WELCOME TO THE MANKATO
FAMILY YMCA VOLUNTEER
ORIENTATION!
Naomi Chayer, Volunteer Coordinator
AGENDA
Take a tour of the facility
 Go through Volunteer Handbook
 Fill out paperwork
 Pay for and receive t-shirt
 Schedule hours (optional)
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TAKE A TOUR OF THE FACILITY
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Questions?
GO THROUGH VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
Mankato Family YMCA
Volunteer Handbook
Volunteer Level 1 Youth Worker
Revised December 2011
MISSION STATEMENT
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To put Christian principles into practice through
programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, body
and social well-being for all.
FIVE CORE VALUES
At the Mankato Family YMCA we demonstrate…
 Faith
 Caring
 Respect
 Responsibility
 Honesty
…And we instill these values in the youth.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
The YMCA core values are part of what we call
character development.
 It is challenging people to accept and
demonstrate positive values.
 Whatever the condition of one’s character, there
is always the potential to improve in both
attitude and action.
 Empowerment-They need to feel valued by their
community and have an opportunity to
contribute to that community.
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MORE ON CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Boundaries and Expectations-All kids need
to know what’s expected of them and what
the boundaries are with various activities.
 You are not a jungle gym, please do not let the
kids treat you as one.
 If someone wants to sit on your lap please pull up
a chair and ask them to sit next to you instead.
 Constructive Use of Time-They need enriching
opportunities for growth.
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MORE ON CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
There needs to be a commitment to nurturing the
internal qualities that guide good choices.
 The more developmental assets teens have the
more likely they will value diversity, exhibit
leadership, be successful, and overcome
adversity.
 They will be less likely to engage in risky and
harmful behaviors.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUTH AND TEENS
Being aware what youth and teens are
experiencing makes it easier to understand why
they are behaving a certain way.
 They are searching for role models and need
constant approval from adults.
 YOU are a role model whether you are trying to
be or not, so always be aware of your behaviors
and language.
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MANKATO FAMILY YMCA VOLUNTEER
AND EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT
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In order to protect YMCA staff, volunteers, and program
participants-at no time during a YMCA program should a
volunteer be alone with a single child in an unobservable area.
As volunteers supervise children, they make themselves always
visible.
Volunteers should never leave a child unsupervised.
Restroom supervision: Volunteers will make sure the restroom is
not occupied by suspicious or unknown individuals before
allowing children to use the facilities. Volunteers will stand in
the doorway while children are using the restroom. This policy
allows privacy for the children and protection for the staff. If
volunteers are assisting younger children, door to the facility
must remain open. Always send children in pairs, and whenever
possible, with staff/volunteers.
Staff/volunteers should conduct or supervise private activities in
pairs-diapering, putting on bathing suits, etc. When this is not
feasible, staff/volunteers should be visible to others.
MANKATO FAMILY YMCA VOLUNTEER
AND EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT
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Staff/volunteers shall not abuse children including: physical,
verbal, sexual, and mental abuse and neglect. *No type of
abuse is tolerated and is cause for immediate dismissal.
Volunteers must use positive techniques of guidance, including
redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement rather
than competition and criticism.
Volunteers should respond to all youth with respect and
consideration and treat everyone equally regardless of sex, race,
religion, and culture.
Volunteers will respect children’s right to not be touched in ways
that make them feel uncomfortable, and their right to say no.
Children are not to be touched on areas of their bodies that
would be covered by a bathing suit.
Volunteers will refrain from intimate displays of affection toward
others in the presence of children, parents, and staff/volunteers.
While the YMCA does not discriminate against any individual’s
lifestyle, it does require that while volunteering, they will abide
by the standards of conduct set forth by the YMCA.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE/CLEAN AIR
WORK PLACE
Tobacco, alcohol, or the use of drugs is prohibited
in the facility and on the grounds.
 If you are hung over please stay home ~ kids can
pick up on things easily and can sense when you
were up late drinking.
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DRESS CODE
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Volunteers will be provided with a designated shirt.
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The shirt does cost $5, which will be reimbursed to you when you
return your shirt at the end of your volunteer service.
If you do not have your volunteer shirt, you cannot
volunteer for the day.
Name tags must be worn every day and can be found in the
binder.
Please wear pants and shoes appropriate for your duties.
Under no circumstances should undergarments be
showing.
Tattoos, which do not reflect the YMCA values or mission,
must be covered while on duty.
Certain programs do not allow hats while on duty.
CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS
In 80% of sexual abuse cases the child knows the
offender and in 50% of all cases, the offender is a
member of the child’s household.
 Abuse crosses all backgrounds.
 If you suspect abuse contact your supervisor
immediately.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
You must schedule a minimum of 20
volunteer/service learning hours with Volunteer
Coordinator and be on time.
 It is your responsibility to contact your YMCA
department supervisor if you are unable to make your
shift (507.387.8255 and ask for your department).
You must speak directly with your supervisor or
someone working in the department if you are unable
to let them know in advance. One “No Call/No Show”
may result in termination from volunteering with the
Mankato Family YMCA. We are relying on you to help
facilitate programs here at the YMCA. You are a
valuable asset to us and we appreciate all that you
contribute to our programs.
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MORE RESPONSIBILITIES
While on duty, you must stay with your program and
perform your tasks for the day. Please leave cell
phones on “silent” or “off” and in the office until it is
time for you to leave. Absolutely no texting!
 You have a responsibility to keep the environment
physically and psychologically safe for all members. If
you have concerns please notify your supervisor as
soon as possible.
 You are required to wear a name tag, this allows the
kids and the staff get to know who you are.
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EXPECTATIONS
Adhere to YMCA Code of Conduct.
 Interact fully with youth – avoid being a spectator. Be
child-like, not child-ish!
 Help staff maintain control and keep the program
running smoothly.
 Encourage kids who are alone to interact with the
group.
 Learn names.
 Say hello and goodbye.
 Record hours truthfully in and out on time sheet and
have it signed by department supervisor.
 Communicate first and last day with Volunteer
Coordinator and department supervisor.
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YMCA CONTACT INFORMATION
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General Information/Front Desk
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507.387.8255
Your Supervisor(s)
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Naomi Chayer (Volunteer Coordinator)
volinfo@mankatoymca.com
 507.387.8255 ext. 296
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Cheryl Hamond (Program Coordinator)
chamond@mankatoymca.com
 507.387.8255 Ext 236
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FILL OUT PAPERWORK
We will go through all of the paperwork together.
 Please complete everything thoroughly and write
legibly.
 Feel free to ask any questions.
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PAY FOR AND RECEIVE T-SHIRT
We will go down to my office to get your t-shirt.
 Please have your $5 cash ready.
 If you do not have your $5 today, you can still get
your t-shirt but you will need to bring the money
in on your first day and give it to the front desk
staff.
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SCHEDULE HOURS (OPTIONAL)
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If you know your schedule well enough
and know when you’d like to volunteer,
you may schedule your hours with me
today in my office after you receive your
t-shirt.
When scheduling hours it is much easier
if you can come at the same time and to
the same place every week. This allows
you to develop relationships here at the
YMCA.
If you do not schedule your hours today, I
will be emailing you in about one week to
set them up.
*When scheduling your hours, it’s better
to spread them out than to complete
them all in a short period of time.
THE END
Thank you for attending the
Mankato Family YMCA
volunteer orientation! I look
forward to seeing you around
the Y!