Abstract

A volunteer handbook can serve as an important part of orientation and as a convenient reference for members in national and community service. The RSVP/Volunteer Center (RSVP/VC) of Rutland County, Vermont developed a handbook for volunteers that includes topics such as background information, definition of terms, volunteer responsibilities, reporting hours, administrative issues, and accessibility. This effective practice offers the RSVP/VC volunteer handbook in its entirety, allowing program directors to utilize this as an example, with the idea that modifications can be made on a program by program basis. Nan Hart, Program Director of the RSVP/VC of Rutland County submitted the handbook in August of 2002.

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Issue

Providing adequate orientation and reference materials to RSVP volunteers.

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Action

The RSVP/ Volunteer Center Handbook can be used as a template for creating a similar handbook for any RSVP. The handbook includes:

• An introduction by the program director
• Definitions of special projects and volunteer stations
• Volunteer station responsibilities
• Description of volunteer benefits
• Importance of accurately reporting hours
• Grievance procedures
• Insurance coverage
• Handicap accessibility

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Context

The RSVP/Volunteer Center (RSVP/VC) is sponsored by Rutland Mental Health Services, Inc. and is part of the Rutland Community Programs division. Part of the Community Care Network, RSVP/VC is a member of a large family of programs designed to improve the health status of the community, by providing physical and mental health care services. RSVP/VC is also a member of the local United Way.

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Source Documents

Related Practices

• Creating a volunteer handbook

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Related sites

Senior Corps

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