Culture and Conduct

Partner with us

• Align with our ministry ethics, policies, and procedures while volunteering.

• Provide feedback, criticisms, and suggestions in a constructive way with the relevant staff, at an appropriate time, when you see opportunities to improve the way we do things.

Choose “Culture over Convenience”

• Make decisions that promote consistency, dignity, and safety, rather than choosing what is quicker and easier.

Treat everyone equally

• Show everyone the same level of patience and respect whether it be community members, clients, staff, or fellow volunteers.

Be present and engaged

• When volunteering, avoid things that take your attention away from the task at hand and the people you’re serving—such as listening to headphones, spending time on your phone, long personal calls, etc.

Be slow to react

• Choose not to take things personally, or react too quickly to the behavior of others. Whether interacting with community members, clients, fellow volunteers, or even staff—be patient, gracious, slow to react, and quick to listen and understand.

• Choose Curiosity. This is a simple practical step for avoiding unnecessary conflict. If someone acts in a way that is initially upsetting to you, ask yourself “I wonder why they are doing that?” rather than immediately reacting to what they are saying or doing.

Raise the “service ceiling”

• In everything—conversations, interactions, donations, volunteering—always bring your best. Don’t just give what you would want to receive—give better than what you would want to receive.

Procedures and Policies

Safety

• Follow the check-in process when you arrive, as described on the volunteer listing when you signed up.

• We value the distinct role you play in our ministry. To keep that role defined and maintain clear boundaries for our clients, we ask that you be on our properties only during your active service hours. Please avoid lingering indoors or outdoors at either location before or after your shift.

• Always wear the correct safety and protective gear for the volunteering work you are doing. (For example, when serving food always wear a hair net, apron, and gloves).

Children / Minors

• Minors under the age of 16 volunteering with WRM must:

  1. Be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

  2. Be well-behaved, able to participate in the volunteer activity, and able to respect safety boundaries.

  3. Stay under the direct supervision of their parent or legal guardian. Minors must never be left unattended or allowed to roam the grounds or facilities.

• Minors aged 16-17 can sign up for specific volunteer opportunities and volunteer unattended by their parent or legal guardian. The listings for the volunteer opportunities specify which these are. (Note: A parent or legal guardian must still sign these Terms and Conditions and the Liability Waiver on behalf of the minor prior to service).

Dress / Clothing

• Volunteering is a time to serve, not make a statement. Dress in a manner that is modest and appropriate. Refrain from wearing clothing that references drugs, alcohol, or other inappropriate references, including those that are unnecessarily provocative or offensive.

Confidentiality

• Never gossip or share personal things that are heard or seen regarding our clients or community members. Confidentiality is critical to creating and maintaining a safe environment for people to heal and grow.

Respect Boundaries and Policies

• Follow the rules set by WRM and any direction you receive from staff members. Trust that these rules are in place to ensure the safety and dignity of everyone, as well as the proper running of WRM.

Interacting with Clients and Community Members

• Refrain from physical contact with community members and clients (i.e., full hugs, etc.). A good rule of thumb is to keep contact limited to hands and shoulders.

• Involve our Program Staff in any relationship connections you build with WRM clients. Keep conversations and relationships in open, high-visibility areas. Building relationships is encouraged, but must be kept “in the light” for the safety of everyone involved.

• Do not give money, gifts, or rides to anyone, share personal contact information without first checking with staff, date or become romantically involved with clients, or be alone with anyone of the opposite gender.

• Remember that the best way to help those we serve is to work alongside WRM, so refrain from assisting WRM clients in any way outside of your assigned volunteer opportunity, without involving our Client Programs Team. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting with: housing, counseling, employment, resources, etc.

• Avoid conversations and/or arguments on contentious topics such as personal religious and/or political beliefs, etc. Instead seek conversations that promote understanding and “bridge-building.”

Confidentiality & Waived Liability

Donor Information: You agree not to disclose, discuss, or otherwise make known any donor’s personal history or financial contributions without the donor’s explicit written consent. Any such disclosure constitutes a breach of this agreement.

Financial, Business, and Strategic Information: You agree not to share or distribute any non-public business information, including financial data or strategic plans of WRM, with any individual, agency, or organization without prior written authorization from WRM.

Waiver and Release of Liability: You, individually and on behalf of any minor child or ward for whom you are the parent or legal guardian and who accompanies you, voluntarily release, discharge, and hold harmless Winchester Rescue Mission (WRM), its employees, board members, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising from your volunteer service. This includes, but is not limited to, claims for personal injury, property damage, or other loss, regardless of cause, including ordinary negligence by WRM or its agents.

You affirm that you, and any minor accompanying you, are physically able and adequately prepared to carry out the responsibilities assigned, and you expressly accept full responsibility for any and all risks associated with your volunteer service and the volunteer service of your minor child or ward.

Photo and Media Release You, individually and on behalf of any accompanying minor child or ward, grant WRM, its representatives, agents, and assigns the irrevocable right to photograph and/or record you during your volunteer service and to use your image, likeness, or voice in promotional, educational, or fundraising materials in any format, including print, digital, video, or web-based platforms, without compensation or further approval.

Confidentiality Agreement As a volunteer with Winchester Rescue Mission ("WRM"), you agree to protect all confidential and proprietary information concerning clients, donors, and internal operations, including case records, personal histories, financial data, and strategic plans not available to the public. You will not disclose any donor-related information, including identities or contributions, which are the sole property of WRM. A breach of this agreement may result in immediate termination from our volunteer program and could subject you to legal liability. You also agree to indemnify and hold harmless WRM, its officers, employees, board members, and agents from any claims or losses arising from your violation of these terms.

Winchester Rescue Mission depends upon your commitment to conduct yourself according to the above expectations, terms, and conditions while volunteering. WRM reserves the right to remove a volunteer from any assigned volunteering opportunity, and refuse any future volunteer service from a given individual, at any time and for any reason. If you have questions about these terms, email the volunteer coordinator at info@winrescue.org