Volunteer Code of Conduct and Policies
East Coast Music Association
Volunteer Code of Conduct and Policies
1. CONFIDENTIALITY
I will honour the confidentiality of service users, clients, volunteers, staff, sponsors and donors and adhere to the established precepts of confidentiality of ECMA Policies & Procedures and government legislation. I agree to consider information pertaining to medical conditions, family relations, phone numbers and addresses, sexual orientation and other facts of a highly personal nature as confidential and therefore I understand that I am not to disclose this information to any person who is not authorized by ECMA to have access to such information without the specific permission of the individual concerned.
2. NON-DISCRIMINATION/EQUITY
In keeping with ECMAs philosophies and policies, ECMA will neither practice nor tolerate discrimination or harassment against any staff member, volunteer or service-user on the ground of race, creed, colour, place of origin, ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, political or religious affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family relationship, HIV status, economic status, identity, disability or record of offences. I will treat other volunteers, staff and service users with dignity, care and respect. I will be sensitive to and educate myself about individual and group differences. I will honour all clients; rights to self-determination and agree to support people in making their own personal choices.
3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
I commit to my understanding and upholding of the Conflict of Interest policy. I agree to discuss any potential conflict with my supervisors and commit to being truthful in all matters to do with my volunteer relationship with ECMA.
4. RELATIONSHIPS - BOUNDARIES
ECMA encourages friendly relations between volunteers and those they serve. However, it is important to remain aware of appropriate boundaries. As with paid staff, ECMA discourages relationships of a romantic or sexual nature between supervisors and those they supervise or volunteers and those they serve. I agree to maintain respectful and professional relationship boundaries during the course of my volunteer work and agree to speak with my supervisors should any relationship develop which makes it difficult for me to remain objective and fulfill my volunteer obligations.
5. LIMITS
I agree to maintain the limits I have set for myself with respect to the emotional and physical resources I am willing to provide. I understand that my own training and education may limit my ability to serve clients and I recognize the need to ask for assistance or refer when appropriate. If I feel I am being asked to do something outside of my job description, or am having difficulty saying no to a staff member, volunteer or client, I will ask for support and coaching from my supervisors and/or peers.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY
I agree to participate in supervision that is acceptable, reasonable, regular and visible according to the guidelines of the individual programs I am assigned to. Supervision guarantees accountability for the performance of assigned responsibilities, provides an opportunity for feedback and guidance, and assistance and support in my role as a volunteer.
7. TRAINING
I understand that in accepting a volunteer position with ECMA, I am agreeing to undertake and complete the necessary training before, during and in the course of my volunteer assignment as outlined by the Volunteer Coordinator and as indicated in my program agreements.
8. ALCOHOL/DRUG USE
I understand that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs may interfere with my ability to deliver service. I therefore agree: not to perform my volunteer duties while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; not to provide a client with illegal substances or encourage their use; not to participate with a client in alcohol consumption to the point where my effectiveness is impaired.
9. SCENTS
Many people suffer from environmental allergies and are extremely sensitive to strong scents. In order to make ECMA as comfortable as possible for all people who are affected by this, staff and volunteers agree to moderate their use of colognes and perfume while working in the office or performing duties on behalf of ECMA in the community.
10. NON-COMPLIANCE
I understand that failure to adhere to any and all parts of this code may result in suspension from my volunteer duties and/or termination of my volunteer relationship with the East Coast Music Association.
