MAKE A DIFFERENCE - WISCONSIN Dear Friend, Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with Make A Difference - Wisconsin. I am very proud of this organization and all we ve accomplished since 2006, when I founded. My hope was to make this world and our community better by giving high school students (and their families) the knowledge to make better informed financial decisions. It is an absolute certainty that individuals and families on sound financial footings can and do strengthen the community. To make this happen, s mission is to provide financial literacy programs and resources to students. This mission can be accomplished only through the dedicated service of people such as you volunteers who share our commitment to helping youth build stronger futures. By presenting s effective financial literacy program, our volunteers make a real difference in the lives of the students they teach. In turn, our programs make a real difference to our volunteers! We re told that participating in s vital program contributes to professional development, presentation skills and knowledge of today s educational environment. More importantly, being involved in this service opportunity brings immeasurable satisfaction from knowing the messages you ve shared will influence young men and women for years and years to come. Our board of directors and staff are committed to ensuring our program is a successful experience for both volunteers and students. We know we have the formula for success: trained and enthusiastic volunteers an excellent program a dedicated staff to manage the program and support volunteers It s a formula that will, indeed, Make A Difference, in our community. Thank you for volunteering to be a part of this important work. Very sincerely, Lloyd Levin Founder and Past President of the Make A Difference Wisconsin
2 MAKE A DIFFERENCE - WISCONSIN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS INTRODUCTION has developed this Volunteer Management Policy and Procedure Manual (Manual) as a general reference for our volunteers. We ask you to read it before you begin your service with Make A Difference - Wisconsin and to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We want this volunteer experience to be a rewarding one for you as well as for the students you teach. Volunteers such as you are vital to carrying out our mission of providing financial literacy education that enables students and their families to make sound financial decisions. Every academic year, engages volunteers from the local business and professional communities to deliver hundreds of our program seminars to thousands of students. Quite simply, could not achieve our program goals without you and others who give their time, enthusiasm and commitment to this mission! is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization governed by a. A small staff led by the Executive Director provides leadership, coordination and oversight of all operations. Recruiting, training, placing and supporting volunteers are among their primary responsibilities. The staff also recruits schools to participate in the program, coordinates fund development activities and carries out the organization s business functions. Policies and procedures regarding volunteer involvement may change from time to time. strives to keep all volunteers apprised of these changes and to provide revisions to this Manual promptly to all active volunteers. Again, if you have any questions as you read this Manual, please contact the Program Manager or the Executive Director. After review, please indicate on the last page your acceptance and understanding of the Manual as the first step in your rewarding and worthwhile volunteer service with.
3 PROGRAM SUMMARY Studies show that U.S. teens are graduating from high school without solid financial management skills. The lure of credit card offers and check-cashing stores, combined with a lack of money management education, sets many up for financial crises that can last a lifetime. Make A Difference Wisconsin s volunteer instructors and staff strive to change that by delivering financial literacy programs to high school students. We partner with schools and educators to enable our trained volunteers to deliver Make A Difference Wisconsin s curriculum. The program consists of a series of seminars focused on: budgeting and saving understanding checking accounts understanding credit cards, credit history/scores, and credit reports. We provide each volunteer with the training, the curriculum and the materials required; we also establish the connection between you and the classroom teacher. You engage with students directly in delivery of the program, as you share your unique perspective, accounts of your personal and professional experiences and the invaluable benefit of your insights. HOW BEING A MAKE A DIFFERENCE WISCONSIN VOLUNTEER WORKS In general, a volunteer is defined as anyone who performs a task at the direction of and on behalf of an agency, without compensation or expectation of compensation. While volunteers are active in in several capacities, the primary role is that of Volunteer Instructor. SEE VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION (APPENDIX 1) 1. Recruitment, Application and Approval recruits volunteers who meet our qualifications through a variety of avenues, without regard for gender, race, or other condition.
4 Anyone interested in volunteering begins the process by completing an application. If you re reviewing this Manual, you may have already done so. If not, please go to: http://www.makeadifferencewisconsin.org/volunteers/instructorapplication-form Because s programs are delivered to school-aged youth, all volunteers agree to submit to a comprehensive background check, including a criminal record check and sexual predator clearing. Additional references may be requested. reserves the right to refuse acceptance of volunteers based on findings of any past or current behaviors. When your application is approved, you are notified and asked to review this Volunteer Policy and Procedure Manual. After reading this Manual and talking with a member of the staff about any questions you may have, indicate your understanding and acceptance of the Manual s contents on the last page. Now you re ready to begin this rewarding experience by training to become a Volunteer Instructor. 2. Training Volunteer orientation and training sessions are provided at least twice annually in group sessions. In addition, training is available online on our website. The training includes an overview of the curriculum, the Prezi presentations you ll use in the program, and we provide information about what to expect in the classroom. There is also an extensive Resource Library with best practice videos and classroom demonstrations created by our seasoned volunteers. When you have completed the group training, or when you notify the Make A Difference - Wisconsin office that you have worked through the online training, you are ready to present your first seminar! Special notes: The number of requests for programs varies during the school year; therefore, there may be a lag between the time when you complete your training and when you receive a request to present a program.
5 Even after you complete the training and perhaps have taught one or more programs, you re always welcome at a group training program to review and refresh your skills. 3. Scheduling staff members develop relationships with schools to generate interest in our program and gain permission for it to be delivered. Because class period times and teachers lesson plans vary from situation to situation, scheduling is flexible. When has arranged for programs to be presented, trained volunteer instructors are contacted regarding their availability. works diligently to match volunteers with appropriate classrooms to maximize the benefit and enjoyment of everyone involved. Matches are made based on times and days that are convenient for you, your preferences about the location of the school and its proximity to your work or home, the type of class you prefer, the classroom dynamic and other considerations. When you accept an assignment, you receive detailed school information: Name and address of school and classroom number Where to park and where to enter the school Contact information for the classroom teacher The number of students in the class and the personality of the class Depending on the teacher s scheduling requirements and flexibility, some volunteers are asked to contact the teacher to determine the presentation schedule. Other volunteers are informed of a pre-determined schedule and offered the opportunity to accept a specific assignment. (Note: Many of our partner teachers are teaching multiple sections and need to have all volunteers scheduled on the same dates.) The entire presentation takes approximately 4.5 hours; however, a single class period may allow between 45 and 90 minutes of instruction, so the number of visits needed for a complete presentation will vary from situation to situation. Generally, between three and six visits are required to complete the program presentation.
6 sends all the materials needed for the presentation directly to you via Bonded Transportation Solutions. All volunteer instructors are provided with contact information for staff members; you are encouraged to ask questions and share concerns with them. 4. Reporting Volunteers distribute and collect pre- and post-program surveys and evaluation forms throughout the program. After you have presented the entire program, you are asked to contact the Volunteer Coordinator to arrange for these materials to be picked up. Any leftover handouts are also returned at that time for use in another classroom. QUALIFICATIONS To be a volunteer instructor, you must: Be at least 18 years old. Hold a high school diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency Diploma. Possess professional demeanor, appearance and language skills. Be available to deliver the program on week days during hours schools are in session. Commit to deliver the program in its entirety, either alone or with a partner, at least one time. Agree to review classroom materials thoroughly and be familiar with the content before entering the classroom. Have access to transportation from home or place of employment to the assigned school. Possess basic computer skills and the ability to operate the Prezi presentations we ve prepared as part of the curriculum. Be able to carry at least 5 pounds and to climb stairs at schools. Have confidence in your public speaking skills.
7 Feel comfortable when interacting with youth. Be fluent in English; however, we do receive requests for programs delivered in other languages, so please let us know if you are fluent in any language in addition to English. Note that financial expertise is not required. The lesson plans, curriculum, course materials and training are all provided by. RESPONSIBILITIES OF VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS We ask our volunteer instructors to: Provide with current contact and availability information and respond promptly to the update request sends to all volunteers annually. Respond by phone or email to the office within 3 business days after being contacted regarding your availability for an assignment. The program will be offered to another volunteer if we do not hear from you within 3 business days. Accept assignments only if you are reasonably certain you will be available and able to keep your commitment. In cases when the presentation schedule has not been arranged in advance, contact the classroom teacher to do so when you accept an assignment. Once a program is assigned to you, contact the Make A Difference - Wisconsin office and the classroom teacher in the event of an emergency that prevents you from completing the assignment as scheduled. Follow the standards of conduct articulated by the school and/or teacher. Attempt to resolve any concerns involving the classroom situation with the classroom teacher.
8 Promptly report any unresolved concern involving the class, classroom teacher or other issue to the Make A Difference - Wisconsin office so it can be resolved. Distribute, collect and review student evaluations. Arrange to submit student evaluations, the post-program information forms and unused program materials to Make A Difference - Wisconsin within 2 weeks of completing the program. Abide by Make A Difference Wisconsin s Confidentiality Policy and Anti-Harassment Policy. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MAKE A DIFFERENCE - WISCONSIN Volunteers are a valuable resource to and the students it serves. Volunteers who meet the criteria for placement have the right to meaningful assignments, effective supervision, and recognition for their work. Therefore, staff provides: A proven and effective program that is kept current, relevant and engaging for students. Effective training that is adapted periodically. Regular communication with our volunteers, including: Periodic newsletters Regular email messages from the Program Manager Special communications as needed All curriculum materials you need for the classroom presentation, including Prezi presentations. Current contact information so you can reach Make A Difference - Wisconsin staff with questions or concerns. Information necessary for you to establish contact with classroom teachers. Feedback from teachers regarding presentations, whenever it is communicated to.
9 Whenever possible, provide observation and presentation feedback upon your request. Prompt response by staff to any concerns that you cannot readily resolve with a classroom teacher or school. Staff available to provide support in your volunteer service. Recognition through our newsletter and at an Annual Appreciation event. Tracking and verification, upon request, of your service hours. CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves staff, other volunteers, students, teachers or any other business. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer s relationship with the agency or other corrective action. ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY does not tolerate harassment directed at an employee, volunteer, program participant, program partner, collaborating partner or vendor, whether sexual harassment or harassment, because of his/her race, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected classification as specified by local, state or federal law. If a volunteer is accused of harassment of a student, teacher, another volunteer or staff member, the volunteer is not allowed to participate in any Make A Difference - Wisconsin activity or program, pending investigation. If the accusation is upheld, the volunteer is dismissed immediately from any service on behalf of, or in connection with,. CULTURAL SENSITIVITY POLICY recognizes the diversity of the students we reach with our programs, as well as the diversity of volunteers, staff, teachers, administrators, program partners and collaborators. This includes diversity in race, culture, gender and sexual orientation.
, recognizing that such diversity is enriching, asks volunteers to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all settings: training, program presentations, recognition events and any other activity. This includes, but is not limited to: 10 Refraining from using language that could be considered derogatory. Using care in selecting examples of personal experiences to share and avoiding those that might be interpreted to be demeaning to any racial, ethnic, gender or sexual orientation group. Engaging in any other behavior or conversation that is hurtful or insulting to any group. In most cases, if it comes to the attention of staff that a volunteer has violated the intent of this policy, Make A Difference - Wisconsin will endeavor to discuss the situation with, and provide coaching to the volunteer in order to avoid a future occurrence. In the event the incident demonstrates egregious insensitivity or the volunteer continues to exhibit such behavior, then the volunteer will not be allowed to continue presenting Make A Difference - Wisconsin programs. SERVICE AT THE DISCRETION OF MAKE A DIFFERENCE - WISCONSIN accepts the service of volunteers with the understanding that they serve at the sole discretion of the organization which may, at any time for any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer s relationship with. Similarly, volunteers may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to end their relationship with the agency. A volunteer may be removed from active service as a volunteer instructor for reasons including, but not limited to: Being unprepared for a classroom presentation. Failing to appear at the school as scheduled without notifying the school and/or the office in advance. Displaying signs of being under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances when at a school. Violating s Confidentiality Policy. Violating s Anti-Harassment policy.
11 Failing to follow the standards of conduct articulated by the school and/or classroom teacher.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM VOLUNTEER POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL 12 I have read the Volunteer Policy and Procedure Manual and understand its contents regarding serving as a Volunteer Instructor. I acknowledge that I understand and accept the contents of the Manual. I understand that may change the contents of this Manual at any time, with or without prior knowledge, and that such revisions will supersede, modify or eliminate existing information and policies. By checking the box provided on the online volunteer application form in lieu of signature, I acknowledge the acceptance and understanding of the policies and procedures outlined in s volunteer Policy and Procedure Manual.
13 Appendix 1 MAKE A DIFFERENCE - WISCONSIN JOB DESCRIPTION: VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTOR PURPOSE FOR POSITION: The mission of is to provide financial literacy programs and resources that empower high school students to make sound financial decisions. partners with educators across Wisconsin to arrange for Volunteer Instructors to present s financial literacy programming to youth in our community. DUTIES: The Volunteer Instructor, after his/her application is accepted, must complete Make A Difference - Wisconsin s training program. The Volunteer Instructor is then matched periodically with classrooms to deliver the program. The program consists of three two-part seminars that are presented in a series of visits (generally between three and six). In some cases, the schedule for delivery is arranged by the classroom teacher and Volunteer Instructor assigned to deliver that program. In most situations, the schedule is determined before the Volunteer Instructor is contacted about presenting the program. QUALIFICATIONS: A Volunteer Instructor must: be at least 18 years of age; hold a high school diploma (or equivalent); be available during school hours; have access to transportation to the school; possess basic computer skills, including the use of our prepared Prezi presentations; have solid public speaking skills, in English; present him/herself professionally and comfortably to youth; be able to carry 5 pounds and climb stairs. The Volunteer Instructor is expected to review classroom materials thoroughly and be familiar with the content before entering the classroom. LENGTH OF COMMITMENT: A Volunteer Instructor commits to deliver the program in its entirety, either alone or with a partner, at least one time. DAYS/TIMES REQUIRED: Most presentations are scheduled during school hours and within the academic year. BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER: Professional development, enhanced presentation skills, knowledge, opportunity to share information and life lessons, and satisfaction in preparing youth for the future.