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Obligations and Expectations

Volunteers are expected to follow the ethical standards outlined in this code of conduct. Moreover, volunteers are expected to uphold CEEF’s mission and maintain a professional image while representing the organization in public.

During their service with CEEF, all volunteers shall abide by and conform to these professional standards:

1. Volunteers will provide official identification and wear/show volunteer identification as required by Cerritos Elementary school.

2. Volunteers shall act honestly and ethically while in the performance of their volunteer duties.

3. Volunteers shall treat all CEEF Board Members, other volunteers, school and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity.

4. Volunteers shall not discriminate and shall be respectful of ethnic, national, and cultural differences.

5. Volunteers shall not harass, bully, or mistreat staff or other volunteers.

6. Volunteers shall obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws, while acting on behalf of the CEEF, including all laws and regulations that govern appropriate conduct in the workplace.

7. Volunteers shall deter wrongdoing and ensure accountability for adherence to the Code of Conduct.

8. Volunteers shall assist and cooperate with all CEEF investigations.

9. Volunteers shall report violations or suspected violations of the Code of Conduct. Violations should be reported to a CEEF Board Member or via email at ceefstars@gmail.com.

10. Volunteers shall seek assistance if they have questions about any volunteer guidelines, including the Code of Conduct. If a school staff member or volunteer has any questions or concerns about the code of conduct or wishes to file a formal complaint, they may email ceefstars@gmail.com or contact a CEEF Board Member.

 

Adherence to Policies

CEEF develops policies, procedures, and guidelines with input from both Board Members and volunteers and with consultation from legal, finance, and risk management experts; our policies, procedures, and guidelines are updated regularly as new situations emerge. Both Board Members and volunteers are expected to comply with CEEF policies including those described in this document. Failure to comply may be grounds for disqualification and/or removal.

 

Attendance and Punctuality

CEEF requests volunteers to be reliable and punctual in reporting for scheduled volunteer activities. While CEEF will attempt to be flexible in all cases, volunteers are expected to notify a Board Member if they will be absent or late, so arrangements can be made for handling their responsibilities.

Anti-Racism, Harassment, and Bullying
CEEF has a zero-tolerance policy for racism, discrimination, sexual harassment, and bullying of any kind.

These behaviors include but are not limited to: offensive physical actions such as lewd gestures; statements meant to humiliate a person publicly or individually; the use of racial slurs or “jokes”; sexually explicit communication that is either written or spoken; any unwelcome physical contact with other volunteers, staff, or clients; any unwanted sexual attention; harassment due to a person’s race, color, gender, identity, religion, language, medical condition, age, culture, national origin, gender expression, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.

If you witness these behaviors, you are required to notify a CEEF Board Member immediately or email ceefstars@gmail.com. If you engage in any of these behaviors, you will receive prompt disciplinary action and/or termination of your volunteer position without notice.

 

Compliance

Volunteers may be asked to complete paperwork, provide updated information (including proof of insurance), or complete a criminal background check for certain volunteer roles. Failure to complete these requirements may disqualify a volunteer from serving in a particular role. If appropriate based on the circumstances, volunteers who are disqualified for a volunteer role may have the option to explore other volunteer opportunities within the organization.

 

Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco use

Volunteer-related activities must be conducted free from the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. In addition, these substances may not be possessed or distributed at CEEF events. 

 

Use of tobacco or e-cigarettes at CEEF events and functions, and while representing CEEF at any time or function is prohibited.

 

While medical and recreational marijuana use is legal in certain areas of the United States, federal and state laws indicate that CEEF has no obligation to accommodate cannabis use at our events.

 

A volunteer cannot report to a CEEF event impaired, nor should a volunteer smell of marijuana per the expectation for scents and hygiene at any site where a volunteer performs work.

 

Confidentiality

During the course of their duties, volunteers will likely have access to, deal with, or become aware of confidential information and circumstances surrounding those we serve. This information must be kept strictly confidential. Any breach of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action up to and including the termination of volunteer services.

 

Dress Code

It is important that volunteers dress appropriately for their volunteer role so that they can fulfill their volunteer duty safely and comfortably. We ask that you refrain from wearing clothing that displays obscene language or offensive material while representing our organization. 

 

Good Stewardship

Serving in a volunteer position requires good judgment and management of reasonable risks. All volunteers will be given general training to understand and manage the risks in carrying out their specific jobs. Volunteers will be required to comply with organization policy and to conduct CEEF business at the direction of CEEF and within the scope of their duties as a volunteer. This will help minimize the risk of liability to CEEF and reduce the risk of injury (physical or economic) to the volunteer and the people the volunteer associates with or tries to help.

 

CEEF activities with inherent risks would include interacting with youth, organizing fundraising events, assisting Board Members in carrying out volunteer duties, or serving in a governance role, on a committee or in a leadership role. There are specific organization procedures and bylaws that guide the volunteer in conducting these activities in a safe manner.

 

CEEF indemnifies its volunteers against liability incurred while performing their volunteer duties conducted at the request of CEEF. CEEF purchases and maintains insurance policies, wherein volunteers are additional insureds, to provide the financial ability to fully indemnify, defend and settle any claims of liability.

 

Term of disqualification and/or removal

CEEF is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both Board Members and volunteers. Volunteers who do not comply with this Volunteer Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including and up to disqualification and/or removal.

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