Volunteer Guidelines
Click here to fill out an applicationThe following are some written guidelines, intended to provide clarity and helpful information to you as you carry out the vital activities of the People's Resource Center.
People's Resource Center (PRC) MissionThe PRC exists to respond to basic human needs, promote dignity and justice, and create a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County, Illinois, through discovering and sharing personal and community resources.
Statement of ValuesEach of us has a profound responsibility to embody the values of the PRC that have given us meaning and purpose. The values that PRC embodies and strives to use in our everyday interactions are as follows:
Dignity and RespectRecognizing the dignity of each person who comes to us, we create a welcoming and respectful environment in all of our programs and communication.
Creative and InnovativeWe express our mission directly. We try things in the community. We are willing to jump in to new areas in order to address an unmet need.
Responsive to NeedsWe are committed to understanding our changing community, and we respond to needs, based on gathering accurate data.
FlexibleWe are open to new ideas, especially ideas from those we serve, and seek to create flexible, user-friendly services.
Responsible StewardsWe welcome those who need resources, as well as those with resources to share.
Catalyst for Change We embrace our experience as a measure of community needs, as well as our responsibility to help shape our community's conscience.
Compassionate We listen, we encourage, we try to get to know our families, we provide some help and guidance, we advocate, in a spirit of kindness and compassion.
IndependentWe stand beside those we serve, knowing that ultimately, they are responsible for their own lives and decisions. We know we have to work on our own part in that process.
IntegrityWe place a high priority in living out of our principles, in our relationships, programs, and organizational practices.
Rely on MiraclesWe know that we cannot do it alone. We rely on each other, on our friends in the community , and on God, who brings us all together.
Volunteer ApplicationEach volunteer must fill out an application form prior to providing service. Information contained on the application is treated confidentially. It is your responsibility to notify your supervisor of any changes to the application information.
In accordance with organizational policy, equal opportunities for volunteer service will be provided and the PRC will not discriminate against a volunteer applicant because of race, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.
ConfidentialityIndividuals and families who come to the PRC are required to share information about their history, experiences and personal lives in order to receive the help they need. All information shared will be held in confidence. Any breach of confidentiality will not be tolerated. Examples of how confidentiality can be broken include:
- Disclosing information to family/friends or people outside of the PRC
- Leaving records lying around or taking records home
- Disposing of records in a way that compromises our confidentiality policy
- Carrying on conversations about guests at the lunch table or other public areas, and
- Spreading rumors or gossip that could cause harm
Volunteer ResponsibilitiesYou are expected to uphold the mission and values of the PRC and to interpret these responsibly to the community. Your job assignment will be identified by and discussed with your supervisor.
Orientation and Training! Overall orientation and on-the-job training will be provided by your supervisor and will be relevant to your assignment.
Volunteer Benefits In return for your dedication, your time and your service, you will
- Develop a connection with the families we serve, staff and other volunteers with similar interests and values
- Provide an in-valuable service to the community through living out the PRC mission
- Work in a casual grass roots environment
- Receive the PRC newsletter
- Participate in an annual recognition event in your honor, and
- Witness miracles.
Respect for OthersEveryone who comes to the PRC deserves to be treated with respect, fairness and justice, regardless of race, national origin, citizenship status, religion, gender, age, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, source of income, or other legally protected category. Verbal or physical discrimination, favoritism in providing service, proselytizing or harassment by any person associated with the organization will not be tolerated. If you know of, or become aware of a situation in which someone has been treated with disrespect, or discriminated against, or if this has happened to you, please go to your Program Director. All conversations will be held in confidence, the situation will be investigated and action will be taken if appropriate.
Respect for PropertyWe have a critical responsibility to maintain the security and integrity of PRC buildings and their contents. If entrusted with securing a building, follow all instructions. Please secure your personal belongings. The PRC cannot assume responsibility in any way for personal property on the premises.
To receive goods or services of the PRC, you must fill out an intake form and follow the proper procedures to receive service.
Safety The PRC is committed to maintaining a safe working environment. Everyone is expected to follow health and safety requirements established by law and by our organization. All supervisors have a primary responsibility for the safety and personal well being of the people they supervise. You are expected to know and to follow all safety procedures relevant to your work.
Any hazards or potentially unsafe conditions and/or any accidents that occur on the property must be reported immediately to any Program Director, the Executive Director or if necessary, the police. If someone falls or is injured on the PRC premises and needs medical attention, call 911. In any of these examples, An Incident Form, available from any Program Director, should be completed.
The PRC prohibits smoking in all of its facilities. Volunteers at the PRC will not be under the influence of, sell or possess alcohol or illegal drugs on PRC's premises, or while otherwise engaging in PRC activities.
Volunteers are not permitted in PRC facilities before and after closing hours except as it relates to their assigned work.
For additional questions about volunteering, please contact our volunteer coordinator at 630-682-5402 or e-mail volunteers@peoplesrc.orgClick here to fill out an application