Volunteer Handbook_2010 04 21

Volunteer

Handbook

“Self-help support for families and friends of people who have a mental illness brain disorder”

4305 Degnan Blvd. Suite 104

Los Angeles, CA 90008-4948 (323) 294-7814

www.namiurbanla.org

April 2010

http://www.namiurbanla.org/


Los Angeles, CA 90008-4948

(323) 294-7814 www.namiurbanla.org

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Table of Contents

Our Mission Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Our Priorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Our Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Respect for the Individual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Support for Local Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Commitment to Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Dedication to Improved Public Awareness and Knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 About NAMI: Support, Education and Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Welcome to NAMI Urban Los Angeles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Awareness and Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Education: The Faces and Voice of Mental Illness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Advocacy: A Respected Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 What Are the Benefits of NAMI Urban LA Membership?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 How Can I Volunteer with NAMI Urban Los Angeles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Orientation and Training………………………………………………………………….7 Sexual and Other Unlawful Harassment….…………………………………………….7 HIPPA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Confidentiality: What Volunteers Need to know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Internet Usage Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Dress Code Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NULA Organization Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13




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Managing Volunteers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Finding Volunteers…………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Training Volunteers.……………………………………………………………………. 15 Requirements of Volunteers..…………………………………………………………. 15 Volunteer Work Order Request. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Committees Sign-Up Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 NULA Volunteer Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .20 Waiver of Liabilities Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Volunteer Expectation Guidelines Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25




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OUR MISSION STATEMENT

To educate, support, and be an advocate for families of urban communities and their loved ones dealing with serious and persistent brain disorders (mental

illness) in a culturally sensitive manner that will best promote recovery.

OUR PRIORITIES

NAMI Urban Los Angeles gives priority to adults, children, and their families affected by serious mental illnesses and significant emotional disorders. We are committed to eliminating stigma and promoting the philosophy of recovery, to

achieving our goals in collaboration with all stakeholders, and to assuring the highest quality of culturally competent services possible.

OUR VALUES

Respect for the Individual

Each person who receives our services will be treated with respect and dignity, and will be a partner in achieving recovery. We commit ourselves to services that:

honor the rights, wishes and needs of each individual;

promote each individual's quality of life; focus on each individual's strengths in the context of his or her own culture; foster independence and recovery;

demonstrate the value of family inclusion and the benefits of strong family support.

Support for Local Care

We believe that people are best served in or near their own homes or the community of their choice. We commit to the availability of a full and flexible array

of coordinated services in our community, and to services that are provided in a healthy environment. We believe in services that build upon critical local supports: family, friends, faith communities, healthcare providers, and other

community services that offer employment, learning, leisure pursuits, and other human or clinical supports.

Commitment to Quality

We are an agency worthy of the highest level of public trust. We provide seminars in an environment that is safe and therapeutic, which inspires and promotes

innovation and creativity. We, train, support and retain volunteers who are culturally and linguistically competent, who are committed to the recovery




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philosophy, and who value continuous learning and research. We provide services

efficiently and effectively, and strive always to provide interventions that are scientifically proven to support recovery.

Dedication to improved public awareness and knowledge

We believe that people with mental illnesses, trauma victims, and others who experience severe emotional distress, are often the object of misunderstanding

and stigmatizing attitudes. We work with employers, sister agencies, and public media to combat prejudice born of ignorance about mental illnesses. Moreover, we expect our own staff to be leaders in the anti-stigma campaign.

About NAMI: Education, Support, Advocacy

From its inception in 1979, NAMI, now a national organization, has been dedicated

to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

For three decades, NAMI has established itself as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. Dedication, steadfast commitment and unceasing belief in NAMI's mission by grassroots advocates have

produced profound changes. NAMI's greatest strength is the dedication of our grassroots leaders and members. We are the families, friends and individuals that serve to strengthen communities across the country.

Due in large part to generous individual, corporate, and foundation donations,

NAMI is able to build on its success and continue to focus on three cornerstones of activity that offer hope, reform, and health to our American community: Education, Support and Advocacy.

Financial contributions allow NAMI to offer an array of programs, initiatives, and

activities in support of the NAMI mission, a sample of which is described below.

Welcome to NAMI Urban Los Angeles NAMI Urban Los Angeles (NULA) is the urban affiliate of NAMI, the National

Alliance on Mental Illness. It is a non-profit, grassroots, self-help, volunteer organization. It provides education, support and advocacy for families and their loved ones dealing with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder,

major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders among others.

NULA, founded in 2003, provides education about severe brain disorders, supports increased funding for research and advocates for adequate health insurance, housing rehabilitation and jobs for people with serious psychiatric illnesses in

communities of color. It also seeks to educate the public about the myths of




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mental illness to eradicate stigma. NULA seeks to be a beacon of hope in the

community it serves.

Awareness and Support: A Pathway to Recovery

NAMI's support and public education efforts are focused on educating America about mental illness, offering resources to those in need, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority. Mental illness is a serious medical illness

that affects one in four families. No one is to blame. Treatment works, but only half of people living with mental illness receive treatment. NAMI has engaged in a variety of activities to create awareness about mental illness and promote the

promise of recovery.

Education: The Face and Voice of Mental Illness

NAMI offers an array of peer education and training programs, initiatives and services for individuals, family members, health care providers and the general public. NAMI's education and support programs provide relevant information,

valuable insight, and the opportunity to engage in support networks. These programs draw on the lived experience of individuals who have learned to live well with mental illness and have been extensively trained to help others, as well as

the expertise of mental health professionals and educators. NAMI and volunteer grassroots leaders are committed to education as the pathway to recovery, empowerment and wellness. In addition to education programs and initiatives

offered through NAMI National, many of NAMI's over 1,100 affiliates offer an array of support and education programs and activities for families and individuals. Many of NAMI's program offerings are also available in Spanish language and some are

also provided by means of translations into other languages.

Advocacy: A Respected Force

NAMI is recognized as the preeminent voice on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the country for the millions of Americans living with serious mental illness. NAMI advocates have fought for policy changes that raise the bar on mental illness

care and promote treatment and research on par with other illnesses. NAMI's advocacy provides a unique voice for people who live with mental illness and their families in state and federal public and private sector policies that facilitate

research, end discrimination, reduce barriers to successful life in the community and promote timely, comprehensive and effective mental health services and

supports. NAMI National and NAMI grassroots leaders work steadily to influence critical national policy debates as they unfold.




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What are the benefits of NAMI Urban LA membership?

All NAMI members receive the benefits of membership at all three levels of the

organization, including:

Membership in the local affiliate, state organization, and NAMI national organizations

Eligibility to vote in all NAMI National elections

A subscription to The Advocate NAMI's quarterly magazine, as well as access to optional subscriptions to specialty newsletters and information at the national, state, and local levels.

Member discounts on brochures, videos, promotional items, and registration at NAMI's annual convention and many state and local conferences.

Access to exclusive members-only material on www.nami.org

How can I volunteer with NAMI Urban Los Angeles?

NULA conducts a volunteer orientation meeting each year and follow-up interviews. Prospective volunteers are asked to attend the orientation meeting which will cover the basics of volunteering at NULA, including information about the various

committees and the application process, including a Volunteer Handbook and opportunity to sign up for the committees.

Orientation and Training As a part of being a volunteer at NULA, we will provide training in the area you

have elected to be involved with. Often you bring many skills that may be important to the organization, we welcome your ideas, and your already perfected skills, however, often we will need to orient you to some of the special ways NULA

conducts its work to assure a certain consistency for all our volunteers. Sexual and Other Unlawful Harassment

NULA is committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination and unlawful harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an

individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or any other legally protected characteristics will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment both overt and subtle is a

form of employee misconduct that is demeaning to another person, undermines the integrity of the employment relationship, and is strictly prohibited.

Any employee who feels that he or she is a victim of sexual harassment or other types of harassment should immediately report such actions in accordance with

http://www.nami.org/




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the following procedure. All complaints will be promptly and thoroughly

investigated as confidentially as possible. Any employee who believes that he or she is a victim of sexual harassment or has

been retaliated against for complaining of sexual harassment, should report the act immediately to one of the following members of management who have been designated to receive such complaints: the direct supervisor. If an employee

makes a report to any of these members of management and the manager either does not respond or does not respond in a manner the employee deems satisfactory or consistent with this policy, the employee is required to report the

situation to the Executive Director. NULA will investigate every reported incident immediately. Any employee,

supervisor or agent of the organization who has been found to have violated this policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge.

NULA will conduct all investigations in a discreet manner. NULA recognizes that every investigation requires a determination based on all the facts in the matter.

We also recognize the serious impact a false accusation can have. We trust that employees will continue to act responsibly.

The reporting employee and any employee participating in any investigation under this policy have NULA’s assurance that no reprisals will be taken as a result of a sexual harassment complaint. It is our policy to encourage discussion of the

matter, to help protect others from being subjected to similar inappropriate behavior.

NAMI Urban Los Angeles is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and unlawful harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or comments

based on an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or other legally protected characteristics will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment both overt and subtle is a form of misconduct that is demeaning to another person, undermines

the integrity of relationships, and is strictly prohibited. We ask our volunteers to adhere to these standards while they are apart of our NULA team.




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HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act I. What is HIPAA? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is a multifaceted

piece of legislation covering three areas:

INSURANCE PORTABILITY:

Portability ensures that individuals moving from one health plan to another will have continuity of coverage and will not be denied coverage.

FRAUD ENFORCEMENT (ACCOUNTABILITY): Significantly increases the federal government’s fraud enforcement authority in many different areas.

ADMINISTRATIVE SIMPLIFICATION:

Ensures system-wide, technical and policy changes in healthcare

organizations in order to protect patient’s privacy and the confidentiality of identifiable protected health information (PHI).

II. What are the consequences of breaking a HIPAA rule? Breaking HIPAA privacy or security rules can mean civil or criminal sanctions:

Civil penalties can result in fines up to $100 for each violation per

individual. This means that if the hospital releases 80 patient records, it

could be fined for a total of $8,000. $25,000 is the annual limit per person for violating each identical requirement.

Criminal penalties for knowingly disclosing PHI may include large fines as well as jail time. Criminal penalties increase as the seriousness of the offense increases.

III. What does Confidentiality and Privacy mean?

Confidentiality and privacy mean that consumer’s have the right to control who will see their protected health information (PHI). Communication about

patient health information should be limited to those who need the information in order to provide treatment, payment, and healthcare operations (TPO).

IV. What is considered identifiable Protected Health Information (PHI)?

Name, relative’s name, address, social security number, employer, account number, date of birth, certificate number, telephone number, voice prints, fax number, fingerprint, e-mail address, photos, occupation and other

personal information.




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CONFIDENTIALITY - What Volunteers Need to Know

Consumers and families have a legal right to expect that confidentiality of

information will be preserved. Unlawful use or disclosure of information may

expose the hospital to civil and criminal liability. Any breach of confidentiality will result in the automatic dismissal of a volunteer.

Confidentiality means that all information about a consumer and family is protected.

Protected information includes any and all information about a consumer and family, including, name, diagnosis, address, financial information, family relationships, and any information learned from the staff, consumer,

or family.

Photographing or videotaping is not permitted without a completed photo

release form. Contact your supervisor to obtain further instructions from the Marketing and Public Relations Department.

Volunteers do not discuss the consumer’s diagnosis, condition, treatment, or family information with anyone other than appropriate agency personnel. “What you hear and see here, stays here.”

Volunteers will discuss information only in private spaces and not in

elevators, hallways, cafeteria, lobbies, waiting rooms, parking lots, or other

public space in the hospital or elsewhere. Volunteers must observe these precautions even if others occasionally forget them.

Only authorized students may keep journals or written reports. All such written materials must first have format and content approved by the designated staff supervisor. Names and information that could identify a

specific consumer or family may not be used under any circumstances.

All issues of concern will be shared only with the appropriate staff.




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Internet Usage Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines to ensure the proper use of computer resources by volunteers.

NULA provides workplace technology telecommunications equipment, resources and services including hard drives, software, programs, documents and date

stored are the property of NULA and are intended for legitimate business purposes only. Management may, at its discretion monitor any and all aspects of the computer and telecommunications resources and services including documents,

email, voice mail and Internet activity. Users have no expectation of privacy or right to claim ownership of anything they crate, send, or receive using NULA’s computer and telecommunication technology.

The introduction of unapproved software programs can crash a computer or an entire network by introducing viruses, changing the operating environment setup,

or causing conflicts with existing software. No software may be downloaded, installed, or used on NULA equipment at any time without the prior written permission of the Executive Director. This includes, but is not limited to software

downloaded from the Internet attached to an email message copied from another computer, or received from anyone authorized by the Executive Director.

Because of the danger posed by viruses, users should never open unsolicited email attachments without first determining the validity and safety of the attachment. When in doubt as to the validity of an email communication, contact the NULA

Executive Director for support. Users shall not use NULA computers for instant messaging, online chatting,

blogging, online gaming, or other applications that involve real time feed or streaming such as RSS, news, podcast time and weather updates, radio, music, video clips, movie and sports transmissions. By using excessive bandwidth, these

programs can have significant detrimental impact on the performance of NULA’s data network and telephone systems including voice mail and intake.

Internet access is provided to facilitate NULA’s work, involving education, advocacy, and support in the mental health field. It is the responsibility of each

user to ensure that internet usage does not conflict with the non-profit’s service to its clients, ethical responsibilities, or applicable laws and regulations. Examples of forbidden internet usage include:

Accessing , creating, downloading, transmitting or printing materials that

are discriminatory, derogatory, defamatory, obscene, or offensive; create

an intimidating or hostile environment; threaten or advocate violence, are related to hate or paramilitary groups or beliefs; or that may be construed as harassment or disparagement based on race, color, national origin, sex,

sexual orientation, age, disability, or religious or political beliefs.




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Accessing or sending, receiving or soliciting text or images that are adult or sexually orientated, or in any way obscene, lewd or pornographic.

Disseminating or printing copyrighted materials, including articles on software in violation of copyright laws.

Downloading software without prior approval from the NULA Executive Director. Downloads could introduce a computer virus on NULA’s network or could be an infringement of copyright law.

Operating a business for personal gain, sending chain letters, or solicitation

money for religious political causes or commercial interests.

Gambling

Providing access to confidential information.

Users shall not use voicemail or email for any illegal or inappropriate

purposes. Examples of forbidden voicemail and email transmissions include:

Profane or vulgar language Discriminatory insulting or any message that can be construed to be

harassing or disparaging.

Sexually explicit messages, images, cartoons, or jokes.

Chain letters

Solicitation of funds for commercial interests, political campaigns or any

purpose related to partisan political activity.

Messages that promote violation of employer policies, procedures, rules and/or regulations.

Dress Code Policy NULA’s dress code is business casual. Please respect our clients by dressing

appropriately. Important visitors may tour our office at any time and it is important to maintain professionalism in our office, and when on duty as a volunteer.




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NULA Organization Structure Needing Volunteers

Category/Committee Lead Board Member Support Position

Advocacy and Resources

Advocacy Committee Chair Volunteer/s monitor media for newsworthy articles to be posted on website

Volunteer/s go to court with members to

provide support and provide information to families who are dealing with criminal

justice issues

Volunteer/s attend monthly DMH and LACCC meetings

Education, Programs

and Resources

Family to Family (F2F)

In Living Color (ILC)

Education Committee Chair Volunteer/s:

Arrange for marketing F2F classes and ILC sessions

Coordinate F2F classes and ILC sessions

Research process to develop liaison with universities, etc., for opportunities

Attend F2F teacher training

Evaluation Evaluation Committee Chair Volunteer/s establish liaison between NULA and universities to assist with creating

evaluation tools, assessments and collecting and evaluating data

Events, Marketing &

Communications

Event Committee Chair Volunteer/s manage, plan or otherwise

participate in Event Sub-Committees

Marketing – contact media outlets for placing flyers, ads, etc. and creating flyers for NULA events

Newsletter – coordinates distribution through Constant Contact; recruits stories and news; coordinates with NULA

Board, staff and contributors

Communication – updates Constant Contact

Speakers, Health Fairs, Booths – arranges and coordinates for speakers, participation at health fairs and booths;

speaks as a NULA representative

Sample Events April –Annual Anniversary celebration July – Nat’l Mental Illness Awareness Month Bebe Moore Campbell Event October - Annual NAMI Walk December-Volunteer Recognition / Holiday

Event

Membership Membership Committee Chair

Volunteer/s manage membership procedure




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Category/Committee Lead Board Member Support Position

Organizational (office) Management

Correspondence Employees (HR) Equipment repair (non-computer)

Repair Insurance Mail Miscellaneous Office supplies Telephone

answering

Organizational Management Chair

Volunteer/s help with

Answering telephone, taking messages

brochures and resources upkeep

assist in mailings

Support Group Management

Support Group Committee Chair

Volunteer/s facilitate various Support Groups

Weekly Family Support Group

Other support groups

Volunteer/s

Arrange for speakers

Arrange for facilitators, keys

Technology (computer and internet related)

Computer and

peripherals Website & e-mail maintenance

Technology Chair Volunteer/s provide

Volunteer technology support

Volunteer website maintenance

Volunteer Management

Annual Orientation

meeting Assignment of tasks

Oversight Recognition of Volunteers

Volunteer Committee Chair Volunteer Coordinator coordinates volunteers and activities

Coordinates volunteers and activities

Maintains a calendar of events

Assigns volunteers to staff activities and

events

Annual Orientation meeting

Assignment of tasks

Recognition of volunteers

Oversight of 9 committees

Advocacy Committee

Education Committee

Evaluation Committee

Event Committee

Membership Committee

Org/Office Management Committee

Support Group Committee

Technology Committee

Volunteer Committee




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Managing Volunteers Volunteers are an important part of any non-profit organization including NULA. The Executive Director of NULA is responsible for recruiting, motivating and recognizing volunteers. The Volunteer program allows knowledgeable professionals to assist

less-experienced colleagues in building skills necessary for success and advancement with NAMI.

Finding Volunteers Becoming a NULA volunteer takes a certain amount of dedication and training.

Studies indicate that the best way to find reliable volunteers is through phone calls and e-mails to prospective members, which mention that getting involved is the best way to get the most out of NULA membership. In requests for volunteers, we

emphasize that we can build a position around the potential volunteer's wants, skills, and time.

Training Volunteers

NULA holds an annual volunteer orientation meeting which provides training and information about NULA and the roles volunteers can play. In addition, NAMI

National and NAMI California provide training for volunteers recommended to be trained Family to Family teachers and support group facilitators. NAMI Los Angeles County Coordinating Council helps facilitate some of this training.

Requirements of Volunteers

In addition to the annual volunteer orientation meeting, volunteers are asked to be available once per month for a telephone conference or face-to-face meeting,

along with their assigned duties. Nula invites you to review and complete the following pages, and bring them to

the next orientation meeting. NULA can be reached at:

NAMI Urban LA 4305 Degnan Blvd., #104 Los Angeles, CA 90008-4948

323-294-7814 Phone - 323-294-1534 Fax www.namiurbanla.org

http://www.namiurbanla.org/




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SAMPLE

Volunteer Work Order Request

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance regarding a volunteer opportunity listed below. Please refer to this document as a guide to execute the

aforementioned activity.

Name of Position

Number of Positions Available

Reports To

Estimate Time Commitment

Responsibilities

Deliverable

If you have any questions or comments regarding this volunteer opportunity, please feel free to contact the Officer named below.

Contact Information:

Telephone number: Email:




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NAMI URBAN LOS ANGELES VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES SIGN-UP FORM

COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES

____Advocacy Committee –

- monitors media for newsworthy articles to be posted on

website

- goes to court with members to provide support and

information to families dealing with criminal justice

issues

- attends monthly DMH and LACCC meetings

____Education Committee –

- arranges for marketing F2F classes and ILC sessions

- coordinates F2F classes and ILC sessions

- researches process to develop liaison with universities,

etc. for marketing and education opportunities

- attends F2F teacher training

____Evaluation Committee –

- establishes liaison between NULA and universities to

assist with creating evaluation tools, assessments and

collecting and evaluating data

____Event Committee

Event Sub-Committees

____Marketing –

- contacts media outlets for placing flyers, ads, etc.

- creates flyers for NULA events

____Newsletter –

- Coordinates distribution of newsletter through

Constant Contact

- recruits stories and news

- coordinates with Board of Directors, staff and

contributors

____Communication –

- updates Constant Contact with contact information of




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constituents

____Speakers, Health Fairs, Booths –

- arranges and coordinates for speakers at health fairs,

events

- coordinates participation at health fairs and booths

- speaks as a NULA representative at requested

engagements

____Anniversary Celebration - participates in coordinating and executing of

celebration

____Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

(Thurs, July 15, 2010) - participates in coordinating and

executing of July activities

____ NAMI Walks LA (Saturday, October 2, 2010) - participates in

coordinating and executing Walk

____Holiday Party & Volunteer Recognition (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)

participates in coordinating and executing party

____Membership Committee –

- organizes membership drive

- maintains membership database

- coordinates membership compliance with NAMI CA and

NAMI National

____Org/Office Management Committee –

- answers telephones, takes messages

- keeps brochures and resources up to date

- assists in mailings

____Support Group Committee –

- arranges for speakers

- arranges for facilitators, keys

- facilitates the support group

- attends Family Support Group training




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____Technology Committee –

- provides technology support

- provides website maintenance

____Volunteer Committee –

- coordinates volunteers and activities

- maintains a calendar of events

- assigns volunteers to staff activities and events

_______________________________________

Print Your Name

_______________________________________ _________________________________ Applicant Signature Date




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Thank you so much for your interest to share your valuable time, talents and treasures

with NAMI Urban Los Angeles. Please provide the following information and someone

with contact you with further instructions.

Please complete this form and submit it to the Volunteer Chair or Coordinator.

Name_________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________

City__________________________________State_______ __Zip_________________

Telephone (H)______________ ________(C)_________________________

Email_________________________________________________________

Hours per week

available_____________________________________________________________

By providing your e-mail address and telephone numbers you are giving us permission

to contact you via e-mail and telephone. Your information will not be shared with any

other entity or sold. Thank you very much.

____________________________________ ___________________________________

Employed By (If Employed) Phone Number _________________________________________________________________________

Address

City_____________________________State_________Zip________________________

May you be called at work? Yes No Brief description of work: __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Formal Education (highest year of school completed ___________________________




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Do you speak a foreign language? Yes No

If yes, which language ____________

Do you drive? Yes No Do you have regular access to a car? Yes No

Current community activities:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________ List current and previous volunteer work (list all previous volunteer work including

brief description of duties and activities, dates of service.):

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What are your reasons for wanting to participate as a NAMI Urban LA volunteer?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Have you had any personal experience(s) involving:

Mental Illness Advocacy

Criminal Justice System Supporting Others During Emotional Stress

If so, please explain: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________




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How did you learn of our program:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation? Yes No

If yes, what charge? _______________ Date convicted: ________ Where ____________

Do you consent to a routine check of your criminal records? Yes No Can you think of any reason why a judge might be reluctant for you to serve as a

NAMI Urban LA volunteer?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Please list three references of people who know you well, other than relatives, preferably for whom you have worked in either a paid or volunteer capacity. If you

are currently working, either paid or as a volunteer, please include the name of your supervisor.

Name Address Zip Code Phone Relationship

1. _____________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________

How long have you lived in the area? __________________________

NAMI Urban LA reserves the right to make any checks deemed appropriate as to the suitability of anyone responsible for this confidential work. All information obtained

will be held in the strictest confidence.

Are you willing to commit to one year of volunteer services? Yes No




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Are you willing to be contacted via telephone, regular mail and email? Yes No

Are you willing to have your contact information placed in our database? Yes No

Please answer the following questions:

1. Write a short summary about your interest in volunteering and how you hope to benefit from the volunteer experience.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Briefly explain what led to your decision to apply for a volunteer position at NAMI Urban LA? (What attracted you to this particular program?)

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Briefly explain your interest and involvement in mental illness and/or mental

health.

________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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Applicant Signature Date




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Waiver of Liabilities

Please sign below if you are in agreement with the following statements:

I, __________________________________ hereby agree to:

1. Serve as a volunteer at NULA at my own risk. I agree that NULA, its' Board,

employees, or any other person’s associated with NULA is in no way responsible

for any damages to me or my property that may occur. I agree to hold NULA, its Board, employees or any other person’s associated with NULA harmless in the event that such damages occurs for any reason.

2. Serve as an at-will volunteer. This means that I may terminate my

involvement at any time for any reason and NULA may also do the same for any reason. I also waive my rights to sue NULA, its Board, employees or any other person associated with NULA and agree to participate in mediation to resolve any

differences, in which case, I agree to split the cost with NULA.

3. Follow the policies, procedures, guidelines and systems and their revisions

that have been instituted at NULA to the best of my ability. I will conduct myself

in accordance with the Volunteer Manual and it revisions. I am aware of the HIPPA Laws and will hold confidential any information to which I am privy, which to disclose, would violate these laws and/or the policies of NULA.

__________________________________ ____________________ Signature Date

__________________________________ Name - Print




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Volunteer Expectation Guidelines

NAMI URBAN LOS ANGELES is committed to building a meaningful experience with all volunteers by espousing four fundamental and vital core values in our program: Commitment, Integrity, Respect and Quality.

Prepare for my Commitment

As a volunteer, it is important that I know when and where I am

expected to be and that I need to have all the materials that I will need to be successful.

Honor my Commitment As a volunteer, I am a vital member of the NAMI Urban Los Angeles organization. I will honor my commitment to: attend the activities that I

sign up to support, perform the job assigned, and work the hours that I agreed to work. It is understandable that from time to time I will have a number of competing personal and professional responsibilities for my

time. As my plans change and I cannot attend a particular activity, I will contact a committee member as a professional courtesy to let them know.

Maintain Integrity

As a volunteer, I may be asked to serve in a number of capacities in

which I interact with third-party vendors or other chapters. I will conduct work on behalf of NAMI Urban Los Angeles with the highest standard of honesty, integrity, and fairness; therefore, avoid conflicts of

interest, both real or perceived, avoid appearance of misconduct or improper behavior that jeopardize the reputation of the NAMI Urban Los Angeles Chapter or other NAMI affiliates.

Treat Everyone with Respect

As a volunteer, I will interact with a diverse population representing

members, vendors, and other chapter affiliations. I will treat everyone with the same respect and dignity.

Promote Quality

As a volunteer, I will work with NAMI Urban Los Angeles to promote

quality in the services we offer and programs we deliver to the Leimert Park community that we serve. .

Volunteer First/Last Name Date

Volunteer Signature NAMI Urban Staff Member

Volunteer Handbook_2010 04 21

Documents

Transcript of Volunteer Handbook_2010 04 21