Volunteer Application

Completion of this application gives Literacy KC permission to perform a criminal background check as necessary.  All information will be held confidential in every respect.  Some information is necessary to fulfill reporting requirements.

Personal Information
*Select all that apply*
Statement of Interest
Education & Certifications
Demographic Information
mm/dd/yyyy
In Case of Emergency
Group Volunteer Information
Acknowledgment of Application

Volunteer Policies

These policies are intended to convey descriptions that are important to know and understand so that the relationship between volunteers, clients and Literacy KC may be harmonious and productive. Information is subject to change as situations warrant and it is understood that changes may be made to modify, eliminate or add to the policies, as needed.

Mission

The mission of Literacy KC is to advance literacy among Kansas City area adults through direct services, advocacy and collaboration. Our vision is literacy for all. 

Holidays

Literacy KC observes the following holidays: 

1. New Year's Day
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
3. President's Day
4. Memorial Day
5. Juneteenth
6. Independence Day
7. Labor Day
8. Thanksgiving Day
9. Day after Thanksgiving
10. Christmas Eve
11. Christmas Day
12. New Year’s Eve 

When New Year's Day, Christmas or Independence Day fall on a weekend, the adjacent Friday or Monday will be observed as the holiday. 

Volunteer Records

An electronic volunteer file shall be maintained by the Literacy KC staff. Such file must include at a minimum: 
  • Volunteer Application
  • Signed Volunteer Agreement
  • Signed Tutor Contract (if applicable) 
  • All memos relating to performance  
Volunteers will have access to their complete file. Volunteer files are confidential and can be accessed only by the volunteer, Literacy KC staff, or the staff’s designee. Information requested on behalf of a volunteer is limited to position title(s) and dates of volunteer service. Any requests for performance information or references require a written release from the volunteer. Volunteers are responsible for assuring that the file has the most current information. Any change of name, address, or home phone number should be submitted in writing to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Statement of Non-Discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Literacy KC supports the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action in all its employment and service delivery practices. Literacy KC will not discriminate against persons because of sex, race, color, religion, class, national origin, age, political or union affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation, and will not allow such protected status to hinder access to either volunteer opportunities or services delivered by Literacy KC. Physical and mental disabilities will be considered only as they relate to bona fide job requirements. 
 
Harassment and/or discrimination by supervisors, other volunteers or clients on the basis of any protected status will not be tolerated. Harassment and discrimination on the basis of such protected status in service delivery is also prohibited. Literacy KC prohibits retaliation against any volunteer or client who makes a complaint of discrimination on the basis of any protected status or who provides testimony in the investigation of any such complaint.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment of employees, volunteers or clients is illegal under section 703, Title VII, of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and will not be tolerated. 
 
Sexual harassment is defined as: 1) any unwanted, deliberate, or repeated unsolicited verbal comment, gesture, or physical contact of a sexual nature; 2) implicit or explicit coercive sexual behavior used to control, influence, or affect the career or job of any volunteer or service recipient; 3) implicit or explicit requests of a sexual nature which serve as a condition of volunteerism or service; and 4) requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which have the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with service delivery, with an volunteer’s work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment; and 5) presentation of unwanted graphic sexual materials.

Substance Abuse Policy

Literacy KC is committed to providing volunteers and clients with a tutoring environment that is safe, productive and conducive to the welfare of all. Literacy KC expects volunteers and clients to arrive for lessons as scheduled in a sober and reliable state, free of the influence of alcohol or drugs. Literacy KC also expects volunteers and clients to remain free of the influence of alcohol and drugs while they are tutoring. 
 
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance or alcohol is prohibited anywhere on Literacy KC property, including adjacent parking areas, or while conducting Literacy KC business, irrespective of location. An exception to this policy may be made for volunteers and clients attending Literacy KC-sanctioned events at which alcohol is served. 
 
Any volunteer or client found violating the terms of this substance abuse policy will be terminated immediately. A volunteer or client of Literacy KC who has been convicted of any criminal drug statute for a violation occurring anywhere on Literacy KC property, or while conducting Literacy KC business, irrespective of location, must notify the Executive Director no later than five days after such conviction. 
 
Prescription drugs may be possessed and used as prescribed by the volunteer or client’s physician. Volunteers or clients must inform their supervisor if the use of such drugs may affect their ability to work safely. Literacy KC expects all volunteers and clients to report for their lessons able to perform their duties safely. 

Safety

Literacy KC strives to create a safe environment for all employees, volunteers and clients. When an employee, volunteer or client is in the office alone or during non-business hours, s/he should keep the door locked; persons wishing to gain entry may use the doorbell. If a person acts inappropriately, or harasses an employee, volunteer or client, please ask the offending person to leave and immediately call the police. Volunteers may not lend money to other volunteers or clients. 

Tobacco Use Policy

Literacy KC is committed to providing volunteers and clients a smoke-free environment. The use of tobacco is prohibited in all Literacy KC work areas. Violations of this policy will result in immediate disciplinary action.

Grievance Policy

Any applicant for service, client, or volunteer may make a complaint about denial of service, and/or manner or quality of service. Any and all grievances will be duly documented and shared among executive staff. 
  1. The grievance shall be presented to the Volunteer Coordinator of the office orally or in writing, or by calling Literacy KC offices at 816-333-9332. 
  2. If the Volunteer Coordinator is unable to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of the client or applicant, the grievance shall be brought to the attention of the Executive Director of Literacy KC, and the Volunteer Coordinator shall advise the client or applicant about to do this.
  3. If the Executive Director is unable to resolve the matter, he/she shall advise the complainant that the matter may be presented to the Literacy KC Board Development Committee, and provide information about the procedures for so presenting the grievance.

Discipline

Literacy KC reserves the right to discipline and, if necessary, terminate an individual's service at any time and for any reasons and in its sole discretion. Nothing in Literacy KC’s policies and procedures shall be construed as creating a restriction of this right. All volunteers and clients are expected to support Literacy KC's mission, policies and procedures, and satisfactorily perform assigned work responsibilities. 
 
When a volunteer or client’s work performance or behavior is of concern or becomes an issue, the Executive Director or his designee will meet with the volunteer or client. If the volunteer or client’s work performance or behavior does not improve, further disciplinary action will be taken. Disciplinary action may include written reprimand and/or termination if the work performance or behavior is of a continuing substandard level. 
  
Any disciplinary action will be documented in the volunteer or client’s file. Literacy KC reserves the right to begin and end the disciplinary process at any point up to and including termination. The following non-exclusive list is representative of offenses that may result in severe disciplinary action up to and including termination.  
  1. False statement(s) of a material fact on a volunteer, tutor or student data sheet. 
  2. Violation of a policy or rule of Literacy KC. 
  3. Incompetency or uncorrected inefficiencies in the performance of duties or job responsibilities. 
  4. Improper or unauthorized use of equipment, records or other properties of Literacy KC. 
  5. Exercising unreasonable force against any person while in the service of Literacy KC. 
  6. Any kind of theft of Literacy KC property. 
  7. Using indecent, obscene or offensive language during the performance of Literacy KC 
  8. business. 
  9. Use of alcohol or illegal drugs on Literacy KC premises. 
  10. Sexual, racial or other forms of harassment of a employee, volunteer or client. 
  11. Failure or refusal to perform duties as assigned.

Termination

Service with Literacy KC may terminate as a result of, but is not limited to: resignation, mutual agreement or disciplinary action. A volunteer or client who plans to resign is expected to give one month's notice if at all possible, but at least a two week notice should be given. 

Acknowledgement of Receipt

Volunteer Agreement

Thank you for helping us change lives beyond words. Literacy KC would not be able to do what we do without the dedication and passion of volunteers like you. 

 

In line with and in consideration with your participation as a volunteer, we ask you to confirm your understanding and agreement to the following: 

 

  • You agree, for your own safety and that of others, that you will comply with Literacy KC’s volunteer policies, safety rules, and other directions, and will behave appropriately and respectfully toward any student or other person with whom you are working. 


  • You assume full responsibility for any and all risks that may arise from your presence at Literacy KC’s program sites or participation in Literacy KC activities. These include risks arising from physical exertion, lifting heavy objects, conditions at facilities, using sharp objects or other tools, traveling to or from a program site, or interacting with students, other volunteers, or others. 


  • You agree to waive and release any claims against Literacy KC and its directors and employees, including any claims for death or for injury to your person or property, resulting from your participation as a Literacy KC volunteer. 


  • You authorize Literacy KC to provide you first aid, emergency medical assistance, and transportation. 


  • You agree to hold in confidence at all times, during and after participation, any confidential information you have access to as a volunteer of Literacy KC, and to use and disclose such information only as expressly authorized by Literacy KC. 


  • You grant full and exclusive rights to Literacy KC in any works you may create in the course of volunteer activities, and in any brochures, posters, reports, websites, software, presentations, or other materials you create or help to create for Literacy KC, including any intellectual property rights in or derivatives of such materials. 

  • You understand that you are not an employee of Literacy KC and will not be paid for participation as a volunteer or be eligible for participation in Literacy KC’s benefit plans. 


  • You understand this agreement applies throughout the duration of your participation as a Literacy KC volunteer, and that this agreement is complete and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications or understandings between you and Literacy KC relating to volunteer activities. 


  • You have read this agreement and understand its terms. You sign it freely and voluntarily. 

Confidentiality Agreement

Literacy KC gives top priority to providing complete confidentiality for its students, tutors, and volunteers. Students, tutors, and volunteers are welcome to share their experiences either privately or through the media in order to encourage others to become involved and support Literacy KC’s activities, as long as they do not violate the privacy of anyone else. Literacy KC encourages such sharing of experiences and is most appreciative of the support it brings. 

It is the policy of Literacy KC that all records pertaining to students, tutors, and volunteers involved with the program will remain confidential unless prior written consent is obtained. The written consent will include what information can be released and how this information can be used. However, once records are made public, Literacy KC has no control over them. No information pertaining to a student’s assessment or progress will be released or transferred to another agency while the student is being tutored or at any other time without the student’s permission. General statistical information can be released anonymously. 

Photography and Video Policy

When attending a Literacy KC event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the premises, you consent to your image and likeness being used, distributed, and published without compensation for promotional, marketing, and educational purposes. By your presence, you voluntarily release Literacy KC from any liability regarding any such publication.

Contact Information

Literacy KC
300 E 39th St. | Kansas City, MO 64111
www.literacykc.org | info@literacykc.org
main: (816) 333-9332 | fax: (816) 444-6628