Legal Issues Surrounding the Use of Volunteers

Volunteer Status

One of the most important legal issues surrounding the use of volunteers is their status. Volunteers are generally not considered employees, which means that they are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as employees. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, volunteers who are injured while volunteering may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, volunteers who are discriminated against on the basis of a protected characteristic, such as race, religion, or gender, may have legal recourse.

Liability

Another important legal issue is the liability of volunteers. Volunteers are generally not personally liable for their actions while volunteering, but the organization that they are volunteering for may be liable. This is why it is important for organizations to have adequate liability insurance in place.

Confidentiality

Volunteers who work with sensitive information, such as medical or financial information, have a duty to keep that information confidential. This duty continues even after the volunteer stops volunteering.

Other Legal Issues

There are a number of other legal issues that organizations should be aware of when using volunteers. For example, organizations should have policies in place to address issues such as:

• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Sexual abuse
• Background checks
• Training
• Supervision

Tips for Managing Legal Risks

Organizations can reduce their legal risks by taking the following steps:

• Develop and implement written policies and procedures for volunteers.
• Train volunteers on the organization’s policies and procedures, as well as their legal rights and responsibilities.
• Conduct background checks on volunteers who will be working with vulnerable populations.
• Supervise volunteers appropriately.
• Provide volunteers with adequate training and support.
• Have adequate liability insurance in place.

Incorporating Volunteers in Emergency Response Situations

Volunteers can play a vital role in emergency response situations. They can help with tasks such as:

• Search and rescue
• Evacuation
• Sheltering
• Feeding
• Medical care
• Debris removal
• Emotional support

Challenges

There are a number of challenges associated with incorporating volunteers into emergency response situations. One challenge is that volunteers may not be properly trained or equipped. Another challenge is that volunteers may not be familiar with the emergency response system.

Tips for Incorporating Volunteers Effectively

Organizations can incorporate volunteers effectively by taking the following steps:

• Develop a plan for how volunteers will be used.
• Identify the tasks that volunteers can perform safely and effectively.
• Provide volunteers with adequate training and support.
• Match volunteers’ skills and experience with the tasks that need to be done.
• Supervise volunteers appropriately.
• Integrate volunteers into the emergency response team.

Utilizing Volunteers for Organizational Fund Raising

Volunteers can play a vital role in organizational fund raising. They can help with tasks such as:

• Planning and organizing fund raising events
• Promoting the organization and its mission
• Soliciting donations from individuals and businesses
• Managing donor relationships

Challenges

One challenge of utilizing volunteers for fund raising is that it can be difficult to find volunteers with the necessary skills and experience. Another challenge is that volunteers may not be motivated to raise money for the organization.

Tips for Utilizing Volunteers Effectively

Organizations can utilize volunteers for fund raising effectively by taking the following steps:

• Recruit volunteers who are passionate about the organization and its mission.
• Provide volunteers with adequate training and support.
• Give volunteers clear goals and expectations.
• Recognize and reward volunteers for their efforts.

Disciplining Volunteers Well

Disciplining volunteers can be a delicate matter. It is important to be fair and consistent, but it is also important to be respectful and understanding.

Tips for Disciplining Volunteers Well

Organizations can discipline volunteers well by taking the following steps:

• Document the volunteer’s performance issues.
• Meet with the volunteer to discuss the performance issues and give the volunteer an opportunity to improve.
• If the volunteer does not improve, the organization may need to take disciplinary action, such as suspending or terminating the volunteer’s relationship with the organization.
• It is important to be clear and consistent with the disciplinary action.
• It is also important to be respectful and understanding of the volunteer.

Evaluating Volunteer Performance in a Meaningful Way

Evaluating volunteer performance is important for a number of reasons. It can help organizations to:

• Identify volunteers who are performing well and who may be eligible for additional responsibilities or opportunities.
• Identify volunteers who need additional training or support.
• Make decisions about which volunteers to retain and which volunteers to let go.
• Improve the overall performance of the volunteer program