Volunteer Essentials

Affirmative Action Eastern Missouri seeks to reflect the diversity of the Council jurisdiction in the selection of adult volunteers. Every effort shall be made to remove physical and cultural barriers that might prohibit participation by disabled persons or persons from diverse populations. There shall be no discrimination based on race, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or socioeconomic conditions, nor solely by the reason of disability or on the basis of age. Volunteer Temporary Leave of Absence There are situations that occur that necessitate the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri placing a volunteer on a temporary leave of absence, due to an allegation or concern being made to Council. Situations that fall in this category are allegations of child abuse, neglect or exploitation, arrest for drug use, driving while intoxicated, inappropriate behavior, etc. Based on the severity of the allegation and documented findings, an immediate release may be warranted. Situations are handled on a case-by-case basis and a volunteer’s status is determined, based on the type of allegation and the level of alleged misconduct. Separation and Grievance To ensure Eastern Missouri continues to benefit from a volunteer base whose attitudes and practices are consistent with the Girl Scout Promise and Law, guidelines have been established that allow Council to review, negotiate with and, if necessary, separate a volunteer from a position. Volunteer Separation While serious conflicts are rare among positively-motivated volunteers, sometimes circumstances warrant separation from Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Separation is intended to be the last course of action; however, it is within the discretion of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri management to take immediate action in appropriate circumstances to release a volunteer. The decision to release a person from a current volunteer position could be the result of an evaluation and feedback process or the result of a problematic incident. Any volunteer may request a copy of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Volunteer Separation Process from a member of the Membership Development and Support staff. Volunteer Grievance Grievance procedures have been established so a volunteer may voice a complaint or find recourse from release that she/he believes to be unjustified, or from selection, reappointment, promotion and evaluation procedures she/he believes to be based on discrimination regarding race, creed, religion, national origin, sex, socioeconomic condition, sexual orientation, disability or age. Any volunteer may request a copy of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Volunteer Grievance Process from a member of the Membership Development and Support staff. Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Use and Possession of Firearms or Weapons • Smoking by girl or adult participants is not allowed during any activity sponsored by Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. For adults who smoke, including e-cigarettes, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri expects strict adherence to applicable local, state and federal laws pertaining to smoke-free environments

• Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri expects adults to serve as responsible role models and to exercise and encourage good judgment at all activities. Girl Scout volunteers shall not drink or be under the

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