Make the policy writing job more manageable! Determine how many kinds of volunteers you are responsible for, then divide up the task of policy writing by function. For example, do a separate set of policies for tutors, for policy/ administrative volunteers (i.e., board) and for clerical and office support volunteers.

Imagine the worst! Develop a list of policies required by having board members brainstorm “what if…” scenarios or by holding focus groups with the volunteers themselves. Examine the risks, problems and opportunities so you can decide whether policies are needed to guide actions and decisions in this area. Try to balance the paranoia of planning for every imaginable eventuality against the fear of scaring away volunteers with too formal an agency!

Performance! Appendix A3.1 at the end of this section contains a suggested form for volunteer evaluation.

Support your volunteers! Provide a Volunteer Handbook with all the information volunteers will need. For suggestions, see Appendix A3.5 at the end of this section.

Your agency may want to consider policies and procedures under these topics:

• Orientation and Training
• Performance Review of Volunteers
• The Right of Refusal
• The Right to Volunteer
• The Scope of Volunteering
• Screening and Accepting Volunteers
• Special Needs Volunteers
• Supervision
• Volunteer Expectations
• Volunteer Retirement and Dismissal