Organization Policies
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with UDC - CAUSES!
Please note: If you are a minor (under 18 years of age), you will need to complete this application with your parent or guardian.
As a CAUSES volunteer, you are a significant member of our team. We want our association to be mutually beneficial and rewarding. We recognize and deeply appreciate the role that volunteers play in CAUSES' mission to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity. CAUSES is also committed to providing a safe environment for work, study, and outreach and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. These policies provide a mechanism for minimizing risk and protecting the interests of the volunteer, CAUSES, and the DC community.
Behavior and Conduct Policies
Without limiting CAUSES' right to terminate the volunteer relationship at any time, with or without cause, the following acts are provided as non-exclusive examples of unacceptable behavior or activity:
- Violating any local, state, or national laws.
- Supplying false or misleading information when applying for or during a volunteer assignment.
- Altering, destroying, willfully misplacing, discarding, or falsifying records.
- Theft or unlawful possession of stolen, lost, or mislaid property belonging to CAUSES staff, volunteers, or visitors.
- Intentional destruction or defacing of property belonging to CAUSES staff, volunteers, or visitors.
- Possession, use, or being under the influence of illegal substances at any time while volunteering, whether or not on UDC property.
- Using or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages while serving as a volunteer, either on UDC property or not.
- If attending a special event on UDC property outside of your typical volunteer responsibilities and the consumption of an alcoholic beverage is customary to the situation, volunteers who drink should do so in moderation.
- Violation of UDC's non-discrimination, non-harassment, or workplace violence policies or retaliation against someone who exercises their rights under such a policy. Engaging in discourteous conduct or disrespectful treatment, displaying an unprofessional demeanor, using abusive language, or engaging in similar acts toward visitors, staff, fellow volunteers, trustees, advisory committee members, vendors, or individuals receiving services from the University.
- Unwillingness or inability to follow instructions, procedures, guidelines, and protocol as outlined by the assigned supervisor.
- Gross negligence or carelessness.
- Operating UDC machinery or equipment unless directed and trained by UDC staff.
- Soliciting or receiving gratuities related to the visitor experience.
- Uttering, publishing, or distributing false, vicious, or malicious statements regarding CAUSES or any of its visitors, volunteers, trustees, advisory committee members, employees, or toward individuals receiving services from the University.
- Unauthorized use of UDC equipment, materials, or supplies.
- Threats, threatening language, or any other acts of aggression or violence made toward any UDC employee, volunteer, vendor, visitor, or toward individuals receiving services from the University.
- Verbal or physical harassment or abuse.
Service-at-Will Policy
CAUSES will accept the service of volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of CAUSES staff. Volunteers agree that CAUSES may, at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate a volunteer's relationship with CAUSES. Likewise, the volunteer may also, and for whatever reason, decide to discontinue their relationship with CAUSES. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible to the program supervisor or volunteer coordinator.
No Solicitation/Distribution Policy
The conducting of non-CAUSES business, such as canvassing, collection of funds, pledges, circulation of petitions, solicitation of non-CAUSES memberships, or any other similar types of activity, is not permitted. In addition, volunteers may not distribute non-CAUSES literature, such as leaflets, letters, or other written materials.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of the District of Columbia prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person based on the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds our research and extension land-grant programs, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. UDC and USDA non-discrimination statements are included at the end of this document.
We expect volunteers to treat one another, employees, and visitors respectfully in a non-discriminatory manner. In particular, we ask that volunteers foster a productive atmosphere free from harassment or disruptive activity. Volunteers aware of any violation of this policy are highly encouraged to report the circumstances either to a neutral Site/Program Supervisor, the Volunteer Coordinator, or any Manager, Center Director, or Dean in CAUSES.
Volunteers may bypass as many levels as necessary to make management aware of these problems. There will be no retaliation against a volunteer who reports activity that they reasonably believe violates the law or this policy. Any reports or complaints will be investigated as confidentially as possible, given the need to complete a reasonable investigation and take appropriate remedial action when required.
Persons with Disabilities Policy
CAUSES is committed to complying with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate against any volunteer because of that individual's disability or perceived disability, so long as the volunteer can perform the essential functions of the assignment. If you have specific needs to fulfill your role as a volunteer, please contact the volunteer program staff for accommodations.
