2026 Vote on Volunteer Rules & Expectations | Community Renewal International

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Which of these lines should be included in an updated Rules & Expectations for volunteers who work with minors (children/youth)?

If the wording is too similar to another rule in the list, please choose the one that reads clearest to you as more important than the one with vaguer wording.

1. To protect CRI volunteers and program participants, at no time during a CRI program may a volunteer be alone with a single child where the volunteer cannot be observed by others.

2. Volunteers should never be in a room alone with children or youth we serve. The only exception is volunteers who agree to have a background check performed who work in areas such as Operation H.O.P.E. and/or who will act as chaperones on trips.

3. Volunteers shall never leave a child unsupervised.

4. Volunteers will make sure a restroom is not occupied before allowing children to use the facilities. Volunteers will stand in the doorway while children are using the restroom. If volunteers are assisting younger children, doors to the facility must remain open.

5. Volunteers will conduct and supervise private activities (putting on bathing suits, showering) in pairs. When this is not feasible, volunteers should be positioned so that they are visible to others.

6. Volunteers shall not abuse children or use corporal punishment of any kind. This includes physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, or neglect. Any type of abuse will not be tolerated and is cause for dismissal.

7. Volunteers should never discipline children or youth. Should disciplinary actions be required, volunteers are to immediately notify the Community Coordinator.

8. Volunteers will respect children's rights not to be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable. A child's right to say "No" is to be encouraged and respected. Children are not to be touched in areas of the bodies that would be covered by a bathing suit.

9. Volunteers will use appropriate touch including pats on the back or shoulder, side hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Volunteers will refrain from full frontal hugging, touching of personal areas, having children or youth on their laps, or patting of the buttocks.

10. Volunteers will use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, and criticism.

11. Volunteers will not give gifts or special favors to individual children, or show preferential treatment to a child or group of children to the exclusion of others. Any in-kind donations should be given to the Community Coordinator.

12. Volunteers will not have private interactions (including but not limited to phone calls, texts, private messaging, or friending) through social media, online gaming, computer, or handheld devices with any children in the program(s).

13. Volunteers should not take pictures of the children or youth we serve. CR Staff may share photos they take at events of the volunteers and children/youth we serve.

14. Phones should be kept on vibrate and out of sight while volunteering. Volunteers should not allow children/youth we serve to use their phone or scroll through their photos.

15. Volunteers will respond to children with respect and consideration and treat all children equally regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual identity, or culture.

16. Volunteers will refrain from intimate displays of affection toward others.

17. Using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while volunteering is prohibited.

18. The possession or use of drugs or alcohol during a CR program/visit is prohibited.

19. Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one's personal life, and any kind of harassment is prohibited.

20. The use of offensive, obscene, vulgar, sexist, or racist language, jokes, or stories will not be tolerated.

21. Rude or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.

22. Volunteers may not be alone with children they meet in CRI programs outside of CRI. This includes babysitting, sleepovers, and inviting children to their home. Any exceptions require a written explanation before the fact and are subject to administrator approval.

23. Volunteers are never allowed to transport children in their personal vehicle.

24. Volunteers may not date program participants under the age of 18 years.

25. Sexual advances or other behavior of a sexual nature is prohibited. Discussion of sexual preferences/relationships is prohibited.

26. Under no circumstance should volunteers release children to anyone other than the previously authorized parent, guardian, or other adult authorized by the parent or guardian (with written authorization with CRI on file).

27. Volunteers are required to report any suspicion of child abuse to the proper authorities and are required to read and sign all policies related to identifying, documenting, and reporting child abuse and attend prevention training.

28. Volunteers should not agree to keep secrets or promises of the children and youth we serve. This protects both the volunteer and the child. Should a child reveal something to a volunteer that is illegal or immoral the volunteer is obligated by law to report that information.

Additional notes, concerns, or a specific policy you think should be added:

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