Volunteer Code
of Conduct
Becoming a Caribbean with Purpose volunteer comes with great rewards and responsibilities. Volunteers like you are representatives of Caribbean with Purpose and its ministry. When you accept a volunteer role with Caribbean with Purpose, you are committing to act in a way that promotes Caribbean with Purposet’s mission, respects the local community, and ensures the safety of all participants. In addition to complying with all laws, regulations and Caribbean with Purpose policies, all volunteers are expected to follow the volunteer code of conduct outlined below.
1. Promote a respectful community:
Treat all volunteers, employees and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity. This includes avoiding the use of humiliating, demeaning, offensive, degrading or otherwise insensitive language that fails to respect the dignity of the person. Volunteers are also expected to refrain from engaging in intimidation, discrimination, physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence toward others. Volunteers will not engage in any abuse of authority, position or influence by withholding/restricting access to support/support services, manipulating selection or targeting processes for those we intend to serve. Promote a welcoming, respectful environment by making efforts to understand and honor the local culture and by following all rules and policies set forth by a Caribbean with Purpose Program staff member or supervising volunteer. Use of social media should be governed by the principles of respecting and protecting vulnerable populations while preserving their dignity and privacy. You are discouraged from posting anything on social media that permits beneficiaries being identified and/or traced.
2. Respect the human rights of all people and protect beneficiaries and community members from exploitation and abuse:
All Caribbean with Purposevolunteers must model behavior consistent with the Caribbean with Purpose International Safeguarding Policy which protects staff, beneficiaries, and community members (especially vulnerable adults and children) from exploitation and abuse. Inappropriate physical or sexual relationships with other volunteers is prohibited. Under no circumstances, may volunteers engage in sexual activity with a child (a person under the age of 18, regardless of the legal age of consent and local laws), any Caribbean with Purposestaff or beneficiaries, or any community members. This includes not procuring commercial sex acts, even where such activities are permitted by local laws.
3. Prioritize site safety:
Safety rules and guidelines on the volunteer site have been
created to keep you and others safe as you volunteer and must be followed.
Activities that pose a safety risk to yourself or others should be avoided. Report
any unsafe working conditions to the onsite supervisor.
4. Uphold a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs and weapons:
The purchase or
possession of drugs or weapons is strictly prohibited on Caribbean with Purpose
property and volunteer sites. The purchase or possession of alcohol is also
strictly prohibited on Caribbean with Purpose volunteer sites, even if permitted by
local laws or by the laws of the volunteer’s home country.
5. Follow the gift giving policy:
To avoid potential misunderstandings,
embarrassment, injured feelings or jealousy, volunteers are asked not to
exchange gifts with Caribbean with Purpose Beneficiaries, staff members or
community members without consulting Caribbean with Purposestaff. Volunteers
may speak with a staff member about appropriate ways to exchange gifts and
our staff is happy to suggest gifts that will benefit the entire community.
6. Protect ministry assets:
Use reasonable care to protect all Caribbean with
Purpose resources. Stealing, misappropriation or diversion of Caribbean with
Purpose funds, property, or other assets for personal benefit is not permitted, nor
is otherwise engaging in fraudulent activity regarding Caribbean with Purpose’s
assets, operations, or beneficiaries.
7. Maintain confidentiality:
Build trust with other volunteers and Caribbean with
Purpose by respecting the confidentiality of volunteers, staff, Caribbean with
Purpose Beneficiaries, and community members. Unless you receive prior
written approval from Caribbean with Purpose, you will not disclose confidential
Caribbean with Purpose information or confidential information given to you by
others.
8. Speak up!:
Caribbean with Purpose embraces a “see something, say something”
culture. If you become aware of potential misconduct, help reinforce our culture
of courage and accountability by sharing your concerns with an appropriate
Caribbean with Purpose staff or supervising volunteers. You can also
anonymously report potential misconduct by reporting a claim to the confidential
Caribbean with Purpose Ethics and Accountability Line.
