Volunteer Agreement (in volunteer management): A document outlining expectations and responsibilities.
Volunteer agreement
A volunteer agreement is a document that establishes clear expectations and responsibilities for volunteers, ensuring mutual understanding between the individual and the organization.
What is a volunteer agreement
It sets the stage for a fruitful relationship between your organization and its volunteers, articulating the commitments of each party and helps avoid potential misunderstandings. Think of it as the “user manual” for your volunteers. Within this agreement, you’ll outline specific duties to be performed, time commitments expected, and organizational policies that volunteers must adhere to. For instance, if a volunteer is responsible for organizing community events, specify the number of hours required each week and any necessary reports or evaluations.
It’s essential to remember that a volunteer agreement is not a binding employment contract; volunteers are not entitled to payment or benefits in the same way as employees. Instead, it cultivates a spirit of collaboration and clearly defines the roles and obligations expected of volunteers. This document is there to prevent issues like a volunteer assuming they have more responsibility than defined, or conversely, a volunteer feeling unsupported due to a lack of clarity on their duties. Providing this guidance through a contract emphasizes professionalism and respect for all contributors while fostering a supportive and inviting environment.
How we can help
Zelos is a volunteer management app that encourages organizations to clearly detail both general house rules as well as job descriptions for volunteers, and allows for ongoing communication—essential for addressing any concerns or updates.
Sign up for a free account on our website to see how it fits with your needs!