Volunteer Handbook 1 30 13 rev 2013 ... - American …

Volunteer Handbook

Connecticut and Rhode Island Region

A reference guide of general information and procedures for Red Cross Volunteers

AMERICAN RED CROSS

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Volunteer Handbook Connecticut and Rhode Island Region August 2014

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Table of Contents

Welcome Message______________________________________________________________ 9 American Red Cross Mission _____________________________________________________ 9 Red Cross History ______________________________________________________________ 9 Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Network _____________________ 10 Values ______________________________________________________________________ 12 Vision Statement _____________________________________________________________ 13 Volunteer Involvement ____________________________________________________ 14 Commitment to Volunteers, Diversity and Youth Involvement ________________________ 14 Definition of an American Red Cross Volunteer ____________________________________ 15 Volunteer Classification________________________________________________________ 15 Role of the Board of Directors or Installation Advisory Councils ______________________ 15 Volunteer and Employee Roles and Relationships __________________________________ 16 What You Can Expect the American Red Cross to Provide for You_____________________ 16 What You Can Expect as a Red Cross Volunteer ____________________________________ 17 Insurance for Volunteers _______________________________________________________ 17 Dual Role of Red Cross Volunteers and Employees__________________________________ 19 Recruitment and Assignments ______________________________________________ 20 Role of the Volunteer Management Unit __________________________________________ 20 Volunteer Connection _________________________________________________________ 20 Volunteer Position Descriptions _________________________________________________ 22 Recruitment and Equal Opportunity______________________________________________ 22 Recruitment of Minors (parent/guardian release form)______________________________ 22 Service at the Discretion of the Organization______________________________________ 23 Reference and Background Checks_______________________________________________ 23 Acceptance and Appointment of Volunteers_______________________________________ 24 Emergency Contact Information _________________________________________________ 25 Former Employees as Volunteers ________________________________________________ 25 Supervision, Training and Miscellaneous _____________________________________ 26 Role of Supervisors ____________________________________________________________ 26 Performance Feedback ________________________________________________________ 26 Training for Volunteers ________________________________________________________ 27 Communicating with the Volunteer Supervisor_____________________________________ 27

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Volunteer Handbook Connecticut and Rhode Island Region August 2014

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Separation from Red Cross Volunteer Involvement _________________________________ 27 Awards and Recognition________________________________________________________ 28 Reimbursement for Approved Expenses___________________________________________ 29 Tracking Volunteer Hours ______________________________________________________ 29 Attendance __________________________________________________________________ 29 Work Schedules_______________________________________________________________ 30 Holidays _____________________________________________________________________ 30 Safety & Security _________________________________________________________ 32 Workplace Safety and Security __________________________________________________ 32 Injuries While Volunteering_____________________________________________________ 33 Use of American Red Cross Vehicles______________________________________________ 33 Red Cross Property ____________________________________________________________ 35 Handling Money ______________________________________________________________ 35 Emergency Evacuation Procedures_______________________________________________ 35 Conduct and Ethics _______________________________________________________ 37 Code of Conduct ______________________________________________________________ 37 Nepotism and Fraternization____________________________________________________ 39 Confidential Information and Intellectual Property _________________________________ 39 Disclosure of Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest_______________________________ 40 Harassment Free Workplace ____________________________________________________ 40 Violence Free Work Environment ________________________________________________ 42 Dispute Resolution ____________________________________________________________ 43 Issue Resolution ______________________________________________________________ 44 Progressive Discipline _________________________________________________________ 46 Red Cross Communication Systems ______________________________________________ 46 Social Networking_____________________________________________________________ 48 Non-Solicitation/Distribution of Literature ________________________________________ 49 Drugs and Alcohol_____________________________________________________________ 50 Smoking _____________________________________________________________________ 52 Representing the American Red Cross ____________________________________________ 52 Media Inquiries _______________________________________________________________ 52 Dress Code___________________________________________________________________ 53 Personal Phone Calls __________________________________________________________ 53 The Concern Connection Line ___________________________________________________ 53

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Volunteer Handbook Connecticut and Rhode Island Region August 2014

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect _____________________________________ 54 Acknowledgement and Receipt _____________________________________________ 55

Receipt and review of policies form _____________________________________________ 55 Headquarters Address _____________________________________________________ 55 Appendix ________________________________________________________________ 56

About the Connecticut and Rhode Island Region ___________________________________ 56 American Red Cross Code of Conduct ____________________________________________ 58 Issue Resolution Form _________________________________________________________ 59 American Red Cross First Report of Accident ______________________________________ 61 Parental/Guardian Consent_____________________________________________________ 65 Emergency Information ________________________________________________________ 65

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Volunteer Handbook Connecticut and Rhode Island Region August 2014

AMERICAN RED CROSS

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Volunteer Handbook Connecticut and Rhode Island Region August 2014

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Dear New Volunteer:

On behalf of everyone in the American Red Cross, welcome and thank you for joining our team. You are now a member of one of the most trusted and distinguished humanitarian services organizations in the world. Each of us is an important member of a global Red Cross network.

In the Connecticut and Rhode Island Region, more than 4,000 Red Cross volunteers donate their time and talent to help local citizens "prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies."

This handbook was created to give you important information that will enhance your volunteer experience. Please take the time to read through it and refer back to it as questions arise.

Feel free to contact the Volunteer Resources Department at (877) 287-3327 for additional information or to pass along suggestions or comments.

Once again, welcome to the American Red Cross. We wish you a rewarding experience as an American Red Cross volunteer.

Sincerely,

Mario J. Bruno, Region Chief Executive Officer 7

Volunteer Handbook Connecticut and Rhode Island Region August 2014

AMERICAN RED CROSS

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Volunteer Handbook Connecticut and Rhode Island Region August 2014

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