Volunteer Handbook

WelcomeJob DescriptionGrievance PolicyOrientation ChecklistExit Interview FormProgress Report to SupervisorEvaluation FormPolicies

(Attachment AF Checklist) Recruitment PlanApplication

Welcome to Scott Air Force Base Youth Center. We are excited you have chosen to volunteer with us and cannot express how thankful we are! We would like to take a moment and define a few things to you so that we can make your experience here the best that it can be.

The Youth Center is governed by the Air Force and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). We partner with the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA), 4-H, and other base or community partners. We have specific rules and regulations that must be followed. During your training these resources will be made available to you and at any time you have a question, please feel free to ask. We have an open door policy and want you to be successful.

Safety is our number one priority. We want our youth to stay as safe as possible in all activities or programs that they participate in during their time here. We understand that it is our duty to protect these children and foster their growth and development through programs and other educational experiences, giving them new skills in various areas as well as helping them develop and expand their knowledge.

There are a variety of different activities and programs for children and youth to engage in. The school age program has 8 classrooms each specializing in different areas. These classrooms include: The Discovery Room, The Pre-Teen Room, Life Skills, Imagination Station, The Art Room, Kidz Place, Wellness Room, and The Library. The staff in each of these areas would be more than happy to share what they do and how it helps the children grow and develop their skills in multiple different areas.

Multiple activities are offered for youth, ranging from various clubs, recreational games, and more! We strive to promote an open environment for teens so they can move around from different areas freely. Unlike the school age program, the youth area only consists of one room ‘The Neighborhood’ where youth can go to relax, do homework, or other various projects. Other areas include a full size gymnasium, open game room, and a snack bar. Each month staff plan activities based off of the youth’s interests incorporating different life skills and developmental areas youth can benefit from. As a volunteer observe how youth learn and interact in various activities by visiting and learning more about each area and what it has to offer. Feel free to ask any questions to staff members or program coordinators, for they will be more than happy to answer any questions or share what they do and how it helps the youth grow and develop their skills.

Special recreational programs are offered such as basketball, soccer, baseball, and floor hockey to both the school age children and youth. This is an excellent way to get involved and interact with the youth by becoming a coach or even an official. Volunteers in our sports programs has proven to be a positive asset, and kids a lot of the time, tend to grow close to these volunteers looking up to them as role models in their lives. This rewarding experience can offer you the opportunity to bond with these children and make a difference in their life.

Our staff is trained in every area, so whether you are interested in our youth development program, school age program, sports program, teen program or administrative, there is an opportunity for you. We encourage you to ask questions and gain as much knowledge of the field and experience as possible.

Occasionally special activities/events are held. These range from teen dances, Youth Lock-in’s, Youth Fair, and various clubs. Each of these events gathers 10 youth to 2000 participants, some of whom are new to the Youth Center. Call the Youth Center for times and dates of these events.

Mission:

Provide targeted programs and opportunities to youth that foster resilience and enhance quality of life for families.

Vision:

To embrace youth development principles and developmental assets as the foundation for programs, activities and opportunities that are facilitated by trained, professional staff and available to all eligible

youth ages 5-18.

Program Philosophy:

Air Force youth programs provide safe, enriching, supervised environments for children and youth during out of school time. Individual interests, experiences, abilities and needs guide the programming. Children have the right to be heard, listened to, and influence decisions. We promote experiences and

opportunities that enhance rather than duplicate the school day. Our programs maintain an atmosphere that encourages flexibility and allows for freedom of choice within appropriate guidelines. We strive to reinforce family values and emphasize the uniqueness of each child by promoting positive attitudes and

validating self-worth.

Air Force Guidance:

The purpose of Youth Programs is to assist DoD military and civilian personnel in balancing the competing demands of family life and the accomplishment of the DoD mission. Participants in AF Youth Programs will have access to high quality, developmentally appropriate program resources and materials in seven areas:a. Character and Leadership Developmentb. Education and Career Developmentc. Health and Life Skillsd. The Artse. Informal Sports, Fitness, and Recreationf. League Youth Sports Programg. School-Age Program

Our Hours of Operation:

School AgeSchool Year SummerOpen Close Open Close

Mon – Fri 0630 0800 0630 18001500 1800

Saturday/Sunday Closed

Youth Programs – Preteens School Year SummerOpen Close Open Close

Mon – Thurs 1500 1800 1230 1800Friday 1500 2000 1230 2000Saturday Designated Preteen Night as determined by eventSunday Closed

Youth Programs – Teens School Year SummerOpen Close Open Close

Mon – Thurs 1500 1800 1230 1800Friday 1500 2200 1230 2200Saturday Designated Teen Night as determined by eventSunday Closed

Volunteer Code of Ethics: I hereby pledge to live by the rules and regulations set down by the Air Force as well as the Boys and Girls Club of America. • I will place the emotional and physical well-being of the children that I am teaching first. • I will treat children as if they are my own, within reason, and give them guidance when needed. • I will do my best to provide the leadership and opportunities to allow children to grow and develop. • I will be a good role model to others especially the children I interact with. • I will provide a safe and secure environment so the children can learn and develop skills in various core areas. • I will help the children feel comfortable around me and be open to talking with them about any questions or concerns they may have.

Goals:

Personal Development- supporting positive self-concept, fostering independence and life skills, and encouraging responsibility.

Social Development- establishing friendships, learning social skills, gaining social support, and developing a sense of community and teamwork.

Physical Development- building physical and recreational skills, appreciating the ability to rest and relax.

Cognitive Development- advancing success in school, exploring new ideas and facts that can be implemented in future programs.

Youth Development Program Volunteer Job Description and AgreementPosition title: Volunteer Club LeaderTerm of Responsibility: 1 year minimum, but encouraged to serve for several consecutive years.Time Commitment: Average of one hour of planning time for every one hour of program activity. Additional time may be committed at the discretion of the individual.Purpose: Provides overall leadership/mentorship in individual program activities. Also coordinates members, parents and involves other leaders. Communicate with other volunteers, staff members, club members and parents and families to maintain smooth operation of the club or activity and overall program. Support youth, volunteers and staff members in conducting meaningful, educational experiences to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential. Leaders can be an individual, a team or a group of people that have specific roles that fulfill the Leader responsibilities. Team members can be a youth-adult partnership.

Responsibilities: Commit to young people and their growth in all areas. Be dedicated to youth and be sensitive to

their abilities and needs. Help members gain life skills such as decision making, problem solving, self-responsibility,

accountability, communication, goal setting, citizenship, caring relationships, leadership, healthy lifestyle choices and career exploration skills in project work.

Encourage youth leadership through committees, demonstrations, junior leadership and individual guidance.

Encourage youth to learn and experiment with new ideas, techniques and skills. Provide feedback to members, letting them know when they are doing a good job and advising

them when they need to improve. Praise youth for the progress they make. Inform and encourage members, parents and other volunteers to actively participate in youth

development opportunities. Provide a safe environment for all youth. Follow all guidelines and policies of Scott AFB Youth Programs Coordinate project activities (meetings, work sessions, demonstrations, and educational tours). Attend club meetings and activities. If unable to attend, make arrangements for another trained

volunteer to oversee activities with the approval of the coordinator or director. Recruit new members, including underserved youth, when the club has openings. Seek assistance

from the staff member in designing and distributing fliers, writing news releases, etc. Recruit project and activity leaders when needed. Guide the club in setting goals, planning and carrying out activities. Assist the club in evaluating activities and implementing changes when needed. Read newsletters and information from Youth Development Agencies and Representatives and

share with members, parents and other volunteers. Inform members and parents of project requirements and deadlines. Welcome parents’ ideas, activity and project assistance, cooperation, support and attendance at

program activities. Work closely with the program staff regarding learning activities and materials, problems and

participation in county, area, state and national events. Collect enrollment and other information needed by program staff and adhere to deadlines. Keep program coordinator/s or director informed of club activities. Inform staff member of fundraising plans before implementation. Participate in one or more volunteer development opportunities each year. Submit year-end financial and other reports to director by the deadline.

Qualifications: Sincere interest in working with youth and adults in the community Ability to communicate with youth and adults

Ability to resolve conflict positively and constructively Ability to organize, plan, delegate responsibility and carry out assignments Time to carry out the club leader role Willingness to seek out resources and information Positive role model for youth Motivate and foster positive self-esteem, decision making, problem solving, responsibility,

leadership, career exploration and other life skills in youth

Resources Available: Youth Programs provides leader training and offers subject matter training upon request;

manuals, pamphlets, audio-visual aids, resource library, newsletters, and other resource materials including names of project resource people and information on national and state leaders’ forums and training sessions.

Requirements: Volunteers must meet the following requirements before participating as a club or program leader/volunteer. 1. Complete and return the volunteer application, Code of Conduct, Job Description and Agreement2. Two completed reference forms. 3. Clear background check. 4. Complete volunteer certification training. 5. Review program policies.

Agreement: I have read the above job description and agree to carry out the responsibilities described therein. Signed

Date I have discussed the volunteer responsibilities and staff support with the above signed volunteer. The program staff will provide assistance as indicated.

Signed

Date This form should be returned to coordinator/director at the youth center.

Volunteer Position Description

Title/Position: __________________________

Goal of Position: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sample of Activities: 1. ________________________________________________________________________2. ________________________________________________________________________3. ________________________________________________________________________4. ________________________________________________________________________

Timeframe: Length of commitment: __________________

Estimated total Hours: ___________________

Qualifications Sought:

1. _____________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________

Benefits:

1. ____________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________

Staff Contact: __________________________________________________________

This form can be used as a draft document to develop volunteer job descriptions for clubs, programs, and assistance related to a volunteers specific expertise. The final job description is at the discretion of the director. All volunteer requirements must be met and in some cases additional expertise qualification documents may be required.

GRIEVANCE PROCUDURE FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Scott AFB Youth Programs Grievance Policy applies to volunteers of the organization. This document is consistent with the Scott AFB Youth Programs Grievance policy but is addressed to volunteers.

1. Introduction

Scott AFB Youth Programs aims to create a work environment where volunteers feel valued at work. We also recognize that there may be occasions when volunteers have concerns or grievances and this grievance procedure enables individual volunteers to raise grievances more formally. The procedure provides an open and fair way for volunteers to make known their problems and aims to enable grievances to be resolved quickly before they fester and become major problems.

2. Informal Discussions

In the first instance, if any volunteer has a grievance about their volunteering or a colleague they should discuss it informally, as soon as possible, with their program coordinator or program director if the grievance involves the program staff. The Director will take the grievance seriously and ensure that everything is done to try and resolve the issue informally. It is hoped that the majority of concerns will be resolved at this stage.

Formal Procedure

3. Reporting

If a volunteer feels that the matter has not been resolved through informal discussions, they should put the complaint in writing to the program director. If the complaint involves the staff member’s program director the complaint should be put in writing to the flight chief.

A meeting will be held between the volunteer and their manager (or other appropriate person) to respond to the complaints raised. The meeting will be an opportunity for the volunteer to explain their complaints and share how they would like them to be addressed. The volunteer has a right to be accompanied to the meeting.

Following the meeting, the manager (or other appropriate person) will give a response within 5 working days of the meeting outlining how the complaint(s) will be responded to. If the complaint is against another member of staff or volunteer or requires further investigation, the manager (or other appropriate person) will need to carry out further meetings or investigations. In this case, the 5 working days limit above, may need to be extended. The response will follow this meeting and include a reference to the right of appeal.

4. Right of Appeal

If the volunteer wishes to appeal against any grievance decision, they must appeal, in writing within five working days of the decision being communicated to them to the flight chief.

Volunteer Orientation Checklist

Volunteer: ______________________________Training Start Date: ______________________________

Date / Reviewed By:

Applicable Administrative Policies and Procedures Issued:

a) Policy and Practices ______ / _______Including:

*Volunteer Rights/Expectations ______ / _______* Client Confidentiality ______ / _______*Grievance procedures ______ / _______ * Smoking Policy ______ / ______* Drug Free workplace Policy ______ / ______

b) Emergency Procedures ______ / ______ c) Volunteer Evaluation Procedures ______ / _______

Program Orientation:

a) Start/End Time ______ / _______ b) Job Description ______ / _______c) Record Keeping Duties ______ / ________ d) Rights/Responsibilities ______ / ________e) Role of Volunteer ______ / ________f) Directions/ Guidance _______ / ________ g) Guided Tour of Facility _______ / ________h) Introduction to Staff Members _______ / ________i) Never Alone With Child/Line of Sight _______ / ________

Child Maltreatment

a) Identifying _______ / _________ b) Reporting _______ / _________ c) Prevention _______ / ________

Food Handling

a) Handling of Food _______ / ________b) Proper Washing _______ / ________c) Storing Food _______ / ________d) Knowledge of Food Allergies _______ / ________

Health and Safety:

a) Fire Prevention _______ / ________b) Evacuation Procedures _______ / ________c) Blood borne Pathogens Universal Precautions _______ / ________d) Trained in CPR and First Aid (when applicable) _______ / ________

e) Hazards or Other Safety Issues _______ / ________

Professional Conduct:

a) Developmentally Appropriate Practices _______ / ________ b) Confidentiality _______ / ________c) Appropriate Touch/Guidance for Child _______ / ________d) Program Observations _______ / _______e) Identifying At-Risk Behaviors _______ / ________

Volunteer Signature ________________________________________________

Trainer __________________________________________________________

Youth Program Director ____________________________________________

Volunteer Exit Interview Form

Volunteer name: _________________________________________________________Volunteer position: _______________________________________________________Interviewer name: ________________________________________________________

Date: _____________________

1. Approximately how long did you volunteer with Scott AFB Youth Programs?

2. What are your main reasons for leaving your volunteer position?

3. What about your volunteer position did you enjoy the most? Least?

4. To what extent did your volunteer service meet your expectations for a successful volunteer experience?

5. How well did the orientation and training prepare you to carry out the responsibilities of your volunteer position?

6. To what extent did the program staff meet your expectations for providing supervision, support, and recognition in your work as a volunteer?

7. What could staff have done differently to improve your volunteer experience?

8. What was your most rewarding experience as a volunteer?

9. What changes would you recommend to help improve the volunteer program?

10. Overall, how would you rate your experience in volunteering with us?

Terrible Average Great

1 2 3 4 5

Volunteer Progress Report to Supervisor

Goals! It's all based on goals. Management volunteer evaluation is the creative process of determining, "How close are we to accomplishing our goals for this time period?"The various, related questions and answers can take the form of verbal or written reports, letters, bar graphs, statistical data, dialog, portfolios, checklists, video, testimonials, slide presentations, and much more. Or you can use any combination of these formats.Review the expectations listed in the role description. Then use this sample progress report as a basic springboard for your own creative pursuit of information.

Name

Phone #

Major responsibility

1. List your goals for this reporting period, and rate yourself (0 to 5 points) on how completely that goal was met.

2. Which of these goals are you continuing during the coming report period?

3. What was the success factors for the goals you rated 4 or 5?

4. What were the challenges or obstacles for the goals you rated 0, 1, or 2?

5. What were your greatest accomplishments in this reporting period?

6. What factors contributed to these successes?

7. What new goals do you have for the coming reporting period?

8. What resources or support would make success easier for those goals?

9. What type of training opportunities would help you accomplish these goals?

10. Enclose any relevant comments from your volunteers, materials developed, news clippings, or program flyers, for placement in your performance files, as reminders of your management successes.

Adapted from: (1993). "Expected Competencies of Management Volunteers Worksheet." The Green Taxi: Putting Drivers in Place, Positioning Management Volunteers. National 4-H Council, Chevy Chase, MD, pg 74.

Volunteer Improvement PlanDeveloping a Growth Plan with Volunteer

You owe it to the program. . . . the opportunity to grow!The volunteer role is probably only a small part of the volunteer's life, but our organization is in the people-development business, and whatever percentage of a person's time is involved in the program, that time needs to be a period of growth. Too often, we focus on the program and forget that youth development can also be a growth tool for helping the adults who work with those young people. . . and even for the adults who work with the volunteers who work with those young people!The major element of a growth plan is a trusting, open, sincere interest in communication. Another element is a thorough knowledge of the organization's program, and its human, material, and training resources. The following discussion guide is one tool for combining those vital elements. Adapt it to your own program. Name Phone # Major Responsibility:

What were you hoping to accomplish this year?

What were your greatest accomplishments this year?

What skills, traits, strengths, ability, or support contributed most to this success?

What were your greatest obstacles? How did you overcome them?

What were your major mistakes?

What would you do differently if you were to do it again?

What strengths, talents, skills or abilities did you discover or strengthen this year?

Which skills, talents, and knowledge areas would you like to strengthen in the coming year?

How could you best develop those attributes through our program in the coming year?

Adapted from (1993). "Expected Competencies of Management Volunteers Worksheet." The Green Taxi: Putting Drivers in Place, Positioning Management Volunteers. National 4-H Council, Chevy Chase, MD, pg 75.

Supervisor Evaluation of Volunteer Contributions

Directions: Rate the volunteer's contributions as you observe them. Volunteer Name Period Covered by Evaluation Volunteer Title Date of Evaluation

Specific Responsibilities(from Role Description) Not Met Satisfactory Superior

1. 1 2 3 4 52. 1 2 3 4 53. 1 2 3 4 54. 1 2 3 4 55. 1 2 3 4 5Training Given Work Relationships NeedsImprovement Satisfactory Superior

1. Relations with other volunteers 1 2 3 4 52. Relations with professional andadministrative staff 1 2 3 4 53. Relations with members and parents 1 2 3 4 54. Meeting commitments ondeadlines 1 2 3 4 55. Initiative 1 2 3 4 56. Flexibility 1 2 3 4 57. Attitude 1 2 3 4 5

Comments by professional or middle manager regarding above areas:

Comments by volunteer regarding above areas:

Overall, how does the volunteer feel about remaining in this position?

Professional/Middle Manager Signature Date Volunteer Signature (optional)

Date

Scheduled date of the next evaluation

Adapted from: BLAST! Module 8 -- page 12, Booster 2

4-H Volunteer Management: A Handbook for Expanding Volunteer Management Systems in a Local 4-H Youth Program. University of Illinois Extension, 1997.

Evaluation of Professionals orMiddle Management StaffBy Volunteers*

Please check the box that most closely describes your volunteer experience with professional or middle management volunteer staff.

YES NO• • 1. Do you receive adequate support from the professional/middle managers?

• • 2. Do you have ample opportunity to have input into the operation of the overall volunteer development program?

• • 3. Are decisions regarding yourself and your assignment discussed properly and made with your involvement?

• • 4. Are decisions made fairly and with adequate information?

• • 5. Are you satisfied with conditions under which you fulfill your assignments?

• • 6. Do you have satisfactory opportunities to discuss any problems which occur with the 4-H professional/middle manager?

• • 7. Are there any ways that cooperation between professionals or middle managers and volunteers could be improved? If so, what?

• • 8. Does the volunteer position utilize your time to the best advantage?

• • 9. Are there additional comments about the administration of the overall volunteer program?

*Adapted by Safrit, Smith, Banbury and Hopkins (1992) from materials developed originally by Wilson (1976).Adapted from: BLAST! Module 8 -- page 14, Booster 3

4-H Volunteer Management: A Handbook for Expanding Volunteer Management Systems in a Local 4-H Youth Program. University of Illinois Extension, 1997.

Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations of Center are as follow:

1. Never raise your voice to a child.

2. Never lay a hand on a child in a hurtful way.

3. Use good judgment when talking to a child. Use words that they would understand and can comprehend.

4. If you suspect abuse let a supervisor on duty know immediately. If a supervisor is not available at the time document results and observations for supervisor so they may be able to handle the situation as soon as possible.

5. Be respectful to the children.

6. Do not force children to explain their behavior or to apologize.

7. Do not hold the group responsible for one child’s behavior.

8. Accept a child that wants to be alone. Give children their space to think and collect themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally, but still being there for them if they need someone to talk too.

Regulations:

The Youth Center is affiliated with Air Force, The Boys and Girls Club of America, United Way, and 4-H and must follow set rules and regulations issued by each. It is required that ratio’s for child to counselor does not exceed 12:1 and their must be adequate space (20 sq. ft.) for each child. AFI 34-251 clearly states, “Volunteers and persons under the age of 18 may not be counted in the staff/child ratios or be allowed to be alone with children.” Another staff member must be present at all times to meet the child/staff ratio if a volunteer does happen to be under the age of 18. The Youth Center also partners with the 4-H program of Illinois. Through this program youth are able to explore various points of interests in the many clubs 4-H has to offer that help them developmentally expand their knowledge and educational experiences. Clubs include anything from cooking, science, agriculture, and many more. Youth have the opportunity to participate in as many clubs as they wish, broadening their skills in different areas that interest them. As a volunteer we encourage you to engage in activities with the children getting to know them and what there interests may be. It is prohibited to bring any food that has been made outside of the facility to share with the children as well as any medications such as Advil or Ibuprofen. When it comes to rules and regulations the Youth Center takes extra precaution in making sure the youth here are safe and risk free from any outside factors that could cause allergies or reactions to certain foods or ingredients. It is important even as a volunteer to help maintain a clean and safe environment for the youth; this helps to reduce sickness and injuries among both youth and staff. We ask that volunteers bring positive attitudes and enthusiasm to the work place making for a fun and enjoyable experience overall for everyone!

Inclement Weather:

All outside activities in or around the Youth Center will stop in the event of lightning in the area.

Emergency Procedures for Tornados

a) Thinking and planning ahead can significantly reduce dangers of a tornado. Take notice of the environment, building, and room where you spend much of your time.

b) Take cover in the interior restrooms located in the center of the building, or in any classroom that has a sign posted that says “Shelter in Place.”

c) When all is passed wait for the all clear from the supervisor on duty. Never leave the shelter even if you think it is safe.

Procedures for Earthquakes:

a) Stay Calmb) If indoors stay inside and find protection in a doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, away from

windows or glass dividers. c) If outside stand away from buildings, trees, telephone poles and electric lines. d) After the earthquake make sure that no one is injured and then wait for the all clear to continue on with

normal activities.

Children love to explore and meet new people. They enjoy learning and sharing in experiences that you have been a part of and have to offer in terms of programming or lessons you may assist in leading. Your opinions and ideas are important to us to help us grow and strengthen our programs and team unity. The more input we have from a fresh set of hands the more it will help us to develop our programs and performance to be the best that it can be. We strongly encourage volunteers to get involved and are open to new programming ideas. We ask that if you are interested in creating a program or club of your own for the children, that you let us know in advance so we can fully prepare and market for the event, reaching even more children.

The staff wants your experience and time here to be the best that it can be for you. If you have any problems or concerns please let a supervisor know right away so issues do not go unattended for long periods of time. One thing we encourage is for volunteers to meet each staff member and build relationships making for a stronger team atmosphere. We pride ourselves on having great staff and work ethics!

As a volunteer we ask that you fill out all necessary paperwork needed for beginning the processes of working with children or creating programs. We work hard in making sure the programs we have to offer are something kids are interested in and can be fully engaged in learning, and building new developmental skills along the way. We encourage volunteers to build connections and relationships with our kids and find out what interests them the most, and from this we can implement new lessons to existing programs or even create new programs that kids show interest in. If you decide to create a program we would work with you to help accommodate your schedule and needs for the program so as it can be as successful as possible.

We want you to feel comfortable and welcomed here and for any reason if you have any concerns or problems please let a supervisor know and we will do our best to make sure any problems are handled in a timely and professional manner. If you have any problems with other staff members that are not willing to work with you or assist in making your transition here with us a positive and rewarding experience, or if you see something that is unprofessional we ask that you please let a supervisor know immediately. For any reason that something should come up where we find a problem or boundaries have been reached, we will have a meeting with you letting you know what we heard and then to get your side of the story. Safety for our children is our number one priority that we take very seriously and we want to be sure that we keep children safe and that volunteers are fully aware of rules and regulations set by the Air Force. The only time that we would ask a volunteer to leave is if they have done something that has violated Air Force policy or was an endangerment to the child.

Volunteer Information:

Scott Air Force Base is located approximately 30 miles from St. Louis on the Illinois side of the river and just off of I64 on St. Rd. 158. There are approximately 12,967 people working here on base and approximately 2,096 children and youth on base or within our centers.

We are looking for volunteers who will be willing to work with children by teaching new skills, exploring hobbies, develop friendships with other youth, and have fun! We encourage and are open to new ideas because we feel this is a good way to help children broaden their skills and to see what the world has to offer. You never know the impact you can make on a child through experiences that we may take for granted.

It is important for us to keep a good connection with the surrounding communities and target them so we can help our numbers grow and to help build moral within the Scott Air Force Base community. This is key because many of our military personnel do not live on base, but live in the surrounding communities, so reaching out to them will help target a larger audience of families and children. One of the ways we promote or services and programs to these communities and families on base are through advertising in the newspaper, flyers, online media, and through monthly calendars that are created and distributed to various schools promoting activities, clubs, and events that we may be holding that month.

Our vision: Our vision is to increase the effectiveness of our advertisement and volunteer involvement making our programs and atmosphere as welcoming and strong as possible. We encourage and are open to new ideas volunteers have to offer. We hope that during your time of volunteering with us the skills and strengths, along with fresh ideas, are developed and implemented into our growing programs helping strengthen children and youth’s developmental life skills in various areas of growth.

Recruitment PlanObjective 1: To increase advertisement and volunteer involvement

Goal: Promote programs and activities that foster to children’s interest through flyers, media, ads, and various other eye appealing ways.

Goal: Welcome and greet all new ideas from volunteers helping create new activities and programs both children and youth will enjoy and can grow developmentally strengthening their skills in various ways.

Objective 2: Reach out to parents

Goal: Allow activities that give the family a chance to help in different ways.

Goal: Allow activities that are fun and engaging to parents as well as children. This will help give parents a better understanding of the programs and activities we have to offer and how it is effecting and developing certain skills with their children.

Objective 3: Reaching out to schools and our community

Goal: Reach out to local high schools and colleges and see if they would be willing to come and speak to youth about their future goals in life and the opportunities that are available to them.

Goal: Reach out to local community organizations to see what things our program can do to help better our community in some way giving our children and youth an idea of how giving back to our community is important.

Staff Involvement:

1. If there is a parent that is happy and satisfied with the program, see if they would be willing to help out in these areas.

2. Volunteer your time if there is a big event or project going on. If you are on the clock and get off before it is over, clock out and stay until it is over.

3. Get friends and own family involved in the Youth Center. Introduce them to what you do every day.

Existing volunteers:

1. Encourage volunteers to participate in more than one activity. Get them to help in other classrooms experiencing new things.

2. Get current volunteers to recruit others.

3. Ask current volunteers if they are happy with what they are doing. If so then ask if they would be willing to bring in their own contacts they know that would best be qualified for a volunteer position at the Youth Center.

Satisfied Clients:

1. If there are satisfied clients then they are more willing to spread the word about the Youth Center. This could lead to them bringing in new volunteers.

2. Allow others who may not come to the center, to volunteer. These people are great sources in spreading the word from community to community.

Volunteer Performance Form

Name _________________________________________________

Volunteer Survey Questions

1.) What skills do you have that you feel you are able to bring that will help improve our learning environment?

2.) What are some things as a volunteer you will do to help our children learn and develop new skills helping them grow and expand their knowledge in various developmental areas?

3.) What areas interest you most here at the Youth Center and how do you feel you can implement your own ideas into these programs?

4.) Are there ways in which the skills that you as a volunteer have to offer, be explained to children on a level that they would understand?

5.) Is there anything that would prevent you for working with-in our operating hours?

Volunteer Enrollment Form

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ______________ Phone: (Home) ______________________ (Other) _______________________

Contact in Emergency: ____________________________ Phone: ______________

Active Duty: yes ___ no ___ If yes, what is your rank and branch of service _______________

What talents and interests can you share with youth?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I am interested in helping with: (check all areas of interest)___ Tutoring ____ Homework Help ___Computers ___ Theatre Arts___ Arts/Crafts ___Dance ___Storytelling ___ Cooking___ Science ___Exercise ___Cheerleading ___ Sports & Recreation (list): __________________________________________4-H (list any experience) and project area___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Other (list): ______________________________________________________ Volunteer as Chaperone for Dances

I would like to participate on the following days:___Mon ___Tues ___Wed ___Thurs ___ Fri ___ Sat

The time I will be available is:___ Mornings (list hours)___________________ Afternoons (list hours) _________________ Evenings (list hours) _______________

II. Preferences in Volunteering

1.Is there a particular type of volunteer work in which you are interested? (Please check all that apply)

___Working one-on-one with clients ____ No preference

___ Working directly with staff assisting in various duties _____ Providing service to clients

___ General Administrative Duties _____ Public Speaking/Fundraising

___ Conducting research or doing individual projects _____ Group projects

___ Other (list below): ________________________________________________________________________

2. Is there a particular group you are interested in working with?

___ No Preference ____ Adults ____Teens

____ Children ______ Youth with Disabilities Other: _____________

3. Are there any groups with which you would not feel comfortable working with? ____ No ____ Yes _______________________________________________

III. Availability

1. At what time are you able to volunteer?

___ I am flexible _____ Weekdays ____ Evenings/special events

____ Mornings ____ Afternoons

2. Do you have a geographic preference as to where you do volunteer work? (if yes explain)

____ No _____ Yes

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3. Do you have a means of transportation?

___ Yes ____ No

IV. Background Verification

1. Have you ever been convicted of a criminal Offense? (if yes explain)

____ Yes _____ No

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2. Have you ever been charged with neglect, abuse, or assault? (if yes explain)

_____ Yes _____ No

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3. Has you driver’s License ever been suspended or revoked in any state? (if yes explain)

_____Yes ______No

____________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you use illegal Drugs?

____Yes _____ No

5. Do you have any physical limitations or are you under any course of treatment, which might limit your ability to perform certain types of work? (if yes explain)

_____Yes ______ No

_____________________________________________________________________________

6. Please list two non-family references whom we might contact:

Name: ______________________ Phone: ______________________

Name: ______________________ Phone: ______________________

7. How did you hear about us?

___ Media ___ Advertisement (flyers, articles) ____ Youth Center___ Schools ___ Friend/volunteer ___ Other: _______________

Volunteer Signature: __________________________ Date: _______________

Interview FormName: _____________________________________________ Date:

Last First MI D – M – Y

Why are you volunteering?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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How much time can you give to this organization?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have any experience teaching or working with children?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Do you have children of your own?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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What is your style or philosophy in teaching children and youth?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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What types of discipline do you see as an effect tool for children to learn right from wrong?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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What are your strengths?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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What are your weaknesses?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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What sport(s) if any are you interested in coaching and how much experience do you have in this sport?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

List any formal training you have received in parenting and/or teaching children.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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List any formal training you have received in CPR, first aid, or other similar training.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime? Yes ____ No ____

If yes, please explain:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Have you ever been involved in an incident involving child abuse or neglect? Yes __ No __

If yes, please explain:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Have you ever had or do you have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol? Yes ___ No ___

If yes, please explain:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Do you have any questions or concerns about volunteering?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Name: __________________ Signature: ___________________ Date: ____________