Volunteer Policy
In applying to be a volunteer with Ribbon Community, I confirm that:
- I am 19 years of age or older
- I can provide one recent reference
- I am interested in volunteering for at least 6 months
- I am willing to undergo a Criminal Record Check via the BC Criminal Record Review Program (please see additional notes below)
A note on criminal record checks
We recognize that may criminal laws are based on colonial, classist, and racist beliefs, and that how and when laws are enforced often target people who are part of Ribbon Community. We oppose the criminalization of people living with HIV who have consensual sex and do not disclose an HIV status.
While we recognize the harms of the criminal records system, we are required to participate in the provincial Criminal Records Review program by laws in British Columbia as we work with communities deemed vulnerable populations. The Criminal Record Review Program provides organizations with
a letter of clearance or a risk determination for each person who submits a check.
When we are provided with a letter of clearance, we are able to welcome the volunteer to Ribbon. When we are provided with a risk determination, we work with the program and the volunteer application while balancing our operational needs to determine what may be possible for the applicant.
