As a volunteer or intern, you play an important role in creating a supportive environment. To make sure everything runs smoothly, there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind.

First, limit phone use. Phones should stay out of sight unless you’re using Google Translate or it’s an emergency. Let’s keep our attention focused on the students.

Second, respect boundaries. You are not allowed to interact with students on social media, WhatsApp, or by phone. If a student persists in asking for your contact details, notify a staff member.

Next, never be alone with a student. Always stay with your assigned group, and encourage students to use single-use bathrooms near the classrooms.

To respect students' privacy, photography is not allowed.

Your role is to assist, not take over. If you're not directly helping, step back and allow the students to take the lead.

Don’t leave your group. If you need to step away for any reason, make sure a staff member is there to stay with the students.

And finally, engage with students. Don’t be distracted or have side conversations with other volunteers. Your active participation helps create a more focused and interactive learning environment.

If a student asks to get your phone number or social media accounts, what do you do ? 

As a volunteer or intern, you play an important role in creating a supportive environment. To make sure everything runs smoothly, there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind.

First, limit phone use. Phones should stay out of sight unless you’re using it for educational purposes like Google Translate or it’s an emergency. Let’s keep our attention focused on the students.

Second, respect boundaries. Volunteers and interns are not allowed to interact with students on social media, WhatsApp, or by phone. Please do not voluntarily give students a way to contact you. If a student persists in asking for your contact details, notify a staff member. 

Next, never be alone with a student. Always stay with your assigned group, and encourage students to use single-use bathrooms near the classrooms.

To protect the privacy of our students, photography and videography by interns and volunteers is not permitted. If you are representing an organization, event, or volunteer group and would like photos taken, please speak with Kim Bogart to ensure that all photography is handled appropriately and with the necessary permissions.

Your role is to assist, not take over. If you're not directly helping, step back and allow the students to take the lead.

Don’t leave your group. If you need to step away for any reason, make sure a staff member is there to stay with the students.

And finally, engage with students. Don’t be distracted or have side conversations with other volunteers. Your active participation helps create a more focused and interactive learning environment.

If you need to leave immediately for an emergency, what should you do? 

At Kim’s Open Door, we have the honor of working with a beautifully diverse group of children many of whom are refugees, immigrants, or part of vulnerable communities. Most have had to flee their home countries due to war, persecution, famine, or violence.

On our campus, you’ll have the privilege of working with students who speak multiple languages and are actively learning English.

Today, I want to share a few simple tips to help you connect and communicate effectively with ESOL students English learners from around the world.

First, speak clearly and at a steady pace not louder, just slower. Use simple, everyday words and short sentences. Try to avoid slang or idioms that may be confusing.

Next, use gestures, pictures, and demonstrations to support what you're saying. Many ESOL students are visual learners so showing, not just telling, goes a long way.

Be patient. Give students time to process and respond. Don’t rush to finish their sentences or finish their sentence for them.Remember effort matters more than perfection.

Lastly, we discourage the use of phones only if it's necessary. Google translate is a great tool to use for students who are learning English. 

What is the definition of a refugee?

We serve children from all over the world! This means every student that comes on our campus is diverse and unique, coming from possibly traumatic backgrounds. We set a high standard for all interns, volunteer and staff members to be welcoming and accepting. We do this in a few ways. 

Dress Code

Many of our students come from conservative religious backgrounds, and some may have never seen a woman without a hijab. Out of respect for their values and cultural sensitivities, we ask all volunteers and interns to dress modestly while serving with Kim's Open Door.

The following clothing items are not permitted while volunteering or interning:

• Crop tops

• Short shorts

• Low-cut or tight-fitting tops

If you choose to wear leggings, please wear a long top or tie something around your waist to ensure appropriate coverage.

Remember, you are here to serve children. If your outfit is distracting or prevents you from fully participating in activities, you may be asked to change or leave for the day.

Physical Contact
To ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students, physical contact must be limited. Volunteers and interns should not initiate or request hugs, hand-holding, or lap-sitting. If a student initiates a high five, you may reciprocate. However, be mindful that not all students are comfortable with physical interaction. Always respect personal boundaries.

Religious Views

At Kim’s Open Door, we believe that all people are created in the image of God. While we offer a variety of educational programs, we also provide faith-based opportunities where students are invited to explore biblical beliefs in a respectful and inclusive environment.

We are committed to honoring each student’s background and never shame or pressure anyone for their personal beliefs. As a volunteer, we ask that you approach every interaction with kindness, respect, and cultural sensitivity, recognizing and valuing the diversity of the communities we serve. Your role is to support our staff as we work to build deep, meaningful relationships with the families entrusted to our care.

Why is dress code important while volunteering at Kim's Open Door?

To help guide your time with us, we’ve put together an easy-to-remember acronym: NERF. WISH is also an important acronym to remember at your time. 

W - stands for welcoming! You are now the hands and feet of Kim’s Open Door, and it’s up to you to create a welcoming atmosphere. Always greet students with a smile, a high-five, or a fist bump. Your energy sets the tone for their entire experience.

Next is I, which stands for Interactive. Research shows that kids remember 10% of what they hear but 90% of what they experience. So, the more hands-on and interactive we can be, the more memorable their time here will be.

When you're present, be fully engaged. That means no phones—put them away! If a teacher asks the students to march in place, lead by example! You’ll not only help the students stay engaged, but you’ll have a lot more fun yourself, too.

Being interactive is all about making the experience fun and impactful for the students. When you’re involved, it makes their learning stick and creates memories they’ll carry with them.

Next, we have S for Safety. The safety of our students is always our top priority. This means staying alert, following safety protocols, and always being ready to support students in creating a safe and secure environment.

Safety is non-negotiable. We trust that you’ll do everything you can to help maintain a secure environment for everyone.

Finally, H stands for High Energy. Our students often tell us that Kim’s Open Door is their ‘favorite place on the planet,’ and many of them say that one of our events was the best day of their lives!

To make every experience unforgettable, bring high energy! When you show up excited and ready to help, you’ll inspire students to match your enthusiasm, making their day truly magical. 

How will you implement the I in WISH?

Your commitment is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children is very appreciated!

Your presence brings more than just help. It brings hope, belonging, and a sense of stability to children who have experienced incredible challenges. You are now part of their story, and your role as a volunteer is vital in shaping their experience. Every interaction matters, and your impact is greater than you may ever realize.

At Kim’s Open Door, we believe you are just as important as the children we serve. We’re honored to walk alongside you during this season and want to see you grow just as much as the students do.

Our hope is that you leave here even more equipped for what’s next, whether that’s school, work, or leadership opportunities. If we can support you with a letter of recommendation for college, a job, or another opportunity, don’t hesitate to ask.

Through this experience, you’ll develop skills that will stay with you for life. Compassion, communication, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding.

Thank you for choosing to serve. We’re so glad you’re here!

By signing this document, you confirm that you have watched all training videos, read all related descriptions, and answered each question to the best of your ability. You have been successfully been trained on Kim's Open Door volunteer and intern expectations and rules. You also hereby agree to follow the rules and standards set by Kim's Open Door. Failure to comply with the training policies and organizational rules may result in disqualification from volunteering or interning with Kim's Open Door.