Application Form - The Net Youth Empowerment Program

Policies

1. Drugs and alcohol use are strictly prohibited when in attendance of in-person or online events or meetings by both volunteers, the Program Coordinator, and anyone else in attendance of the event or meeting.
2. The Net thrives on an inclusive environment and expects all volunteers and paid workers to act in such manner. Sexual harassment, bullying, verbal and physical harassment, stalking, and discrimination (against 2SLGBTQ+ members, cultural and ethnic background, etc.) at events or meetings is not tolerated and will result in direct removal from the program.
3. Expenses such as materials for programs and events will be purchased only by program coordinator.
4. To ensure the safety of volunteers, at least 1 volunteer at every in-person event or meeting must be trained in WHMIS and have proof of certification documented by the Program Coordinator.
5. When in communication with people outside of The Net’s or Ancaster Community Services’ organizations, youth volunteers are not permitted to speak to an adult regarding the programs. If communication is required with an adult, it is the responsibility of the Program Coordinator to do so.
6. All in-person events with youth volunteers must have the Program Coordinator present. If the Program Coordinator is not able to attend the event, it must be canceled/rescheduled. All online events with youth volunteers must have either the Program Coordinator or a Co-Leader present.
7. People who are not registered members of The Net must be screened by the Program Coordinator before engaging in events or meetings. If the Program Coordinator is not at attendance of an online event or meeting, Co-Leaders are also able to screen non-registered members.
8. All youth must have the opportunity to take on leadership opportunities within The Net.
9. No member of The Net Youth Program should be discriminated against or punished for taking a short or long-term break from participation of events and/or meetings due to mental health and/or extenuating circumstances.
10. The Net Youth Members must complete internet safety training within 3 months of them joining the program.

Procedures

1. If drugs or alcohol have been used during in-person or online meetings or events, the participant will be asked to leave and next steps will be discussed at a later time.
2. If you experience or witness sexual harassment, bullying, verbal and physical harassment, stalking, or discrimination, report it to the Program Coordinator as soon as possible. It is then the Program Coordinator’s responsibility to take action with participants involved.
3. If there is an in-person event or meeting where no volunteer is certified in WHMIS, it is the duty of the Program Coordinator to ensure there is someone on-site with WHMIS training. If that is not possible, the event or meeting must be canceled/rescheduled.
4. The Program Coordinator must be aware of any outside communication youth volunteers have regarding The Net’s or Ancaster Community Services’ programming. If the communication is with an adult, the Program Coordinator is responsible for gathering the information that needs to be relayed and personally get in contact with them.
5. The Program Coordinator is responsible for the safety of the youth volunteers during the time of the in-person event or meeting. Should that safety be comprised, the Program Coordinator must follow the steps as outlined by Ancaster Community Services.
6. To screen non-registered members of The Net, ask the following questions: Name, age, school and email. Answers must align with The Net’s guidelines.
7. It is the role of Co-Leaders, primarily, but additionally the Program Coordinator to periodically evaluate which youth volunteers have and have not been provided with an opportunity to take a leadership role. For those who have not been given an opportunity to take a leadership role, the Co-Leaders or Program Coordinator should develop a plan in order to provide them with that opportunity.
8. Should a member of The Net Youth Program need to take a mental health break or any other leave, they should inform the Program Coordinator of their intentions. When/if the member returns to The Net Youth Program, proper accommodations - as the Program Coordinator sees fit - should be made for them to ease back into the program.
9. The Program Coordinator must develop/facilitate internet safety training for all members of The Net Youth Program. Completion of this training must be recorded by the Program Coordinator.