Volunteer Agreement Policy
St. Simons Land Trust
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Dear Prospective Volunteer,
We are thrilled that you are interested in donating your time, experience, and expertise to the St. Simons Land Trust. Over the past quarter century, it has only been because of individuals like you, who are committed to giving back to their community and who are passionate about conserving the finest qualities of St. Simons, that we have been able to fulfill the Land Trust’s Mission of preserving the island’s natural and scenic character and enhancing quality of life for present and future generations.
Whether you decide to become involved with administration, conservation, education, or event work, your volunteer time is invaluable to us. We therefore want to make certain that you have a clear idea of what to expect as a SSLT Volunteer and that we’re providing you with meaningful assignments and proper training.
To get you started, below is a list of Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities. Once you’ve read through this list, we hope you’ll take a couple of minutes to create a Volunteer Profile that provides us with basic contact information and ideas about how you would most like to become involved in the SSLT Volunteer Program. I will then contact you and set up a time for an Orientation Session.
I look forward to meeting you soon and doing everything possible to ensure that your community service experience at the Land Trust is enjoyable and fulfilling and that, like dozens of other dedicated SSLT volunteers, you’ll be working with us for many years.
Warm regards,
Marty Moody
St. Simons Land Trust Volunteer Coordinator
ST. SIMONS LAND TRUST VOLUNTEER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Performance Standards: Land Trust Volunteer Performance Standards will be presented during your Volunteer Orientation and are based on recommendations from the national Land Trust Alliance (of which SSLT is an accredited member) and on nonprofit best practices. Each volunteer activity comes with specific tasks, deadlines, and expectations. For example, if you cannot make it to a scheduled shift, you will be expected to let the Volunteer Coordinator or Activity Leader know as soon as possible.
Safety First: Volunteers are always expected to prioritize safety, whether working in the Land Trust office, at the Cannon’s Point Preserve Pavilion, on trails, or at an event. Please inform us of any health concerns that could affect your volunteering.
Dress Code: As guided by the volunteer activity that you’re involved in, we ask that you dress appropriately for comfort and safety and bring necessary supplies such as drinking water and, when requested, specific work tools.
Conservation: Always respect the natural environment and follow all policies for each protected property.
Confidentiality: The personal information you provide is collected for your safety in case of emergencies. The information is maintained in a secure database and is never shared with others.
Alignment with Mission: We request that all volunteers carefully review the Land Trust Mission Statement and that you agree with the organization’s goals and priorities.
Representation: All SSLT Staff and Volunteers are important ambassadors of the St. Simons Land Trust. Professionalism and respect towards others, including fellow volunteers and the public, are expected of everyone.
Worksites: The Land Trust works to ensure that the sites where you are volunteering are appropriate and comfortable.
Expenses: All SSLT Volunteers must receive prior approval by our Finance and Operations Director,
Sue Tuttle for any expenditures. If pre-approved, reimbursements will be paid in a timely manner.
Insurance: Volunteers are not covered by Worker’s Compensation, and the Land Trust suggests bringing your personal insurance card to all volunteer activities.
Scheduling: Volunteer opportunities and docent shifts can be viewed from your MyImpact profile; upcoming activities will be listed in the monthly volunteer newsletter and via email.
Agreement Acknowledgment: Following Orientation, all new Volunteers are asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement acknowledging that they have read and understand the Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities and that they agree to uphold the expectations of the SSLT Volunteer Program.
Thank you!
