Addressing Addressing Volunteer BehaviorVolunteer Behavior

Youth Emphasis WislineYouth Emphasis WislineJanuary 6, 2005January 6, 2005

Melanie Miller and Sue Melanie Miller and Sue PleskacPleskac

It’s a It’s a PRIVILEGE to PRIVILEGE to

volunteervolunteer - not a right. - not a right.

Discipline and DismissalDiscipline and Dismissal Discipline and Dismissal of Discipline and Dismissal of

Volunteers are no longer optional.Volunteers are no longer optional. However, conflicts and differences However, conflicts and differences

in perceptions do occur. in perceptions do occur.

Discipline and DismissalDiscipline and Dismissal The values, ethics and integrity of a program The values, ethics and integrity of a program

director and the volunteer are at stake. The director and the volunteer are at stake. The termination of volunteers is a part of the termination of volunteers is a part of the ethical responsibility which volunteer ethical responsibility which volunteer managers must shoulder. It is a process which managers must shoulder. It is a process which begins with the initial orientation of the begins with the initial orientation of the volunteer and continues throughout the volunteer and continues throughout the volunteer process.volunteer process.

Ann Cook, 1992Ann Cook, 1992

When a problem exists or When a problem exists or is brought to your is brought to your

attention…attention… Your response to each situation Your response to each situation

should beshould be– This issue may become a bigger This issue may become a bigger

problemproblem– Further steps may become necessaryFurther steps may become necessary– You may be called on to You may be called on to

defend your actions now defend your actions now that you are informedthat you are informed

Because problems can Because problems can develop...develop...

Maintain professional relationships Maintain professional relationships with volunteerswith volunteers

There is a “line”There is a “line” Balance is importanceBalance is importance Have established policiesHave established policies

So what do I do?So what do I do? Make sure you have the facts – Make sure you have the facts –

investigateinvestigate Talk with the person face-to-face if Talk with the person face-to-face if

possible – it’s the bestpossible – it’s the best Remain as neutral as possibleRemain as neutral as possible Maintain confidentialityMaintain confidentiality Take good notesTake good notes

Discipline and DismissalDiscipline and Dismissal Steps in a progressive discipline Steps in a progressive discipline

processprocess– Verbal warningsVerbal warnings– Written warningsWritten warnings– SuspensionSuspension– DismissalDismissal

Example: UWEX /4-H modelExample: UWEX /4-H model

Outline for a Verbal Outline for a Verbal WarningWarning

1. Describe alleged deed.1. Describe alleged deed. 2. Cite policy which is violated.2. Cite policy which is violated. 3. Explain reason for policy.3. Explain reason for policy. 4. Ask volunteer if perceived problem exists to 4. Ask volunteer if perceived problem exists to

them.them. 5. Ask volunteer what should be done.5. Ask volunteer what should be done. 6. Reaffirm importance of compliance.6. Reaffirm importance of compliance. 7. Express importance of compliance and 7. Express importance of compliance and

confidence. confidence. they can change their behavior.they can change their behavior.– Linda Graff and AssociatesLinda Graff and Associates

A Written Warning should A Written Warning should include...include...

Elements of Verbal WarningElements of Verbal Warning Plus - time frame for change and Plus - time frame for change and

end of opportunityend of opportunity Plus - Consequences Plus - Consequences

for no changefor no change

How do we contribute to How do we contribute to disciplinary problems?disciplinary problems?

Inadequate orientationInadequate orientation Didn’t monitor workDidn’t monitor work Thought if ignored problem, it would go Thought if ignored problem, it would go

awayaway Minimized seriousness of situationMinimized seriousness of situation Accepted any volunteer –even if they Accepted any volunteer –even if they

weren’t right for the jobweren’t right for the job Didn’t want to scare them off with actual Didn’t want to scare them off with actual

expectationsexpectations

Grounds for DismissalGrounds for Dismissal Identified unacceptable actionsIdentified unacceptable actions Abuse of powerAbuse of power Inability or failure to meet Inability or failure to meet

expectationsexpectations Inability to work within the missionInability to work within the mission Inability to change ( self or Inability to change ( self or

program)program)– Linda Graff and AssociatesLinda Graff and Associates

How to discipline..How to discipline.. Act ethically and compassionatelyAct ethically and compassionately Act quicklyAct quickly Document every stepDocument every step Use steps in verbal warningUse steps in verbal warning Be prepared to listen to volunteers perspectiveBe prepared to listen to volunteers perspective Establish time frameEstablish time frame Follow throughFollow through

Rightful DismissalRightful Dismissal Must be able to prove chargesMust be able to prove charges Charges must be sufficient to Charges must be sufficient to

warrant dismissalwarrant dismissal Cause must be related to job Cause must be related to job

performanceperformance Procedures must have been Procedures must have been

followed followed Linda Linda Graff and AssociatesGraff and Associates

IMMEDIATE DISMISSALIMMEDIATE DISMISSAL Any behavior or action which is Any behavior or action which is

detrimental to the health, safety or detrimental to the health, safety or reputation of agency personnel, reputation of agency personnel, clients or the agency itself.clients or the agency itself.

If safety concerns exist..If safety concerns exist.. Assess personal riskAssess personal risk Have a planHave a plan Notify authorities if possibleNotify authorities if possible Never handle a dismissal situation Never handle a dismissal situation

alonealone

Volunteer Legal IssuesVolunteer Legal Issues Stay CalmStay Calm You have the University and the You have the University and the

State of Wisconsin behind youState of Wisconsin behind you Apply Best practicesApply Best practices

Best PracticesBest Practices Keep the discussion to a minimumKeep the discussion to a minimum

You are not alone..You are not alone.. Work with your liaisonWork with your liaison Remember to follow best practices Remember to follow best practices Keep your focus on a quality youth Keep your focus on a quality youth

programprogram