Codes of Conduct

Volunteer Codes of Conduct

This Codes of Conduct is designed to provide all Partnership for Community Enrichment (PCE) volunteers with a set of principles and expectations for appropriate conduct and behavior. 

All volunteers shall abide by and conform to these professional standards:

  1. Volunteers shall act honestly and ethically while in the performance of their volunteer duties.
  2. Volunteers shall treat all PCE board members, volunteers, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity.
  3. Volunteers shall not discriminate and shall be respectful of ethnic, national, and cultural differences.
  4. Volunteers shall not harass, bully, or mistreat staff or other volunteers.
  5. Volunteers shall obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws, while acting on behalf of PCE, including all laws and regulations that govern appropriate conduct in the workplace.
  6. Volunteers shall deter wrongdoing and ensure accountability for adherence to the Volunteer Codes of Conduct.
  7. Volunteers shall assist and cooperate with all PCE investigations.
  8. Volunteers shall report violations or suspected violations of the Volunteer Codes of Conduct. Violations should be reported to a PCE volunteer staff member.
  9. Volunteers shall seek assistance if they have questions about any volunteer guidelines, including the Volunteer Codes of Conduct. If a volunteer has any questions or concerns about the Codes of Conduct, they should get in touch with a PCE volunteer staff member or board member.

Adherence to Policies

Both volunteers and volunteer staff members are expected to comply with PCE policies including those described in this document. Failure to comply may be grounds for disqualification and/or removal.

Attendance and Punctuality

PCE requests that volunteers and volunteer staff members be reliable and punctual in reporting for scheduled volunteer activities. While PCE will attempt to be flexible in all cases, volunteers are expected to notify a staff member if they will be absent or late, so arrangements can be made for handling their responsibilities.

Bullying

Bullying may rise to the level of harassment and is therefore prohibited. Bullying is defined as unwelcome or unreasonable behavior that demeans, intimidates, or humiliates people, either as individuals or as a group. Bullying behavior is often persistent and part of a pattern, but it can also occur as a single incident. Some examples of bullying behavior include but are not limited to: abusive and offensive language, insults, teasing, and spreading rumors. It can also include a manipulation of the work environment or psychological manipulation.

Compliance

Volunteers may be asked to complete paperwork, provide updated information (including proof of insurance), or complete a criminal background check for certain volunteer roles. Failure to complete these requirements may disqualify a volunteer from serving in a particular role. If appropriate based on the circumstances, volunteers who are disqualified for a volunteer role may have the option to explore other volunteer opportunities with their staff partner or the Volunteer Coordinator.

Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco use

Business-related activities must be conducted free from the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. In addition, these substances may not be possessed or distributed at PCE events. During business functions where alcohol is served, volunteers and employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Indoor use of tobacco or e-cigarettes at any PCE meeting, event or function is prohibited.

While medical and recreational marijuana use is legal in certain areas of the United States, PCE does not allow cannabis use at any of its events or functions.

No volunteer staff member, or volunteer should report to the volunteer space impaired.

If the employee/volunteer’s personal vehicle is parked within an area defined as the workplace, the rules governing a drug-free workplace apply. If an employee/ volunteer parks in a private lot not under the control of PCE, the employee/volunteer is subject to any applicable restrictions of the property owner and the laws applicable to marijuana in vehicles.

Good Stewardship

Serving in a volunteer position requires good judgment and management of reasonable risks. All volunteers will be given a general orientation and a specific training to understand and manage the risks in carrying out their specific jobs. Volunteers will be required to comply with company policy and to conduct PCE business at the direction of PCE and within the scope of their duties as a volunteer. This will help minimize the risk of liability to PCE and reduce the risk of injury (physical or economic) to the volunteer and the people the volunteer associates with or tries to help.

PCE activities with inherent risks would include interacting with youth, organizing fundraising events (athletic or social), assisting volunteer staff in carrying out office duties, or serving in a governance role, on a committee or in a leadership role.

Term of disqualification and/or removal

PCE is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both staff and volunteers.

Volunteers who do not comply with the Volunteer Codes of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including and up to disqualification and/or removal.