Keeping Volunteers Safe During COVID-19

 
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Nonprofit work, while gratifying, is hard; and that’s on a normal day without a global pandemic that exponentially increases needs while decreasing many of the usual sources of financial support. 

Jump to the present where it’s not a normal day and we ARE trying to do this work during a global pandemic and it can be overwhelming. We’re being told whether or not our services are essential. Social distancing is a household phrase. Not all funders are understanding and supportive. Stop. Take a breath. You are not alone. 

Volunteers need to know exactly what they are expected to do, including any safety protocols. Be very specific and don’t leave anything up to chance.

Many of you already use volunteers to bring necessary services to vulnerable populations and need their help now more than ever. In light of stay at home orders, calls for social distancing, and the overall concern for people’s health, there are some considerations for increasing and mobilizing your volunteer force. Please remember that we are not medical or legal professionals and all suggestions below should not be taken as medical or legal advice.

  • HEALTH DECLARATION FORM - Your volunteers’ health is a critical factor in ensuring the safety of the people you serve; consider creating a form to assess if your volunteers are fit to serve. Also, take into consideration that a person’s health and situation could change at any time, so you may want to have them fill this out every time they volunteer or to include a clause that they will notify you if their answer(s) ever do change. 

  • LETTER FOR TRAVEL - Many employers are providing a letter to employees who need to report to work that states how their essential service falls within the state and city & county mandates. Consider providing one to your volunteers since they are on the road to provide essential services for your organization.

  • INSURANCE - Discuss your coverage with your insurance agent and discuss the risk and liability you face in sending volunteers out into the community. You may also want to discuss if your liability waiver is sufficient and adequately covers the risk in volunteering during this time.

  • UPDATE YOUR INTAKE FORM AND PROCESSES - Do you need to collect additional information on your volunteer intake form? Do you usually have in-person training? How do you prepare your volunteers to perform their duties? What options does your organization have to provide the same level of training and support virtually?

  • DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTIONS - Volunteers need to know exactly what they are expected to do, including any safety protocols. Be very specific and don’t leave anything up to chance.

  • SAFETY PROTOCOLS - Refer to CDC guidance on safety protocols (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html) and advice from other health experts. Do you have any safety supplies that you can provide volunteers or are you requiring them to provide their own? What is acceptable behavior and volunteer duties and what is not? OSHA also published guidance for preparing for COVID-19 (https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf).

  • FEEDBACK - Due to a constant change in recommendations and government mandates, many organizations can benefit from feedback from their volunteers.  Volunteers provide a hands-on assessment of the service they are providing. Create an opportunity and a system for volunteers to provide feedback. 

  • VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE HAD  COVID-19 - As the amount of people who have had COVID-19 increases, be prepared to have protocols in place for return to service. Volunteers should check with medical professionals before engaging in any volunteer activity. 

Our organizations exist to serve and care for our community; volunteers are a part of that community and it is our responsibility to keep them safe. Along that same vein, you are important and deserve to be safe as well. Be safe, take precautions, and stay positive.

Resources to help you get started:

Post by: Cheri Kishimoto, Executive Director & Co-Founder, HIHO cheri@hiho.org // Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

 
Cheri KishimotoCOVID-19, Volunteer Retention, Volunteer Safety