Please review the following guidelines for expected behavior and sign the electronic agreement at the bottom.
Mission: The mission of Nelson Mandela Elementary is to provide quality instruction that demonstrates ALL scholars can learn and develop academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. Nelson Mandela Elementary is committed to maximizing the educational success of all scholars and bridging the learning and achievement gaps.
Recording Volunteer Hours: Upon acceptance to the program, alumni volunteers can track their hours using the website https://omandela.galaxydigital.com/or the app Cause Connect. These hours can be used to fulfill service requirements for outside organizations, on a resume for a job application, and/or as community engagement hours for a sibling attending the school.
Confidentiality: It is important that volunteers be discreet in sharing information regarding the children and their parents in public areas. Names and identifying characteristics of children and families should not be shared with anyone other than team members working in the classroom and the principal. Confidentiality is also expected and required when grievances arise; volunteers are asked to not discuss issues with individuals not directly related to the situation. Volunteers should also be careful in discussing details of the center operation, particularly problem areas, with others in public. Volunteers may not distribute or post children’s last names, address, phone numbers, etc. with the exception of distribution to Nelson Mandela employees. Personal information should never be used for personal purposes.
Dress Code: Mandela implements a casual, yet professional dress code and makes no distinction or preferences based on gendered clothing. Any clothing may be worn (with the exception of any visible rips, tears, substance use messaging, or profanity). Many of the tasks assigned to our volunteers involve a physical aspect; volunteers should be comfortable and prepared to move and spend a lot of time on their feet.We also would like to remind our volunteers that our scholars will look up to them; we ask for all clothing choices to reflect that. Unless considered a safety hazard, choices about the following are left to individual volunteers’ judgment: Haircut, style, and color • Tattoos, piercings, and other body art • Religious & culture-specific attire & jewelry.
Drug/Alcohol/Weapons Policy: The Nelson Mandela Campus is a substance free environment. NME does not tolerate use or possession of any substances on its premises. Violation of this policy will result in termination from volunteering. Nelson Mandela Elementary prohibits the possession, carrying and/or use of any types of firearms or weapons on NMC property. This prohibition includes any concealed weapons. For the purpose of this policy, NME property includes buildings, classrooms, offices, grounds, grass and sidewalk areas, personal vehicles used for NME business, and other places where NME business is being conducted. Violation of this policy will result in termination from volunteering.
Emergency Exits/Procedures: Emergency Exits are labeled throughout the building. In case of emergency or severe weather, signs in each area of the building indicate emergency escape routes and protocol. If volunteers are present in the building during an emergency practice drill or real emergency, they are asked to follow the directions of Mandela team members.
Harassment Policies/Nondiscrimination Statement: It is Nelson Mandela Elementary's policy to prohibit intentional and unintentional harassment or discrimination of or against job applicants, contractors, interns, volunteers or employees by another employee, supervisor, vendor, customer or any third party on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws (referred to as “protected characteristics”). Such conduct will not be tolerated by Nelson Mandela Elementary.
Interacting with Scholars: Volunteers should never engage in any rough play with scholars, including wrestling, tackling, and general rough-housing. Volunteers are also asked not to pick up scholars or carry scholars in any fashion. For their protection, volunteers are asked to never be in a closed room alone with a scholar. Volunteers should remain in visible locations like hallways or rooms with an open door/windows.
Mandatory Reporting: Scholars may form trusting relationships with volunteers, and they may feel comfortable revealing information about themselves and their lives. If a child reveals anything of concern, never promise a child that it will remain confidential. A volunteer should immediately share their concerns with a Mandela team member.
Media: Volunteers should not use their own devices to take pictures or videos of scholars or with them, this includes all social media platforms. If a volunteer would like pictures/videos for any reason, permission must be obtained from the volunteer coordinator, school leadership, and/or the parent/guardian of the scholar. Volunteers should never share personal information with scholars including contact information of any kind (phone number, email, home address, or social media information) nor should they ask a scholar to share their personal information. We encourage our volunteers to leave their cell phones out of sight, out of mind, so they can stay present with our scholars. If a situation arises where a personal phone call or text message is necessary to take/view, volunteers are asked to ask permission from their supervising team member and if granted permission, find a quiet space out of sight/view of the scholars. Repeated violation of cell phone usage will result in first a verbal warning, second a phone call home, and finally possible termination of the volunteer position.
Any volunteers approached by the media should direct those inquiries to the school’s media representative or the school principal.
Timeliness: Volunteers should make every effort to be on time and present. Our scholars are excited to see our volunteers and rely on their consistent presence. Any communication about illness or cancellation should be reported to the supervising team member, or front office before 8:00am.
Termination or Leaving a Volunteer Position: It is important to the Mandela team that the needs of our scholars and the mission remain a top priority. If at any time a volunteer feels that they are unable to fulfill their volunteer commitment, they may inform the volunteer coordinator or supervising team member of their decision. It is preferable that a volunteer give advance notice whenever possible. If at any time the Mandela administration, supervising team member, or volunteer coordinator feel as if a volunteer is acting inappropriately, in an unsafe manner, or in a way that does not support the scholars and/or the mission, they may be asked to leave their volunteer position. The severity of the action leading to the questioning of the volunteer will determine the disciplinary action, which may include a verbal warning and a phone call to parents, leading up to termination.
