Animal Welfare Professionals

We recently had to dismiss a volunteer who felt all tasks assigned were below them.  They were surprised that they could be "fired" since they were not being paid.

We would like to add language to our volunteer agreement that makes clear that we or they may terminate our relationship at any time.  

Does anyone have existing language to that effect?  I'd love to see samples.  Thanks.

#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

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Johanna Humbert
Michiana Humane Society
Michigan City IN
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Here's our volunteer agreement with notes about dismissal in the second-to-last bullet point:

VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT: 

• I understand WHS prefers at least a 6-month commitment on a regular basis. I can commitment to a consistent schedule as agreed upon with my volunteer coordinator.
• I am 18 years of age or older. If I am volunteering with a child, I am responsible for that child while volunteering.
• I can read and comprehend detailed animal and protocol information as well as follow shelter rules.
• I am able to fulfill all responsibilities of my role independently. I also have the ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures. If not, I will bring someone with me who can help assist.
• I understand the emotional requirements volunteering for an animal shelter and the ability to cope with unexpected animal behavior, highly emotional environment, and recognize WHS policies and positions regarding animal welfare issues.
• I am physically able to fulfill the duties of my volunteer role which may require me to be able to stand, and/or walk for up to 3 hours; and/or be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• I have regular access to the internet and an email account.
• I understand the costs & supply fee of $10 plus tax.
• I agree that I will be placed according to the needs of the organization, animals and my skill set.
• I agree to donate my services to WHS without contemplation of compensation or future employment.
• I agree to attend supplemental and refresher training when it is required.
• I will communicate any job-related problems, concerns, differences of opinion, conflicts or suggestions to the volunteer department staff.
• I understand that as a volunteer, I may gain access to information about WHS, its clients, its animals, its donors and/or staff members which is confidential in nature. I agree to maintain confidentiality and will never disclose any information that is either private and/or personal.
• I understand that WHS reserves the right to remove my volunteer status as a result of the following: mistreatment of an animal, failure to comply with organizational policies and rules, fails to abide to the terms of the volunteer agreement and volunteer policies.
• By submitting my volunteer application, I attest that the information I have provided is accurate and true. I hereby acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to all of the guidelines and agreements discussed above.

We recently had to dismiss a volunteer who felt all tasks assigned were below them.  They were surprised that they could be "fired" since they were not being paid.

We would like to add language to our volunteer agreement that makes clear that we or they may terminate our relationship at any time.  

Does anyone have existing language to that effect?  I'd love to see samples.  Thanks.

#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

------------------------------
Johanna Humbert
Michiana Humane Society
Michigan City IN
------------------------------

Here's our volunteer agreement with notes about dismissal in the second-to-last bullet point:

VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT: 

• I understand WHS prefers at least a 6-month commitment on a regular basis. I can commitment to a consistent schedule as agreed upon with my volunteer coordinator.
• I am 18 years of age or older. If I am volunteering with a child, I am responsible for that child while volunteering.
• I can read and comprehend detailed animal and protocol information as well as follow shelter rules.
• I am able to fulfill all responsibilities of my role independently. I also have the ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures. If not, I will bring someone with me who can help assist.
• I understand the emotional requirements volunteering for an animal shelter and the ability to cope with unexpected animal behavior, highly emotional environment, and recognize WHS policies and positions regarding animal welfare issues.
• I am physically able to fulfill the duties of my volunteer role which may require me to be able to stand, and/or walk for up to 3 hours; and/or be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• I have regular access to the internet and an email account.
• I understand the costs & supply fee of $10 plus tax.
• I agree that I will be placed according to the needs of the organization, animals and my skill set.
• I agree to donate my services to WHS without contemplation of compensation or future employment.
• I agree to attend supplemental and refresher training when it is required.
• I will communicate any job-related problems, concerns, differences of opinion, conflicts or suggestions to the volunteer department staff.
• I understand that as a volunteer, I may gain access to information about WHS, its clients, its animals, its donors and/or staff members which is confidential in nature. I agree to maintain confidentiality and will never disclose any information that is either private and/or personal.
• I understand that WHS reserves the right to remove my volunteer status as a result of the following: mistreatment of an animal, failure to comply with organizational policies and rules, fails to abide to the terms of the volunteer agreement and volunteer policies.
• By submitting my volunteer application, I attest that the information I have provided is accurate and true. I hereby acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to all of the guidelines and agreements discussed above.

We recently had to dismiss a volunteer who felt all tasks assigned were below them.  They were surprised that they could be "fired" since they were not being paid.

We would like to add language to our volunteer agreement that makes clear that we or they may terminate our relationship at any time.  

Does anyone have existing language to that effect?  I'd love to see samples.  Thanks.

#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

------------------------------
Johanna Humbert
Michiana Humane Society
Michigan City IN
------------------------------

We recently had to dismiss a volunteer who felt all tasks assigned were below them.  They were surprised that they could be "fired" since they were not being paid.

We would like to add language to our volunteer agreement that makes clear that we or they may terminate our relationship at any time.  

Does anyone have existing language to that effect?  I'd love to see samples.  Thanks.

We recently had to dismiss a volunteer who felt all tasks assigned were below them.  They were surprised that they could be "fired" since they were not being paid.

We would like to add language to our volunteer agreement that makes clear that we or they may terminate our relationship at any time.  

Does anyone have existing language to that effect?  I'd love to see samples.  Thanks.

We recently had to dismiss a volunteer who felt all tasks assigned were below them.  They were surprised that they could be "fired" since they were not being paid.

We would like to add language to our volunteer agreement that makes clear that we or they may terminate our relationship at any time.  

Does anyone have existing language to that effect?  I'd love to see samples.  Thanks.

We recently had to dismiss a volunteer who felt all tasks assigned were below them.  They were surprised that they could be "fired" since they were not being paid.

We would like to add language to our volunteer agreement that makes clear that we or they may terminate our relationship at any time.  

Does anyone have existing language to that effect?  I'd love to see samples.  Thanks.