These are our detailed policies regarding volunteers at our hostel. These policies may or may not have previously been discussed with you so you are encouraged to read this document thoroughly before signing.
PURPOSE OF VOLUNTEER POLICIES
These policies are written to provide overall guidance and direction to the manager and volunteers engaged in volunteer activities at the hostel. These policies do not constitute, either implicitly or explicitly, a binding contractual or personnel agreement. The hostel reserves the exclusive right to change any of these policies at any time and to expect adherence to the changed policy. Areas not specifically covered by these policies shall be determined by the hostel manager.
DEFINITION OF A “VOLUNTEER”
A "volunteer" is anyone who, without compensation or expectation of compensation beyond reimbursement, performs a task at the direction of and on behalf of the hostel. A "volunteer" must be officially accepted and enrolled by the hostel prior to the volunteer engagement. Unless specifically stated, volunteers shall not be considered as "employees" of the hostel.
“MANDATORY” SERVICE
Our hostel also accepts as volunteers those participating in student community service activities, student intern projects, corporate volunteer programs, and other volunteer referral programs. In each of these cases, however, a written agreement must be in effect with the organization, school, or program from whom the special case volunteers originate and this agreement must identify responsibility for management and care of the volunteers. This agreement must be reached in writing before the volunteer begins their assignment, and it is the responsibility of the volunteer to secure this agreement with the appropriate organization. Remember: not every program will recognize hostel volunteering as meeting mandatory community service obligations.
SERVICE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE HOSTEL
Our hostel accepts the service of all volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the agency. Volunteers agree that the agency may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer's relationship with the agency.
The volunteer may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to sever the volunteer's relationship with the agency. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible to the manager.
REPRESENTING THE HOSTEL
Volunteers are asked to not to contact organizations or individuals on behalf of the hostel unless they are given express written directions to do so by the manager. Prior to any action or statement which might significantly affect or obligate the hostel, volunteers should seek prior consultation and approval from the manager. Volunteers are authorized to act as representatives of the hostel as specifically indicated within their job descriptions and only to the extent of such written specifications.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a single guest, volunteer, or other person or involves overall hostel business. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer's relationship with the hostel or other corrective action.
SCREENING / REFERENCE CHECKS
Because the safety and security of our hostel guests is paramount, we reserve the right to contact any prior organizations, employers, teachers you provide on this volunteer request.
COPYRIGHT/OWNERSHIP ISSUES
Material produced by volunteers for the hostel, including artwork, graphics materials, web page designs, social media, photographs, video, narratives, research, compilations, instructional texts, etc., becomes the property of the hostel upon submission. Volunteers will receive credit for their work if requested.
HOSTEL RULES AND VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
Volunteers are expected to follow all hostel rules and code of ethics and behavior contained in the volunteer handbook. By submitting this volunteer request you agree to follow all hostel rules and polices in the volunteer handbook.
ENDING YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE
You can cease volunteering with the hostel at any time by notifying the manager and long as the safety and security of the guests are maintained.
DISMISSAL OF A VOLUNTEER
The manager may dismiss a volunteers who does not adhere to the hostel rules and/or polices in the volunteer handbook, or who fails to satisfactorily perform their volunteer assignment, or, in the manager’s sole opinion, are not contributing to the hostel community in a positive way. By signing this volunteer agreement you agree to maintain the safety, comfort and harmony in the community if you are asked to leave.
ENDING YOUR VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT
Our goal is to offer this unique volunteer service opportunity to as many travelers as possible. Therefore, your volunteer service will end on the estimated volunteer end date indicated above if other travelers are waiting for a volunteer opportunity. By signing this agreement you agree to maintain your overall life or travel plan so that you have options when your volunteer service has ended.
