Volunteer Policies and Procedures

The International Bipolar Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder through research; to promote care and support resources for individuals and caregivers; and to erase stigma through education.

As a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on the support and dedication of volunteers for our programs. Whether you are interested in lending a hand for our special events, advocating for mental health issues, providing administrative support, presenting educational programs, we are delighted to have you apart of our organization.

1.1 Purpose and Scope of Volunteer Policies

The purpose of these policies is to provide overall guidance and direction to management, staff, and volunteers. These policies are intended for internal management guidance only. They do not constitute, either implicitly or explicitly, a binding contractual or personnel agreement.

1.2 Volunteer Standards and Responsibilities

Volunteers represent a valuable resource for International Bipolar Foundation and their staff. Volunteers should be given meaningful assignments and effective direction, and be recognized for work done. In return, volunteers should actively perform their duties to the best of their abilities, volunteer at their assigned times, and remain loyal to the mission and procedures of International Bipolar Foundation.

Volunteer Management Procedures

2.1 Maintenance of Records

A system of records should be maintained on each volunteer with International Bipolar Foundation, including dates of service, assignments held, and duties performed.

Volunteer records shall be accorded the same confidentiality as staff personnel records.

2.2 Conflict of Interest

No person who has a conflict of interest with any activity or program of the foundation, shall be accepted or be allowed to continue to serve as a volunteer with the foundation.

2.3 Representative of the Foundation

Volunteers must seek prior consultation and approval from appropriate staff prior to any action or statement, which might affect or obligate the foundation. These actions may include, but are not limited to, public statements to the press, coalition or lobbying efforts with other organizations, or any agreements involving contractual or other financial obligations.

2.4 Confidentiality

Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all appropriate or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as volunteers, whether this information involves staff, volunteers, or other persons, or involves overall foundation business.

Failure to maintain confidentiality could result in ending the volunteer’s relationship with the foundation.

2.5 Dress Code

As representatives of International Bipolar Foundation, volunteers are responsible for presenting a good image. Volunteers shall dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of their duties. If issued a nametag, volunteers are required to wear it while they are working on their volunteer assignment.

2.6 Risk Management/Safety

The safety of volunteers is important to the foundation. Volunteer supervisors are expected to comply with federal and state regulations for training and protective equipment. Volunteers who are injured or who are involved in an accident during their volunteer assignment must report the accident immediately to their supervisor.

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