Primary Obligation
The mission of Weston King Neighborhood Center (WKNC) is to provide a safe space where people within our community who are coping with economic and social barriers may come and find support. By volunteering with us you are committing to help preserve that safe space and to provide that support in a respectful manner.
Treat Everyone Respectfully and Fairly
Volunteers have a responsibility to exercise fairness and equality with community members. Favorable treatment should not be provided based on personal ties or background.
The following behaviors are not acceptable for volunteers when dealing with staff, community, or fellow volunteers: Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Ageism, Ableism, Violence, Harassment, and Disrespectful Behavior
Volunteers must tell their staff supervisor about any actions by staff, community members, or other volunteers that they feel fall under the listed behaviors above. This ensures we all have a safe space to share.
Express consent is required from community members before a volunteer is able to touch them, their stuff, or contact anyone on their behalf. Community members are the ones in charge of their life; we are only meant to assist when asked.
Be honest, open, careful and kind.
Policies and Procedures
Volunteers are expected to be on time for shifts they have committed to and to contact WKNC at (416) 241-9898 if running late or unable to make it, as far in advance as possible.
If a volunteer is unable to attend a shift three or more times, then the volunteer opportunity will be given to others who are on the waiting list. Accommodations may be made, but must be asked for in advance or be a part of an unexpected emergency.
Use your position as a volunteer to represent the interests of everyone served by WKNC. Do not use your position for your own personal goals/gains nor for the goals/gains of friends, family and/or supporters.
You will not participate in the following activities while volunteering at the centre: drug use, drinking alcohol, carrying a weapon, and taking anything without express permission from a staff member
Volunteers should come wearing close toed shoes and clothes without any symbols related to violence or hate and be prepared to use the safety equipment (PPE) provided by staff as related to their role (face mask, plastic gloves, hair net, etc.)
Volunteers should protect assets and resources which are in your trust on behalf of WKNC.
Volunteers should take direction from their staff supervisor(s) at all times.
A background check may be completed by WKNC in order to maintain safety for community members. This background check is only to check for violence, sexual assault, or fraud charges. We do not care about misdemeanors, and are open to having conversations with volunteers about past history with the law.
If there is ever a complaint or issue with your staff supervisor please contact our Drop-In Coordinator, either in person or by email at monicap@wknc.ca. If preferable you may also contact our President of the Board of Directors, Barbara, at the email barbaras@wknc.ca. We have a formal complaint process available to ensure concerns are addressed.
If a volunteer does not follow any of the listed requirements for them or general policies, WKNC reserves the right to refuse to work with that volunteer in the future and to ask them to leave a shift early.
Confidential Information
Maintain confidentiality of all information which the board and staff deem to be kept confidential: not sharing information without permission. This can include personal information about staff, community members or volunteers. As well as information about services provided to specific individuals. It can also include financial records, medical information, or other records deemed confidential.
If a volunteer has relevant information that may affect the safety of the drop-in or an individual within it, they must immediately notify supervisor(s) or staff member(s)
