Orientation and Training

Orientation and training is the final step in the recruitment process. During this process the volunteer has the opportunity to meet other staff and volunteers and also obtain a better understanding of how the agency operates.

Orientation to the agency and to the volunteer position is very important, to ensure that the individual has a clear understanding of what is expected of them and where they fit into the agency. Orientation may include receiving a package of information (which could include the history of the agency, mission statement etc.), an introduction to other staff and volunteers, and a chance to ask questions and find out more information.

Training will depend on the agency's needs. Many literacy programs have a formal, structured tutor training session(s). But what about other volunteers? Do they also get the training they need? Proper orientation and training of literacy volunteers is becoming increasingly important in the face of program reform and changing demands.

Orientation and training might include asking the new volunteer to work closely with a more experienced volunteer. This can provide the new volunteer with the chance to get to know the agency and the job better.

Having a training and orientation process in place provides the new volunteer with the opportunity to ask questions, find out more about the agency and develop an increased confidence level with the new position.

Activities

1. Review your organization's current screening policy. Does it need to be changed, and if so, how would you change it?
   
   If your organization doesn't yet have a screening policy in place, should it? Why or why not? Using the information from this module, design a draft screening policy to present to your Board. You can find a number of sample policies on "the web". Some examples are:
   
   Literacy Link South Central's "Collection of Policy and Procedure Templates" at http://www.llsc.on.ca/Homepage.htm
   
   CASAnet at http://www.casanet.org/
   
   Volunteer Management and Service Leadership Online Resources at http://www.serviceleader.org/manage
   
   
2. Imagine you are a new volunteer in your organization. Does your current orientation and training provide you with the background you need to start your new volunteer job? Should something be added or changed?

If you don't have orientation or training procedures and policies, use the information in this module to help you draft them. There are some excellent resources available to help you do this (see the "Resources" listing on the next page).