Volunteer Handbook

Vision: A community where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered.

Mission: The Center promotes equality, builds community, and increases understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) experiences. We meet these crucial needs through educational resources, support groups, social events, and enriching programming.

Slogan: All are welcome.

Guiding Principles:

• We create safe spaces that are accepting for all.

• We celebrate and cultivate the creativity, health and well-being of all regardless of race, age, class, ethnicity, religion, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

• We serve as a strong advocate for engaging our communities and raising awareness of the contributions and challenges of local LGBTQ people and our allies.

• We develop collaborative relationships with supportive community organizations and businesses through co-sponsorships, diversity trainings, and an online business directory.

• We build a sustainable non-profit organization through financial responsibility, accessible leadership, and transparent practices.

• We provide educational resources to keep up with the constantly evolving LGBTQ culture.

Volunteers are a valuable resource and play a critical role in our ability to meet our mission goals and serve the community. Please read carefully the following requirements and expectations:

1. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

2. Volunteers will be given assignments that support the mission, vision, and operation of the organization.

3. Volunteers will be provided adequate training, effective supervision, and recognition for their work.

4. Volunteers agree to actively perform duties to the best of their abilities and follow the rules, policies, and procedures of the organization.

5. Volunteers agree to seek out help or clarification whenever needed and staff agree to provide ample support.

6. Volunteers agree to provide the organization with all information deemed necessary by the organization to keep proper records.

7. Volunteers agree to schedule their shifts and record their time worked. A pattern of absenteeism will result in the termination of volunteer privileges.

8. Volunteers will refrain from performing duties outside the scope of their volunteer role or assigned duties. This includes acting as representatives of the organization (including on social media) or making obligations, financial or otherwise.

9. Volunteers agree to maintain the privacy of those we serve and keep the business of the organization confidential.

10. Volunteers agree that the organization may terminate their service at any time without cause or disciplinary/corrective action.

11. Volunteers may terminate their volunteer relationship with the organization at any time without cause.

Many Pride events throughout the month of June include volunteer opportunities. All volunteers are required to review training materials and additional supervision from Center staff or Pride organizers will be provided during all volunteer events.

Volunteer roles are a guideline for responsibilities and duties. Volunteers will be placed in roles based on their interest, skills, knowledge, and ability to fulfill the role. At any given time, volunteer roles may not be available due to the needs of the organization. SB Pride 2025 will have a calendar of different events throughout the month of June. Volunteers for each of the following events may help with event set-up and tear-down, staff information or merchandise tables for the Center, lead activities, take tickets, and/or other tasks as indicated by the event coordinator.

• South Bend Pride Festival: June 21, 12:00PM - 6:00PM, Potawatomi Park

Volunteer Relationship with The LGBTQ Center

Dress Code

Volunteers are representatives of The LGBTQ Center and are responsible for presenting a positive image to our visitors and the community. All volunteers are expected to dress in a manner consistent with good hygiene and safety. Volunteers should arrive dressed in a way that empowers them to be their authentic selves, to be productive, and to do good work. Many Pride events take place outdoors and volunteers should plan accordingly. The LGBTQ Center cannot guarantee the availability of resources such as sunscreen, umbrellas, etc.

Attendance and Time

Volunteer attendance is important. Volunteers are expected to schedule their time in advance and report to scheduled shifts. Volunteers should notify staff and/or the volunteer coordinator (Krista Cox, mobile 574-206-6470) in advance if they are unable to be present on their scheduled day.

Training

Volunteers receive training as part of their volunteer service with The LGBTQ Center. All volunteers must review this volunteer handbook, and the volunteer training video provided.

Notice of Departure and Resignation

Volunteers may end their service at The LGBTQ Center at any time for any reason. We ask that volunteers who wish to remain in good standing with the organization inform staff of their departure with notice to arrange coverage of their shifts.

Concerns and Grievances

Staff are always available to receive concerns and grievances from volunteers.

Dismissal and Termination

Volunteers can be terminated at any time by the Executive Director. Possible grounds for dismissal include: violation of policy, misconduct, insubordination, absenteeism, theft, misuse of agency property, or unsatisfactory performance. Corrective action will be taken to maintain quality volunteer

Confidential Information

The protection of confidential information is vital to the interests and success of The LGBTQ Center. Confidential information is any and all information disclosed to or known by you because of your involvement with the organization that is not generally known to people outside the organization about its business. In your affiliation with The LGBTQ Center, you may learn certain facts about the individuals we serve that are of a highly personal and confidential nature. Examples of such information are sexual orientation, identity, finances, living arrangements, employment, family or relationship situations, medical conditions, or emotional and psychological disclosures. Volunteers understand that all such information, including the identity of the individual, must be treated as completely confidential and will remain confidential even after the volunteer terminates their service or affiliation with The LGBTQ Center. Any volunteer who improperly uses or discloses business information will be subject to termination and legal action, even if they do not actually benefit from the disclosed information.

Workplace Safety

Drug-Free Workplace.

The LGBTQ Center provides a drug-free, healthy, and safe environment. While conducting activities as a representative of The LGBTQ Center, a volunteer may not use, possess, distribute, sell or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Occasionally, The LGBTQ Center may sponsor events where alcohol is served. In such situations, volunteers who consume alcohol are expected to act in a responsible manner. The legal use of prescribed drugs is permitted during volunteer service only if it does not impair a volunteer’s ability to perform the essential functions of the volunteer position effectively and in a safe manner that does not endanger other individuals in the workplace. Volunteers must advise their supervisor if they are taking any prescription or over-the-counter drug which could adversely affect safety or performance.

Smoke-Free Workplace

Smoking is not allowed in organization buildings or work areas at any time. “Smoking” includes the use of any tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and e-cigarettes containing nicotine cartridges. Smoking is only permitted during break times in designated outdoor areas. Everyone using these areas are expected to dispose of any smoking debris safely and properly.

Commitment to Safety

The LGBTQ Center is committed to providing a safe, violence-free workplace for our employees and volunteers. Due to this commitment, we discourage volunteers and staff from engaging in any physical confrontation with a violent or potentially violent individual or from behaving in a threatening or violent manner. Threats, threatening language, or any other acts of aggression or violence made toward or by anyone will not be tolerated. A threat may include any verbal or physical harassment or abuse, attempts to intimidate others, menacing gestures, stalking, or any other hostile, aggressive, and/or destructive actions taken for the purposes of intimidation. This policy covers any violent or potentially violent behavior that occurs in the workplace or at organization-sponsored functions.

All staff and volunteers of The LGBTQ Center bear the responsibility of keeping our work environment free from violence or potential violence. Anyone who witnesses or is the recipient of violent behavior should promptly inform their supervisor or Executive Director. All threats will be promptly investigated. No one will be subject to retaliation, intimidation, or discipline as a result of reporting a threat in good faith under this guideline.

Any individual engaging in violence against the organization, its volunteers/staff, or its property will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. All acts will be investigated, and the appropriate action will be taken. Any such act or threatening behavior may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Creating a disturbance on The LGBTQ Center premises, at sponsored activities or in areas which could jeopardize the safety of others, will result in immediate termination.

The LGBTQ Center prohibits the possession of weapons on its property at all times, including our parking lots or organization vehicles. Additionally, while on duty, volunteers and staff may not carry a weapon of any type. Weapons include, but are not limited to, handguns, rifles, automatic weapons, and knives that can be used as weapons (excluding pocket knives, utility knives, and other instruments that are used to open packages, cut string, and for other miscellaneous tasks), martial arts paraphernalia, stun guns, and tear gas. Any volunteer or staff member violating this policy is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal for the first offense.

The organization reserves the right to inspect all belongings of its volunteers and staff members on its premises, including briefcases, purses and handbags, gym bags, and personal vehicles on organization property. The LGBTQ Center is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property. The LGBTQ Center will not reimburse a volunteer for any personal property. Accidents happen. If a volunteer is injured during the volunteer’s service, it is important that the volunteer notify their supervisor immediately. Volunteers should also complete an incident report and submit the report to the volunteer’s supervisor. Contact the Executive Director with questions about workplace safety.

Protests & Deescalation Training

Occasionally, Pride events are the subject of protests, though The Center works with venues and City governmental agencies to limit the exposure of its events to protestors.

The Center has a deescalation/non-engagement policy with protestors. This means that volunteers should refrain from talking to or otherwise engaging protestors. Where possible, we aim to block protestors from event attendees' view. Volunteers are expected to review the deescalation materials that will be provided. Safety is paramount, and you are invited to seek staff help or leave any situation where you feel unsafe. If you suspect protestor activity or escalation, please report the situation to staff. Harassment in the Workplace The LGBTQ Center is committed to providing volunteers with an environment that is free from discrimination and unlawful harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, uniform service member status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law will not be tolerated.

Additionally, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature will not be tolerated. The LGBTQ Center encourages volunteers to bring any incidents of harassment to the immediate attention of a direct supervisor, or the Executive Director. Volunteers found in violation of harassment policies will be terminated.

Conflict of Interest

The LGBTQ Center is judged, in large part, by the individual and collective performance of its volunteers. The LGBTQ Center must recognize the importance of a volunteer’s duty to the organization, and to its members and supporters, to act in a manner that merits public trust and confidence.

Each volunteer must act in all matters in a manner that will safeguard the reputation and integrity of The LGBTQ Center and will preserve and strengthen public confidence in The LGBTQ Center activities. Likewise, volunteers must refrain from engaging in any transaction in which personal interests conflict, potentially conflict or appear to conflict with those of The LGBTQ Center.

An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when a volunteer is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for yourself or for a relative as a result of the organization’s business dealings.

Participation in any activity prohibited by this policy can result in the termination of volunteer service.

Some conflict of interest situations are easily identifiable, whereas others are more subtle. Some of the more common situations pertaining to volunteers rise to the potential conflicts set out below. This list is illustrative only and should not be regarded as all-inclusive:

Accepting Payment or Gifts: No volunteer shall accept payment of any kind (including gifts, cash, discounts, concessions, services or other similar item or benefits) for services rendered as part of their volunteer service. This includes payment for speaking engagements or for participation in workshops or similar activities.

Improper Influence: Any volunteer, or close relative, should not, when acting on their own behalf or when acting on behalf of another person, business or organization, attempt to influence The LGBTQ Center’s position on any issue, matter or transaction nor participate in any discussions pertaining to a related organization.

Inside Information: Inside information should not be used either for the purposes of gaining advantage for one’s self, a close relative, or another organization or for any other purpose not specifically approved by The LGBTQ Center. Competing with The LGBTQ Center: No volunteer shall prevent or hinder The LGBTQ Center from lawfully competing with others or divert business or personnel from The LGBTQ Center. 

Political Activities: Volunteers are encouraged to take an active interest and to participate in the political and governmental process. However, except for registered lobbyists and others authorized to act on behalf of The LGBTQ Center, volunteers participating do so as individuals and not as representatives of The LGBTQ Center. To avoid any inference of support or sponsorship by The LGBTQ Center, a volunteer must never represent that their political donation, endorsement or other political activity was made or engaged in with the approval, or on behalf, of The LGBTQ Center. Likewise, volunteers must not engage in political activities during their volunteer service on behalf of The LGBTQ Center.

The Making of Statements: No volunteer shall use The LGBTQ Center stationery or any title of The LGBTQ Center or refer to The LGBTQ Center or misidentify themselves as an employee thereof in connection with any matter as to which they are not authorized as a representative of The LGBTQ Center and to express an opinion on its behalf. All media inquiries for The LGBTQ Center are handled by the Executive Director.