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Acadiana Queer Collective Volunteer Policy

 Behavior and Criminal Background Checks

 

This policy outlines the expectations for all volunteers at Acadiana Queer Collective (AQC)  regarding behavior and criminal background checks. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in our organization, including volunteers, staff, clients, and beneficiaries.

Volunteer Behavior 

Respect: Treat everyone with respect regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other personal characteristic. This includes staff, clients, other volunteers, and members of the community.

Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor at all times. This includes dressing appropriately, arriving on time for volunteer shifts, and completing assignments with diligence and responsibility.

Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained during your volunteer service. This includes information about clients, staff, and other volunteers.

Safety: Follow all safety guidelines and procedures established by the organization. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), reporting any safety hazards, and adhering to emergency procedures.

Non-discrimination: Do not engage in any form of discrimination or harassment. This includes discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other personal characteristic.

Substance Abuse: Do not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while volunteering.

Social Media: Refrain from posting any information online that could reflect poorly on the organization or its clients. Please refrain from taking photos of minors attending any AQC events. .

Criminal Background Checks

Requirement: Acadiana Queer Collective may require criminal background checks for certain volunteer positions, particularly those that involve working with children, vulnerable adults, or handling sensitive information. 

Review: The organization will review any criminal history information in accordance with applicable laws and with a focus on the nature and relevance of the offense to the specific volunteer position.

Disqualification: A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify you from volunteering. However, the organization may disqualify you from certain positions based on the nature and severity of the offense, the time that has passed since the offense occurred, and any mitigating factors. 

Offenses involving minors will automatically disqualify a volunteer from all volunteer opportunities with Acadiana Queer Collective. 

Reporting Violations

If you observe any violation of this policy, please report it to our executive director or any board member immediately. All reports will be investigated promptly and confidentially.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of this policy may result in termination of your volunteer service.

Disclaimer

This policy is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of all applicable laws and regulations. You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations. 

Acadiana Queer Collective reserves the right to disqualify volunteers at the discretion of the board of directors.

Acadiana Queer Collective reserves the right to update this policy at any time. We will provide notice of any changes to the policy.