Rights and Responsibilities of a Volunteer

Rights of a Volunteer:

Every volunteer has certain rights which should not be foregone by anyone offering his services as a volunteer

1. Respect: Every volunteer is worthy of respect to be treated as a co-worker, not just free help

2. Suitability: To be tasked with a suitable assignment — with consideration for personal preference, temperament, life experience, education and employment background

3. Transparency: To know as much about the organization as possible-its policies, people and programs

4. Capacity Building: To be properly trained for the job and continuing education on the job-including training for greater responsibility

5. Job Description: To be adequately briefed about the role description and should not be treated as a rolling stone.

6. Working Environment: To be given a proper place conducive to work, sufficient space worthy of the job to be done and a well-defined area of operation to work, not a rolling stone. It essentially means a conducive working environment

7. Exposure: To be exposed to new opportunities and a variety of experiences — through advancement or transfer, or special assignment and given sound guidance and direction for his capacity building

8. Active Involvement: To be considered a part and parcel of the team- to be heard, to feel free to make suggestions and to have a part in planning

9. Recognition: To be recognized — in the form of certification and awards, through the day-to-day expressions of appreciation and by being treated as a bona fide co-worker

Responsibilities of a Volunteer

1. Be prompt and reliable in reporting for scheduled work

2. Keep an accurate & honest record of your hours worked

3. Notify your supervisor as early as possible if you are unable to work as scheduled

4. Attend orientation and training sessions scheduled

5. Communicate in advance your limitations — costs, transportation, time constraints etc.

6. Be considerate, respect the ability of the staff, and work as a team member. If you have a criticism about another person, convey it to your supervisor

7. Decline work that is not acceptable to you.

8. Carry out assignments in good spirit, and seek the assistance of your supervisor in any situation requiring special guidance.

9. Accept the right of the agency to dismiss any volunteer for poor performance.

10. Maintain an open mind about other people’s standards and values