Volunteering works best when everyone feels safe, respected, and prepared. These shared guidelines apply to Volunteer Together activities alongside any event-specific instructions from the host organization.
Before the event
- Review the event description, physical tasks, age limits, accessibility details, and required training.
- Register each participant accurately and complete any required consent, screening, or waiver process.
- Arrive on time in appropriate clothing with any requested supplies.
- Ask questions before participating if a task, environment, or expectation is unclear.
- Cancel promptly if you can no longer attend.
How we treat people
Volunteers must treat community members, partner staff, fellow volunteers, and organizers with dignity. Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, threats, unwanted sexual conduct, exploitation, demeaning language, or retaliation are not acceptable.
Respect personal boundaries, names and pronouns, cultural differences, lived experience, and the expertise of the organization leading the work. Do not make promises, provide professional advice, distribute personal materials, proselytize, campaign, or solicit unless the event specifically authorizes it.
Safety and responsibility
- Follow organizer instructions, posted rules, and required protective measures.
- Perform only tasks you are trained, authorized, and physically able to do safely.
- Do not participate while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or medication that makes the activity unsafe.
- Report hazards, injuries, concerning behavior, or boundary violations promptly.
- Call emergency services first when immediate help is needed, then notify the event organizer.
- Do not transport people, handle money, access confidential records, or supervise minors unless specifically authorized.
Privacy, photos, and stories
Protect private information learned through service. Do not photograph, record, identify, or share stories about community members without the required permission. A person receiving services is not a prop or content opportunity. Follow the partner organization’s rules even when someone appears willing to be photographed.
Concerns and consequences
Raise concerns with the event leader or through the Contact page. Volunteer Together or a partner organization may redirect a volunteer, end participation, restrict future registration, or refer a matter to the appropriate authority when safety, conduct, or program integrity requires it.
Additional policies, releases, background checks, or training may apply to a specific role. If an event-specific requirement conflicts with these general guidelines, follow the more protective requirement and ask the organizer for clarification.