek prior consultation and approval from appropriate staff. These actions may include, but are not limited to, public statements to the press, coalition or lobbying efforts with other organizations, or any agreements involving contractual or other financial obligations.
Ending Your Volunteer Role
You can cease volunteering with MOW Wake County upon the completion of any volunteer assignment. If you choose to remove yourself from our list of active volunteers, we welcome the opportunity to conduct an exit interview with you in person, by phone, or via e-mail.
Confidentiality
Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a single staff, volunteer, client, other person, or MOW Wake County business. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer’s relationship with MOW Wake County.
Dismissal of a Volunteer
Volunteers who do not adhere to this Code of Conduct or who fail to satisfactorily perform their volunteer assignment are subject to dismissal. No volunteer will be terminated until the volunteer has had an opportunity to discuss the reasons for possible dismissal. Possible grounds for dismissal may include, but are not limited to, the following: gross misconduct or insubordination, theft of property or misuse of MOW Wake County materials, abuse or mistreatment of customers, staff or other volunteers, failure to abide by policies and procedures, and failure to satisfactorily perform assigned duties.
As an MOW Wake County VOLUNTEER, I WILL:
- Represent MOW Wake County with professionalism, dignity, pride, and be responsible for conducting myself with courtesy and appropriate behavior.
- Follow through and complete accepted tasks set forth by MOW Wake County staff.
- Conduct myself in a respectful manner, exhibit good sporting conduct, and be a positive role model.
- Display respect for employees, other volunteers, program participants, visitors, clients and property.
- Provide a safe environment by not harming anyone in any way, whether through discrimination, sexual harassment, physical force, verbal or mental abuse, neglect, or other harmful actions.
- Respect the privacy of persons served by the organization and hold in confidence sensitive, private and personal information. Keep MOW Wake County staff informed of progress, concerns and problems within the program(s) in which I participate.
- Work cooperatively as a team member with MOW Wake County staff and other volunteers.
- Respect and follow MOW Wake County policies and program expectations.
- Keep personal opinions and actions separate from those made as a representative of this organization.
- Avoid conduct, both on and off duty that would jeopardize program effectiveness.
- Promote and support MOW Wake County in developing effective local, county, and state programs.
- AND, As an MOW Wake County VOLUNTEER, I WILL NOT:
- Understand the purchase or possession of alcohol, illegal drugs or weapons is strictly prohibited on MOW Wake County property and volunteer sites. Even if permitted local laws or by the law’s of my home country, this zero tolerannce policy will be upheld.
- Discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status or disability, or sexual orientation. Use vulgar or inappropriate language.
- Solicit gratuities, gifts or bequests for personal benefit.
