Volunteer Requirements
Minimum Age: 18 years old
Number of Hours Required: Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 37 hours of service (hours include a minimum of 1 hour per week during the school year). This is not required during holiday and spring breaks. Each week, volunteers will send a quick, mentee update email to DBA Youth Foundation after their weekly lunch meeting.
Processing Required: All prospective volunteers must complete a volunteer application, which contains two personal references (non-relatives). All prospective volunteers will be subjected to a background check prior to being approved as a volunteer. Applicants are reviewed and considered based on assessed level of demonstrated commitment and the availability of volunteer positions. A reference check and a criminal background check are then conducted.
Orientation and Training: Once the application, background check and reference checks have been completed, the prospective volunteer must attend the required orientation and meet his or her mentee. Training topics include a general overview of the volunteer program, benefits and expectations. The training will occur on a Sunday night prior to the beginning of the school year. Volunteers must repeat the orientation annually to maintain an active status.
Attendance: Volunteers are expected to meet their commitments to their scheduled lunch hours. DBA Youth Foundation must be notified of any absences in advance or as soon as possible. DBA Youth Foundation should be notified of any extensive absences. After 3 consecutive unexcused absences without notification, the DBA Youth Foundation reserves the right to terminate a volunteer. All volunteers must sign in when reporting to the specific schools for the lunch hour. This is a security measure at the schools and is required. Failure to sign in will result in service hours not being recorded.
Evaluation: All volunteers should demonstrate a good understanding of assigned tasks. A competency assessment will be conducted after the 2nd nine weeks and then again at the end of the school year.