19:29
Volunteering – General Orientation Workshop
City of Markham
Overview
This video provides a general orientation for new volunteers with the City of Markham. It outlines the importance of volunteering, the opportunities available, and what volunteers can expect from the city. The orientation also details volunteer rights and responsibilities, codes of conduct, and essential policies regarding customer service, safety, and accessibility. The goal is to equip volunteers with the knowledge and understanding needed for a positive and impactful experience contributing to the community.
How was this?
Save this permanently with flashcards, quizzes, and AI chat
Chapters
- Volunteering is a fundamental act of citizenship and philanthropy, involving a free commitment of time, energy, and skills to enrich the community.
- The City of Markham offers diverse volunteer opportunities across various sectors like arts, sports, environment, libraries, and special events.
- Volunteering provides personal benefits including skill development (leadership, communication), social connections, and the chance to make a positive community impact.
- The City commits to providing volunteers with a challenging, safe, and supportive experience, valuing their input and offering feedback.
Understanding the value and scope of volunteering with the City of Markham sets the foundation for a meaningful experience and clarifies the mutual benefits for both the volunteer and the community.
Keith Ikin Logan shares his decade-long rewarding experience volunteering with the City of Markham, starting with tree planting and progressing to running the staging and entertainment committee for the Markham Children's Festival, highlighting personal growth and community impact.
- Volunteers have the right to feel safe, receive accurate information about their role and the city, be assigned appropriately based on skills, and receive necessary training.
- Volunteers have the right to feel valued, be part of an inclusive environment, receive support, feel comfortable saying no, be informed of decisions affecting their role, and report grievances without fear.
- Volunteers agree to display respect, professionalism, and act as positive role models representing the City of Markham.
- Key responsibilities include upholding city values and policies, maintaining confidentiality, fostering a positive environment, fulfilling duties promptly, and reporting hazards or injuries.
Clearly defining rights and responsibilities ensures a respectful, productive, and safe environment for volunteers, fostering mutual trust and accountability.
Volunteers have the right to report a grievance without threat of reprimand, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.
- Volunteers represent the City of Markham and are expected to maintain a positive and professional image, adhering to customer service standards.
- Site-specific training, including role orientation and emergency procedures, is provided, and volunteers should check in before their first shift.
- Specific dress code policies are in place, and volunteers must not transport participants in their vehicles; media inquiries should always be referred to a supervisor.
- In emergencies, volunteers must alert supervisors and call 9-1-1 if necessary, but should not attempt to handle emergencies independently.
Adhering to established policies and procedures ensures consistent service delivery, safety, and appropriate conduct, protecting both volunteers and the community.
If a media representative arrives, volunteers must immediately refer them to their supervisor, as volunteers are not authorized to speak to the media.
- Volunteers must contribute to a positive and inclusive environment, refraining from discrimination, harassment, or violence.
- Discrimination includes unequal treatment based on protected grounds like race, gender, age, or disability; harassment involves unwelcome conduct; violence includes physical force or threats.
- Volunteers have the right to a safe environment free from discrimination, harassment, or violence and have the responsibility to report such incidents immediately.
- Health and safety are paramount; volunteers have the right to know about hazards, participate in safety efforts, and refuse unsafe work, while also being responsible for following safety policies and reporting hazards.
Creating a culture of respect and prioritizing health and safety are crucial for volunteer well-being and ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.
Volunteers have the right to refuse to do anything they believe is unsafe, such as operating machinery without proper training or in hazardous conditions.
- The City of Markham is committed to providing accessible services to all residents, including those with disabilities, as mandated by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
- Key principles for accessible customer service include asking before helping, listening attentively, speaking directly to the person, and knowing available accommodations.
- Specific communication strategies are provided for individuals with hearing or vision loss, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
- Volunteers should be mindful of assistive devices, service animals, and support persons, always treating individuals with respect and dignity.
Understanding and implementing accessibility best practices ensures that all community members, regardless of ability, can fully participate in and benefit from Markham's programs and services.
When assisting someone with a vision impairment, volunteers should identify themselves upon approach, speak directly to the individual, and offer their elbow for guidance if needed, rather than assuming their needs.
Key takeaways
- Volunteering is a reciprocal act that benefits both the community and the individual by fostering civic engagement and personal growth.
- Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer is crucial for a safe, respectful, and productive experience.
- Adherence to city policies, including those on conduct, safety, and emergency procedures, is essential for representing the City of Markham professionally.
- Creating an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment is a shared responsibility among all volunteers and staff.
- Prioritizing health and safety by recognizing hazards and following procedures protects yourself and others.
- Providing accessible customer service requires empathy, clear communication, and a willingness to accommodate diverse needs.
- Volunteering is an ongoing commitment that enriches lives and strengthens the community fabric.
Key terms
VolunteeringCitizenshipPhilanthropyVolunteer RightsVolunteer ResponsibilitiesCode of ConductCustomer ServiceSite-Specific TrainingEmergency ProceduresDiscriminationHarassmentViolenceHealth and SafetyDue DiligenceAccessibilityAODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)Assistive DevicesService AnimalsSupport Person
Test your understanding
- What are the primary benefits of volunteering for both the individual and the community?
- How do the defined volunteer rights protect individuals and ensure a positive volunteering experience?
- What are the core components of the volunteer code of conduct, and why are they important for representing the City of Markham?
- Describe the steps a volunteer should take in an emergency situation according to the orientation.
- How can volunteers ensure they are providing accessible customer service to individuals with diverse needs?