VOLUNTEER CONDUCT STANDARDS

Each year Junior Achievement staff shall convey these standards in writing to all volunteers prior to their first  visit to the classroom.  Staff shall review these standards verbally, as well, with volunteers teaching for the first time.

Junior Achievement serves youth.  Our volunteers teach valuable lessons with each word and especially with their conduct.  Adult misconduct with youth carries serious consequences.  Because Junior Achievement cares that its volunteers have healthy relationships with the youth they serve, it has established these standards.

Young people look to adults for examples of appropriate behavior.  JA volunteers must use appropriate language and model honorable behavior, such as respect, integrity, honesty, and excellence.  Profanity or sexualized language or jokes is inappropriate around students.  Violating state law regarding interactions with youth, e.g., providing them alcohol or illegal drugs, is forbidden.

Volunteers must take particular care when touching youth.  Most people understand the difference between appropriate touching, like a handshake or pat on the back, and touching which is sexual or disrespectful.  Volunteers must also consider how any physical contact may be perceived.

Interactions with students must both be appropriate and appear appropriate.  Volunteers will spend most time with groups of students, although occasionally one-to-one situations may occur.  Prior to any one-to-one interaction, a JA volunteer generally should ensure another adult is present or aware of the situation.  Favoritism, or the appearance of favoritism, should be avoided.

Volunteers are responsible for the quality of interactions.  Students often find it difficult to state discomfort or objections.  Volunteers must be especially sensitive to physical and verbal cues that youth provide. 

These are examples only, not a comprehensive list.  Other actions not listed could result in suspension or dismissal as a volunteer.

Junior Achievement takes all complaints of misconduct seriously.  Credible allegations of misconduct will be promptly investigated by the appropriate authorities.  During any such investigation, the JA volunteer will be placed on leave.  If an investigation determines misconduct occurred, it will result in the immediate and permanent dismissal as a JA volunteer.

Any JA staff member or volunteer who reasonably suspects misconduct must report these suspicions immediately to the appropriate JA staff person at the local office.