The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
VOLUNTEER
HANDBOOK
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
CONTENTS
Welcome Letter ………………………………………………………… Page 3
Program Information……………………………………………………. Page 4
Program Location & Contact Info………………………………………. Page 5
Policies & Procedures…………………………………………………… Page 6
Boundaries……………………………………………………………… Page 7
Harassment……………………………………………………………... Page 8
Reporting Procedure……………………………………………………. Page 9
Release & Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement………….. Page 10+13
Code of Conduct…………………………………………………... Page 11+14
Acknowledgment of Receipt of Volunteer Handbook…………….. Page 12+15
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
Quick Facts
Dear Volunteer,
Welcome to St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco (SVDP-SF)! We are
delighted to have you on board with us as we all work together to provide assistance
to those in our local community who need our help.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society was established in San Francisco more than 150 years
ago, in 1860, and was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1964. It remains
one of the oldest charities, as well as one of the largest social service agencies in the
City.
Our mission is to offer hope and service on a direct person-to-person basis, working
to break the cycles of poverty, homelessness, addiction and domestic violence. We
believe in recognizing the humanity in each and every one of us, no matter who we
are or how we live, and every day, we welcome hundreds of women, children and
men who are alone and suffering.
We know from experience that no one can change or grow until they feel stable and
cared for, so that’s where we start: by showing people kindness, unconditional
respect, and the support they need to begin their journey.
Please know how much we appreciate your willingness to share your energy,
presence, and time with us, and please use this handbook as a tool to help guide you
through your volunteering experience with us.
If you should have any feedback, questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free
to reach out to me directly, or to any one of the resources listed on the contact page
– we are here to support you just as much as you help support others.
Thank you for choosing the work that you do!
In Community,
Founded
1860
Annual Operating
Budget
$7 Million
Clients Served
Annually
72,000
Employees
100
Volunteers
2,000+
Fiscal Year 2012
Funding by Source
Individuals – 16%
Foundations – 4%
Corporations – 1%
Government – 71%
In-Kind – 5%
Other – 3%
Spending Breakdown
Programs – 87%
Administrative – 4%
Fundraising – 9%
About Us
The St. Vincent de Paul
Society of San Francisco
is a tax exempt 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization.
Anjali Verma Ruvalcaba
Tax ID: 94-1571017
E: aruvalcaba@svdp-sf.org || W: (415) 977-1270 ext. 3018 || C: (510) 703-1066
Official legal name:
“The San Francisco
Particular Council of the
Society of St. Vincent de
Paul.”
Volunteer Coordinator
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
OUR PROGRAMS
The Wellness Center offers integrative
wellness activities, such as yoga, stress
reduction, iRest meditation, tai chi, creative
writing and nutrition classes to an average of
50 individuals a day experiencing
homelessness, addictions and mental health
challenges. The Center uses the whole person
integrative approach as well as the best clinical
practices for substance abuse treatment,
including harm reduction and motivational
interviewing techniques, to assist the lowincome, at-risk population it serves with
achieving true health and
recovery. Approximately 50%
of Center participants are also
diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
Multi-Service Center – South (MSC-S)
feeds, houses and supports 410 homeless men
and women, and provides drop-in services to
a minimum of 70 people each day. In
addition to a safe place to sleep, MSC-S
provides full breakfast and dinner services,
crisis counseling, drop-in medical care and
HIV-testing, mental health and substance
abuse case management, job and housing
search assistance, a library and computer lab,
support groups for those recovering from
trauma, emergency clothing, shower and
laundry facilities.
The Riley Center:
Services for Survivors of Domestic
Violence: offers comprehensive
services for women in abusive
relationships, along with their children, from
the point of crisis to a survivor’s achievement
of self-sufficiency. The Riley Center includes
an emergency shelter, a transitional shelter, a
non-residential Community Office, as well as
a 24-hr crisis hotline all designed to support
women and children who have experienced
abuse to provide follow-up support and
prevention services. The Riley Center helps
2,000 women and children each year find
stability and independence.
The Vincentian Help Desk
provides basic necessities including
clothing, toiletries, emergency food
boxes, household items, furniture,
and also helps clothe job seekers who cannot
afford appropriate clothes for an interview.
The Help Desk is located in the same building
as our Wellness Center and the Riley Center’s
Community Office in the South of Market
area to be accessible to the population we
serve. The program relies heavily on volunteer
support, and in-kind donations throughout
the year from the community, providing
critical assistance to 13,000 individuals in need
each year.
Estd. 1989 approx.
Estd. 2009 approx.
Estd. 1983 approx.
Estd. 1920s approx.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
L O C A T I O N!
LOCATION!
LOCATION!
1) THE WELLNESS CENTER
Tel. (415) 552-5561
2) THE VINCENTIAN HELP DESK
Tel. (415) 202-9955
3) THE RILEY CENTER’s Community Office
Tel. (415) 552-2943
(The emergency shelter Rosalie House & transitional housing program Brennan House are both in confidential locations)
The above 3 of our 4 programs are located in the Ozanam building at:
 1175 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 (cross-street: 8th Street)
Public Transportation Options:
- Nearby MUNI lines: 5, 6, 18, 21, 31, 49, 71, J, K, L, M, N
- Nearest BART: Civic Center
Parking Options:
- Metered street parking (enforced 7 days/week--bring an SF parking card/ plenty of change!)
- Non-metered hourly street parking (max 1-2 hours at a time; most enforced weekends too)
- Nearby Garages:
* SOMA Grand Garage: 1160 Mission Street, SF, CA 94103
* AY Parking Management & Operation Svcs: 1023 Mission Street, SF, CA 94103
* Parking Garage on 7th Street between Folsom & Howard
4) MULTI-SERVICE CENTER-SOUTH (MSC-S)
Tel. (415) 597-7960
Our 4th program is located at:
 525 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 (cross-street: Bryant)
Public Transportation Options:
- Closest MUNI line: 47
- 5 block walk South of Powell BART/ MUNI stations
Parking Options:
- Metered street parking (enforced 7 days/week--bring an SF parking card/ plenty of change!)
- Non-metered hourly street parking (max 1-2 hours at a time; most enforced weekends too)
- Nearby Garage:
* City Park: 325 5th Street, SF, CA 94107
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Age Requirement
Volunteers should be 18 years old or over. If anyone under 18 volunteers with us, individually or as a part of a larger group,
they have to have the handbook signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Attire
Volunteers are required to dress in loosely-fitted comfortable clothing covering arms & legs & wear non-slip close-toed shoes.
Fingerprinting
SVDP-SF requires fingerprinting of anyone who volunteers with The Riley Center.
Commitment
Volunteers are required to abide by their committed time, be punctual, stay for the duration of the shift, help create an
inclusive and respectful environment for our clients and guests, and treat everyone with dignity and compassion.
Absences/ Tardiness
Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled shifts. If a volunteer is unable to arrive before or
by their scheduled time they are to contact the volunteer coordinator/site supervisor as far in advance as possible. Volunteers
with continued absences/ tardiness without notice or reasonable explanation will be requested to reassess their commitment.
Confidentiality
Everyone is required to value the privacy of all clients and guests. Information learned and observations made by volunteers
and staff about clients and guests are to be kept strictly confidential. This includes written, verbal, electronic, and other forms
of communication. Taking photos or videos of clients and guests is also prohibited.
Gratuities
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco (SVDP-SF) forbids all staff and volunteers to accept any gifts or other forms of
gratuities from anyone in order to avoid any misconception.
Alcohol, Drug Use & Smoking
Possession, distribution, sale, transfer or use of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited during volunteer shifts. Any volunteer
under the influence will be asked to leave the premises immediately, and their involvement suspended and/or terminated
entirely. Volunteers are also asked to refrain from wearing attire that has any references to drugs or alcohol. For health and
safety reasons, smoking is prohibited on all SVDP-SF premises, but San Francisco City & County states that smoking is only
permitted at the curb, and if no curb is present then at least 15ft away from all exits, entrances, operable windows, and vents.
Injuries/ Illnesses & Emergencies
Volunteers with medical emergencies should dial 911. Non-emergency injuries/ illnesses should be immediately reported to
the volunteer coordinator or site supervisor. Volunteers should also ask and be aware of the floor plan and emergency
procedures concerning the specific site where they’re assigned.
Safety
Volunteers are requested not to lift or carry anything that might cause injury (ask for assistance if need be). Unsafe conditions
are to be reported immediately to the volunteer coordinator or site supervisor. Volunteers should be fully aware of their
surroundings while going to a worksite, at the worksite, and when leaving from the worksite.
Violence
SVDP-SF is committed to providing and maintaining a violence-free environment. A few examples of violent behavior
include, but are not limited to: inappropriate language/ jokes, physical and verbal threats, dangerous pranks, fighting, and
stalking. Violence in the workplace is grounds for disciplinary action and/ or dismissal.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
BOUNDARIES
Our Participants
Many are homeless, many grapple with substance abuse and addiction, many are chronic mental illnesses, and some
also have co-occurring disorders (for example: mental, social, financial, and medical).
Harm Reduction
A public health philosophy, which promotes methods of reducing the physical, social, emotional and economic
harms associated with drug and alcohol abuse and other harmful behaviors on individuals, their families, and their
communities. Harm reduction methods and treatment goals are free of judgment or blame and directly involve the
participant in setting their own goals.
Boundary
A line or division that in social service work defines the line between worker/volunteer and participant. A
boundary creates the separation, or distance that allows both worker/volunteer and participant to focus on the
participant’s life and needs, and not the worker or volunteer’s.
Rules regarding fraternization are in place to ensure both the emotional safety of the participant, and also your
safety as the volunteer. As a volunteer working with participants you may have an enormous influence on them.
The participant has the right to expect that you will create safe and appropriate boundaries both on and off-site.
Boundaries generally serve to:


Regulate the level of closeness or distance between worker/volunteer and participant
Keep the worker/volunteer as objective as possible
Understanding Our Clients
Volunteers need to be close enough to make a participant feel cared for and understood, but at the same time
maintain enough distance so a participant doesn’t feel overwhelmed or overpowered in any way.
Question:
How does a volunteer determine the right level of closeness/ distance?
Answer:
Assess the participant’s level of:
 Psychosis/paranoia – people who are psychotic/paranoid can have a hard time separating themselves from
other people. They can be confused when people get too close, may become paranoid & require distance.
 Dependent participants – people with co-dependent/ dependent personality disorders get anxious when
they don’t know what to do; they need more closeness.
 Traumatized participants – people with PTSD, anxiety disorders, or mood disorders have a harder time with
yelling, raised voices, chaos, lack of structure; they need calming.
Examples of specific boundaries:
 Personal disclosures
 Favoritism
 Dual relationships
 Drugs, alcohol, and/or smoking
 Exchanging money/ gifts with or on behalf of a participant
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
HARASSMENT
California law defines sexual harassment as unwanted sexual advances or visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a
sexual nature. This definition includes many forms of offensive behavior.
Examples of offensive behavior (partial list):

Unwanted sexual advances

Offering benefits in exchange for sexual favors

Making or threating reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances

Visual conduct: leering, making sexual gestures, displaying sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons,
e-mails, websites or posters

Verbal conduct: making or using derogatory comments, emails, letters, epithets, slurs, sexually explicit jokes,
comments about someone’s body or dress

Verbal sexual advances or propositions

Verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentary about an individual’s body, sexually degrading
words to describe an individual, suggestive or obscene letters, notes or invitations

Physical conduct: touching, assaulting, impeding or blocking movements
It is unlawful for males to sexually harass females or
other males, and for females to sexually harass males
or other females. Sexual harassment is unlawful
whether it involves coworker harassment, harassment
by a supervisor or manager, or by persons, including
customers or clients, doing business with or for
SVDP-SF.
Consequences for Unprofessional Conduct
Any volunteer with SVDP-SF who is found to have engaged in unprofessional conduct, up to and including, any
form of unlawful harassment is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including, immediate discharge from
volunteering. A volunteer who engages in harassment may be held personally liable for monetary damages.
SVDP-SF will not pay damages assessed personally against a volunteer.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
REPORTING PROCEDURE
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco's reporting procedure provides for a timely, thorough, and
objective investigation of any harassment or discrimination claim, appropriate disciplinary action against one
found to have engaged in prohibited harassment or discrimination, and appropriate remedies if warranted under
the circumstances.
If you believe you have been harassed or discriminated against on the volunteer job, or if you are aware of the
harassment or discrimination of others, you must provide a written or verbal report to your group/site supervisor, the
Volunteer Coordinator, or the Executive Director as soon as possible. The report should include details of the
incident(s), the names of individuals involved, the names of any witnesses, direct quotes when relevant, and any
documentary evidence (notes, pictures, cartoons, etc.). All incidents of harassment or discrimination that are reported
will be investigated. SVDP-SF will endeavor to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved to the
extent possible consistent with a thorough investigation.
If SVDP-SF determines that inappropriate conduct in violation of this policy has occurred, SVDP-SF will take remedial
action commensurate with the circumstances. Appropriate action will also be taken to deter such conduct in the
future. If a complaint of inappropriate conduct is substantiated, appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including
immediate discharge, will be taken.
Protection Against Retaliation
Applicable law also prohibits retaliation against any volunteer for reporting, filing, testifying, assisting or
participating in any manner in any investigation, proceeding or hearing conducted by the SVDP-SF or a federal
or state enforcement agency. Please report any retaliation to your group/site supervisor, the Volunteer
Coordinator, or the Executive Director at SVDP-SF. Any report of retaliatory conduct will be objectively, timely
and thoroughly investigated in accordance with the SVDP-SF’s investigation procedure outlined above. If a
report of retaliation is substantiated, appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge, will
be taken.
If the SVDP-SF determines that retaliation has occurred, remedial action will be taken, commensurate with the
severity of the offense. Appropriate action will also be taken to deter any future retaliation. The SVDP will not
retaliate against any volunteer for filing a complaint, and will not knowingly permit retaliation by management
employees or other volunteers.
Additional Enforcement Information
In addition to the SVDP-SF's internal complaint procedure, volunteers should also be aware that the federal Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
(DFEH) investigate and prosecute complaints of harassment or discrimination in employment. Volunteers who
believe that they have been harassed or discriminated against may file a complaint with either of these
agencies. Both the EEOC and the DFEH serve as neutral fact finders and attempt to help the parties voluntarily
resolve disputes.
For further information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator. You may also contact the nearest office of the EEOC
or DFEH, as listed in the telephone directory.
Dismissal of a Volunteer
Volunteers who do not adhere to the policies, expectations, and procedures of SVDP-SF, or who fail to
satisfactorily perform their volunteer assignment are subject to dismissal from their placement/position.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
RELEASE & WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT FOR VOLUNTEERS
In consideration of being permitted to utilize the premises, facilities, services and programs of St. Vincent de Paul Society San
Francisco for any purpose, including, but not limited to observation or use of facilities or equipment, or participation in any
off-site program affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco, the undersigned, for himself or herself and any
personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin, hereby acknowledges, agrees, and represents that he or she has, or immediately
upon entering or participating will, inspect and carefully consider such premises and facilities or the affiliated program. It is
further warranted that such entry in St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco for observation or use of any facilities or
equipment or participation in such affiliated program constitutes an acknowledgment that such premises and all facilities and
equipment thereon and such affiliated program have been inspected and carefully considered and that the undersigned finds
and accepts the same as being safe and reasonably suited for the purpose of observation, use or participation.
In further consideration or being permitted to enter St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco for any purpose including, but
not limited to, observation or use of facilities or equipment, or participation in any off site program affiliated with St. Vincent
de Paul Society San Francisco, the undersigned hereby agrees to the following:
1. The undersigned hereby releases, waives, discharges and covenants not to sue St. Vincent de Paul Society San
Francisco, it’s directors, officers, employees, and agents (hereinafter referred to as “releasees”) from all liability to the
undersigned, his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any loss or damage, and any claim or
demands therefore on account of injury to the person or property or resulting in death of the undersigned, whether
caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise while the undersigned is in, upon, or about the premises or any
facilities or equipment therein or participating in any program affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco
2. The undersigned hereby agrees to indemnify and save and hold harmless the releasees and each of them from any
loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to presence of the undersigned in, upon or about the St. Vincent de
Paul Society San Francisco premises or in any way observing or using any facilities or equipment of St. Vincent de
Paul Society San Francisco or participating in any program affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco
whether caused by the negligence of the releases or otherwise.
3. The undersigned hereby assumes full responsibility for and risk of bodily injury, death or property damage due to
negligence of release or otherwise while in, about or upon the premises of St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco
and/or while using the premises or any facility or equipment thereon or participating in any program affiliated with St.
Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco.
The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as
broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is
agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
The undersigned has read and voluntarily signs the release and waiver of liability and indemnity agreement, and further
agrees that no oral representations, statements or inducements apart from the foregoing written agreement have been
made.
I have read this release and agree to the terms and conditions.
Volunteer’s Full Name: ______________________________
Volunteer’s Signature: ______________________________
(If volunteer is a minor, please have parent or legal guardian sign)
Date: ______________________________
[COMPLETE, SIGN & DATE THIS PAGE -- THEN KEEP IT FOR YOUR OWN RECORDS]
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
At St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco (SVDP-SF), we require volunteers to treat everyone with dignity,
respect, and compassion, and to not discriminate against anyone.
The following activities are prohibited:
1) Verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse
2) Physical abuse/violent contact with anyone, except for self-defense, crisis situations, or medical emergencies
3) Sexual harassment including unwanted sexual advances of any type towards anyone
4) Personal relationships or any association with current/ recent clients at or away from the worksite, which is
social, personal, intimate in nature, or unauthorized by management, for upto 4 months after a client or
guest stops receiving our services
5) Borrowing money or personal property from clients without proper permission/ supervisory agreement
6) Use/under the influence of illegal drugs and/or alcohol, alone or with anyone while at a worksite or on duty
7) Smoking while on SVDP-SF premises
8) Theft of any agency property, including but not limited to donated goods, employees’/ clients’ properties
9) Repeated or excessive absenteeism/ tardiness
10) Disregarding any applicable safety policies/ procedures
11) Unauthorized disclosure of business and/or client secrets or confidential information
Failure to comply with any of these guidelines will not be tolerated, and may result in immediate dismissal for a
volunteer placement/position and/or disciplinary action.
I have read and understand the above volunteer code of conduct & agree to abide by the outlined guidelines.
Volunteer’s Full Name:
______________________________
Volunteer’s Signature:
______________________________
(If volunteer is a minor, please have parent or legal guardian sign)
Date:
______________________________
[COMPLETE, SIGN & DATE THIS PAGE -- THEN KEEP IT FOR YOUR OWN RECORDS]
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
I hereby acknowledge receiving a copy of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco’s Volunteer Handbook,
and I understand that it sets forth the terms and conditions of my volunteer placement/position as well as the
responsibilities and obligations of my contribution of services to St. Vincent de Paul Society, including the fact that
I am an at-will, non-employee, unpaid volunteer. I understand and agree to be bound by the rules, policies and
expectations set forth in the Volunteer Handbook.
I also understand that St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco reserves the right to revise, delete or add
provisions to its policies and procedures.
I hereby acknowledge and accept St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco’s Volunteer Handbook.
Date:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Full Name:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Phone #:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s E-mail:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Address:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Signature:
________________________________________________
(If volunteer is a minor, please have parent or legal guardian sign)
[COMPLETE, SIGN & DATE THIS PAGE -- THEN KEEP IT FOR YOUR OWN RECORDS]
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
RELEASE & WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT FOR VOLUNTEERS
In consideration of being permitted to utilize the premises, facilities, services and programs of St. Vincent de Paul Society San
Francisco for any purpose, including, but not limited to observation or use of facilities or equipment, or participation in any
off-site program affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco, the undersigned, for himself or herself and any
personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin, hereby acknowledges, agrees, and represents that he or she has, or immediately
upon entering or participating will, inspect and carefully consider such premises and facilities or the affiliated program. It is
further warranted that such entry in St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco for observation or use of any facilities or
equipment or participation in such affiliated program constitutes an acknowledgment that such premises and all facilities and
equipment thereon and such affiliated program have been inspected and carefully considered and that the undersigned finds
and accepts the same as being safe and reasonably suited for the purpose of observation, use or participation.
In further consideration or being permitted to enter St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco for any purpose including, but
not limited to, observation or use of facilities or equipment, or participation in any off site program affiliated with St. Vincent
de Paul Society San Francisco, the undersigned hereby agrees to the following:
4. The undersigned hereby releases, waives, discharges and covenants not to sue St. Vincent de Paul Society San
Francisco, it’s directors, officers, employees, and agents (hereinafter referred to as “releasees”) from all liability to the
undersigned, his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any loss or damage, and any claim or
demands therefore on account of injury to the person or property or resulting in death of the undersigned, whether
caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise while the undersigned is in, upon, or about the premises or any
facilities or equipment therein or participating in any program affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco
5. The undersigned hereby agrees to indemnify and save and hold harmless the releasees and each of them from any
loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to presence of the undersigned in, upon or about the St. Vincent de
Paul Society San Francisco premises or in any way observing or using any facilities or equipment of St. Vincent de
Paul Society San Francisco or participating in any program affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco
whether caused by the negligence of the releases or otherwise.
6. The undersigned hereby assumes full responsibility for and risk of bodily injury, death or property damage due to
negligence of release or otherwise while in, about or upon the premises of St. Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco
and/or while using the premises or any facility or equipment thereon or participating in any program affiliated with St.
Vincent de Paul Society San Francisco.
The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as
broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is
agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
The undersigned has read and voluntarily signs the release and waiver of liability and indemnity agreement, and further
agrees that no oral representations, statements or inducements apart from the foregoing written agreement have been
made.
I have read this release and agree to the terms and conditions.
Volunteer’s Full Name: ______________________________
Volunteer’s Signature: ______________________________
(If volunteer is a minor, please have parent or legal guardian sign)
Date: ______________________________
[COMPLETE, SIGN & DATE THIS PAGE -- THEN SUBMIT IT TO THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR]
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
At St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco (SVDP-SF), we require volunteers to treat everyone with dignity,
respect, and compassion, and to not discriminate against anyone.
The following activities are prohibited:
1) Verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse
2) Physical abuse/violent contact with anyone, except for self-defense, crisis situations, or medical emergencies
3) Sexual harassment including unwanted sexual advances of any type towards anyone
4) Personal relationships or any association with current/ recent clients at or away from the worksite, which is
social, personal, intimate in nature, or unauthorized by management, for upto 4 months after a client or
guest stops receiving our services
5) Borrowing money or personal property from clients without proper permission/ supervisory agreement
6) Use/under the influence of illegal drugs and/or alcohol, alone or with anyone while at a worksite or on duty
7) Smoking while on SVDP-SF premises
8) Theft of any agency property, including but not limited to donated goods, employees’/ clients’ properties
9) Repeated or excessive absenteeism/ tardiness
10) Disregarding any applicable safety policies/ procedures
11) Unauthorized disclosure of business and/or client secrets or confidential information
Failure to comply with any of these guidelines will not be tolerated, and may result in immediate dismissal for a
volunteer placement/position and/or disciplinary action.
I have read and understand the above volunteer code of conduct & agree to abide by the outlined guidelines.
Volunteer’s Full Name:
______________________________
Volunteer’s Signature:
______________________________
(If volunteer is a minor, please have parent or legal guardian sign)
Date:
______________________________
[COMPLETE, SIGN & DATE THIS PAGE -- THEN SUBMIT IT TO THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR]
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
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The first step to creating healthier people and stronger communities
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
I hereby acknowledge receiving a copy of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco’s Volunteer Handbook,
and I understand that it sets forth the terms and conditions of my volunteer placement/position as well as the
responsibilities and obligations of my contribution of services to St. Vincent de Paul Society, including the fact that
I am an at-will, non-employee, unpaid volunteer. I understand and agree to be bound by the rules, policies and
expectations set forth in the Volunteer Handbook.
I also understand that St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco reserves the right to revise, delete or add
provisions to its policies and procedures.
I hereby acknowledge and accept St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco’s Volunteer Handbook.
Date:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Full Name:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Phone #:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s E-mail:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Address:
________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Signature:
________________________________________________
(If volunteer is a minor, please have parent or legal guardian sign)
[COMPLETE, SIGN & DATE THIS PAGE -- THEN SUBMIT IT TO THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR]
St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco | 1237 Van Ness Ave., Suite 200, SF, CA 94109 | Tel. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org
Page 15 of 15