Volunteer Guidelines
Volunteers are valued at YSM, and function as highly visible role models within our community. YSM volunteers serve those living in poverty in Toronto, partnering with them to work for peace, dignity and justice. As caregivers, volunteers hold positions of trust and influence. We ask volunteers to read, understand and respect these guidelines to ensure that they use their influence wisely.
Our Commitment to Volunteers
Volunteers are treated with respect, courtesy and goodwill in a positive environment; are given assignments based on their capabilities and interests; are given clearly defined roles; receive appropriate orientation, regular feedback, adequate training and support as required to enable them to perform the tasks they are assigned.
Volunteers will be presented with the YSM Child Protection Policy, and those who volunteer on a regular basis will be trained in the YSM Child Protection Policy.
Community Member Volunteers must:
- Treat community members, staff and other volunteers with respect and dignity, and refrain from doing or saying anything to make those at the Mission feel badly.
- Not judge others on the basis of race, culture, religion, economic status, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, family, marital status or social condition.
- Respect people who have different beliefs, lifestyles and cultures. YSM recognizes that volunteers may have different beliefs, and asks that they respect others’ beliefs, while honouring YSM’s Christian values.
- Hold in confidence any information learned about YSM, community members or others. Volunteers must not reveal any information to anyone outside of the Mission (except when legally required) and only share information under the direction of their staff supervisor.
- Abstain from using alcohol or illegal drugs. Using illegal drugs or drinking alcohol with community members is strictly prohibited.
- Not take part in activities that may be interpreted as benefitting them at the expense of a community member, including romantic involvement. If a volunteer is dating another volunteer or community member, he or she must tell their staff supervisor so that the Director of Volunteer Resources can find another position for them if needed.
- Not meet with community members at non-YSM events or locations. Volunteers should never give out personal contact information, gifts or money to members of the community.
Yonge Street Mission Volunteers should:
- Arrive on time for shifts and training sessions, and notify supervisors if they will be late or away.
- Ask for help from staff when needed, and go to their supervisor with any questions or concerns.
- Respect and honour YSM’s Christian identity and purpose. Some positions require volunteers to sign YSM’s Statement of Faith.
- Ask their supervisor before using YSM equipment or facilities.
- Understand that there is a 6-month probation period for each position. Volunteers should also understand that the volunteer’s relationship with YSM can be terminated at any time by either the volunteer or YSM, and that volunteering with YSM is not a contract of employment.