WELCOME TO THE MANKATO FAMILY YMCA VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION!

Emma Kind, Volunteer Coordinator

Agenda Take a tour of the facility Go through Volunteer Handbook Fill out paperwork Pay for and receive t-shirt Schedule hours (optional)

Take a Tour of the Facility

Questions?

Go through Volunteer Handbook

Mankato Family YMCA Volunteer Handbook

Volunteer Level 1 Youth Worker

Revised December 2011

Mission Statement To put Christian principles into practice

through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, body and social well-being for all.

Five Core Values At the Mankato Family YMCA we

demonstrate… Faith Caring Respect Responsibility Honesty …And we instill these values in the

youth.

Character Development The YMCA core values are part of what

we call character development. It is challenging people to accept and

demonstrate positive values. Whatever the condition of one’s

character, there is always the potential to improve in both attitude and action.

The YMCA is committed to a positive approach to improving our community.

More on Character Development

Support-Teens need organizations that provide positive, supportive environments.

Empowerment-They need to feel values by their community and have an opportunity to contribute to that community.

Boundaries and Expectations-Teens need to know what’s expected of them and what the boundaries are with various activities.

Constructive Use of Time-They need enriching opportunities for growth.

More on Character Development

There needs to be a commitment to nurturing the internal qualities that guide good choices.

The more developmental assets teens have the more likely they will value diversity, exhibit leadership, be successful, and overcome adversity.

They will be less likely to engage in risky and harmful behaviors.

Understanding Youth and Teens

Being aware what youth and teens are experiencing makes it easier to understand why they are behaving a certain way.

They are searching for role models and need constant approval from adults.

YOU are a role model whether you are trying to be or not, so always be aware of your behaviors and language.

Mankato Family YMCA Volunteer and Employee Code of Conduct

In order to protect YMCA staff, volunteers, and program participants-at no time during a YMCA program should a volunteer be alone with a single child in an unobservable area. As volunteers supervise children, they make themselves always visible.

Volunteers should never leave a child unsupervised. Restroom supervision: Volunteers will make sure the restroom is

not occupied by suspicious or unknown individuals before allowing children to use the facilities. Volunteers will stand in the doorway while children are using the restroom. This policy allows privacy for the children and protection for the staff. If volunteers are assisting younger children, door to the facility must remain open. Always send children in pairs, and whenever possible, with staff/volunteers.

Staff/volunteers should conduct or supervise private activities in pairs-diapering, putting on bathing suits, etc. When this is not feasible, staff/volunteers should be visible to others.

Mankato Family YMCA Volunteer and Employee Code of Conduct

Staff/volunteers shall not abuse children including: physical, verbal, sexual, and mental abuse and neglect. *No type of abuse is tolerated and is cause for immediate dismissal.

Volunteers must use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement rather than competition and criticism.

Volunteers should respond to all youth with respect and consideration and treat everyone equally regardless of sex, race, religion, and culture.

Volunteers will respect children’s right to not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and their right to say no. Children are not to be touched on areas of their bodies that would be covered by a bathing suit.

Volunteers will refrain from intimate displays of affection toward others in the presence of children, parents, and staff/volunteers.

While the YMCA does not discriminate against any individual’s lifestyle, it does require that while volunteering, they will abide by the standards of conduct set forth by the YMCA.

Drug and Alcohol Free/Clean Air Work Place

Tobacco, alcohol, or the use of drugs is prohibited in the facility and on the grounds.

Dress Code Volunteers will be provided with a designated shirt.

The shirt does cost $5, which will be reimbursed to you when you return your shirt at the end of your volunteer service.

If you do not have your volunteer shirt, you cannot volunteer for the day.

Name tags must be worn every day and can be found in the binder.

Please wear pants and shoes appropriate for your duties. Under no circumstances should undergarments be

showing. Tattoos, which do not reflect the YMCA values or

mission, must be covered while on duty. Certain programs do not allow hats while on duty.

Child Abuse Awareness In 80% of sexual abuse cases the child

knows the offender and in 50% of all cases, the offender is a member of the child’s household.

Abuse crosses all backgrounds. If you suspect abuse contact your

supervisor immediately.

Responsibilities You must schedule a minimum of 20

volunteer/service learning hours with Volunteer Coordinator and be on time.

It is your responsibility to contact your YMCA department supervisor if you are unable to make your shift (507.387.8255 and ask for your department). You must speak directly with your supervisor or someone working in the department if you are unable to let them know in advance. One “No Call/No Show” may result in termination from volunteering with the Mankato Family YMCA. If you do not initial your shift in the binder, you are assumed to be absent. We are relying on you to help facilitate programs here at the YMCA. You are a valuable asset to us and we appreciate all that you contribute to our programs.

More Responsibilities While on duty, you must stay with your

program and perform your tasks for the day. Please leave cell phones on “silent” or “off” and in the office until it is time for you to leave. Absolutely no texting!

You have a responsibility to keep the environment physically and psychologically safe for all members. If you have concerns please notify your supervisor as soon as possible.

Expectations Adhere to YMCA Code of Conduct. Interact fully with youth – avoid being a spectator.

Be child-like, not child-ish! Help staff maintain control and keep the program

running smoothly. Encourage kids who are alone to interact with the

group. Learn names. Say hello and goodbye. Record hours truthfully in and out on time sheet

and have it signed by department supervisor. Communicate first and last day with Volunteer

Coordinator and department supervisor.

YMCA Contact Information General Information/Front Desk

507.387.8255 Your Supervisor(s)

Emma Kind (Volunteer Coordinator) volinfo@mankatoymca.com 507.387.8255 ext. 296

Cheryl Hamond (Program Coordinator) chamond@mankatoymca.com 507.387.8255 Ext 236

Fill Out Paperwork We will go through all of the paperwork

together. Please complete everything thoroughly

and write legibly. Feel free to ask any questions.

Pay for and Receive T-shirt We will go down to my office to get your

t-shirt. Please have your $5 cash ready. If you do not have your $5 today, you

can still get your t-shirt but you will need to bring the money in on your first day and give it to the front desk staff.

Schedule Hours (Optional) If you know your schedule well

enough and know when you’d like to volunteer, you may schedule your hours with me today in my office after you receive your t-shirt.

If you do not schedule your hours today, I will be emailing you in about one week to set them up.

*When scheduling your hours, it’s better to spread them out than to complete them all in a short period of time.

The End

Thank you for attending the Mankato Family YMCA volunteer

orientation! I look forward to seeing you around the Y!