volunteer handbook
The purpose of this manual is to serve as a guideline for the on-boarding, development, and organization of Architecture for Humanity New York’s volunteers. This document includes everything that a volunteer will need in their toolkit to be successful. Architecture for Humanity has no paid staff or positions available for internship. 100% of the chapter is run by volunteers. There are real rights and responsibilities to donating towards pro-bono design. The standards set forth are applied to all positions.
Current Board: Managing Director: Rachel Starobinsky Director of Projects: Shannon Beck Director of Membership: Adrielle Slaugh Director of Development: Erika Benson Director of Operations: Drew Miller Architecture for Humanity New York 536 LaGuardia Place New York, New York 10012 newyork@architectureforhumanity.org
Published September 2014
volunteer handbook
2014 - 2015
Our vision is to see innovative design & development solutions available to all.
our mission ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK activates local, pro-bono creative professionals to deliver design and development solutions that respond to the needs of our community. Our volunteers work to build a more sustainable future across the five boroughs of New York. We believe that everyone deserves a well-designed environment. We strive to collaborate with local community organizations to develop and implement quality design solutions within their neighborhoods. We thrive when we bring together communities, like-minded organizations and design professionals to implement the visions of New York City’s neighborhoods by Designing Like We Give A Damn!
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Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.
- Henry Ford
an overview OVERVIEW OF THE ORGANIZATION ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY Architecture for Humanity (AFH) is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1999 by Cameron Sinclair and Kate Stohr. Its mission is to build a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. By tapping into a network of more than 50,000 professionals willing to lend their time and expertise to help those who could not otherwise afford design services, they bring design, construction, and development services where they are most critically needed. Currently, there are 59 chapters in 16 countries worldwide bringing these types of services to underserved local communities. Each year 100,000 people directly benefit from structures designed by Architecture for Humanity. Their advocacy, training, and outreach programs impact an additional 50,000 people annually.
The New York Chapter is 100% volunteer run, and includes a diverse set of professionals in addition to architects and designers. Currently, it is comprised of over 1500 members. Since the chapter was founded in 2003, it has completed over 49 local projects for underserved New York City communities. Project types include design-build, facilitation of communication engagements, visioning, advocacy, fundraising, etc. We are committed to providing sustainable design, construction, and development services where they are most critically needed in New York City. Architecture for Humanity HQ New York NY Office
AfHny
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK Architecture for Humanity New York (AFHny) is a local chapter of Architecture for Humanity, a global network of professionals united by the desire to use their skills for the common good. AfHny is the first and longest-standing chapter of the organization. It focuses on projects within the 5 boroughs of New York City, which serve the mission of the organization & chapter.
WORKING TOGETHER Architecture for Humanity NY works in tandem with multiple divisions of the organization - both with headquarters in San Francisco, as well as the New York Regional Office.
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the new york team ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK’S NETWORK Architecture for Humanity New York has a wide network of supporters, both within the design community, as well as other related professions. Architecture for Humanity New York supporters are the strength and backbone of the organization. From the network of supporters, the organization draws its members, volunteers, directors, fiscal sponsors, and often clients as well. VOLUNTEERS Everyone at Architecture for Humanity New York is a volunteer. Volunteers are people that donate their time and services to Architecture for Humanity New York projects or initiatives. Volunteer commitments can vary depending on the desired involvement, and scope of work that needs to be done. The spectrum can vary; Some volunteer for an afternoon, while others have been active volunteers for years, and serve on the Board of Directors. All volunteers commit to specific volunteer opportunities, often one of the current projects, or initiatives. All volunteers must sign a waiver, when working on a project. CHAPTER MEMBERS Members are volunteers who pay dues. These individuals are interested in supporting Architecture for Humanity New York or are closely following the ongoing efforts of the chapter. Annual membership dues go to support the ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK
work of the chapter’s parent organization, Architecture for Humanity. Benefits to Membership include:
• • • •
Full Access to the Chapter Network IDP Hour Sign-Off Discounts to Chapter Events Free Entrance to the annual “Design Like You Give A Damn: Live!” Event
All Directors and Project Coordinators are required to be members and we encourage active volunteers to be members as well. From our large volunteer and membership base, come our leaders in the form of Project Coordinators, Advisors, and Directors. All PCs and Directors must be members and sign role agreements with the chapter and return to the Director of Operations for filing. PROJECT COORDINATORS Each project is lead by one or two individuals, designated as Project Coordinators. These volunteers are responsible for project execution including management, client relations, reporting, volunteer coordination, and staffing. Project Coordinators are expected to commit a minimum of five (5) hours per week. Though they work autonomously for the most part, Project Coordinators report back to their appointed Directors for progress updates, and any required guidance.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS This is a team of directors elected for two year terms. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the chapter, as well as the oversight of all projects. Each director has a choice to build a team for their focus area, and it is their responsibility to manage those volunteers. Directors are expected to commit a minimum of ten (10) hours per week. PROJECT ADVISORS Often, projects can benefit from the guidance and advisement of established professionals from the local
architecture and design community. It is understood that these professionals cannot devote the necessary time to coordinate and manage the project. Therefore, Project Advisors are strategic leads that can be focused on one or more Architecture for Humanity New York projects or initiatives. Project Advisors are encouraged to become Architecture for Humanity Community Builders. COMMUNITY BUILDERS See Headquarter’s description here: http://legacy.architectureforhumanity.org/communitybuilders
Typical NY Chapter Organization:
Managing Director
Director of Projects
Director of Outreach & Advocacy
Director of Development
Director of Communications
Director of Membership
Director of Operations
PC
Project Team
PC
PC
PV
PC
PC
PC - Project Coordinator PV - Project Volunteer PFC - Project Funding Coordinator
PC
PV
PFC
PC PV
PV
PV
PV
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vo-lun-teer - a person who performs a service willingly & without pay. - a person who voluntarily offers himself for a service of undertaking.
volunteering with us VOLUNTEERING WITH ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NY 100% VOLUNTEER-RUN Architecture for Humanity New York has no paid staff or positions available for internship. 100% of the chapter is run by volunteers. However, there are real rights and responsibilities to donating towards pro-bono design. The standards set forth are applied to all positions.
MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS In order to maintain the high standard of volunteer services that our clients and partners deserve, create a safe environment for our stakeholders and provide a positive experience for you, Architecture for Humanity New York (AFHNY) expects our volunteers to comply with the following policies and procedures.
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volunteering with us VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES APPLICATION PROCEDURES • Volunteers should become members and sign-up online at newyork.architectureforhumanity.org.
• Volunteer opportunities are posted online at
http://newyork.architectureforhumanity.org/opportunities. Once volunteers register online emails will be sent titled “Volunteers Needed” or “Call for Coordinator”. Once posted online interested volunteers are asked to please follow all application instructions.
• Please add Architecture for Humanity New York to ensure all emails, newsletters and job postings don’t file into the spam folder.
• Do not send unsolicited resumes as all opportunities with AFHny are unpaid volunteer positions. A request for resumes will be made in the above volunteer calls.
COMMITMENT • AFHny relies on volunteers who follow through with their obligations. When committing to an opportunity volunteers are expected show up, or provide ample notice of absence.
• Deliver what you promise. Volunteers can potentially
hurt the reputation of the organization. As well as, undermine its work by not following through with the relied on obligation. Volunteers also take the opportunity away from interested members.
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK
COMMUNICATION • Volunteers should communicate if their work is not meaningful, not what was expected, or they are ready to transition to a different role. AFHny expects volunteers to take the initiative to efficiently communicate their needs.
• Volunteers should not overextend themselves. They
have the responsibility to make sure that they aren’t overwhelmed, burning out, or causing physical, mental, or emotional harm by taking on roles that they aren’t prepared for. Depending on the project some stress is inevitable, but they volunteers can significantly limit it by seeking out support, taking a break, and having realistic expectations about what can be accomplished.
EXPECTATIONS • A project volunteer must never be alone with a client or wander away from the group without informing their Project Coordinator. This includes during on-site visits, community outreach, service days or surveys.
• If required by a project; volunteers must maintain the
confidentiality of all personal, or proprietary information to which they are exposed as a volunteer, regardless of the subject matter of such confidential information. This includes, but is not limited to, the names, locations, or images of project locations they encounter through their work with Architecture for Humanity New York. As well as confidential, personal, or proprietary information about the client organization made available to a volunteer. Partner agencies may also require that volunteers sign an additional confidential
• ity agreement prior to volunteering with their project.
All information regarding confidentiality will be made available to volunteers at the beginning of their involvement.
• Volunteers may not use their participation in Archi-
tecture for Humanity New York to promote partisan politics, religious matters, or other affiliations outside of Architecture for Humanity.
• AFHny asks that volunteers serve to the best of their
abilities, and in a respectful, professional, and cooperative manner while on a project.
• Volunteers shall not interact with any client, agency or organization on behalf of Architecture for Humanity New York without consent from managing Project Coordinators, Team Coordinators or Board of Directors members.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Architecture for Humanity and the New York Chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination in volunteerism and opportunity because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or age. It is dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. AFHny would like to reaffirm this commitment to policy and call upon all volunteers within the organization to effectively pursue the policy as stated. VOLUNTEER MANUAL
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it takes all kinds VOLUNTEER DEFINITIONS
VOLUNTEER DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER VOLUNTEER Architecture for Humanity New York is made up of 1500+ volunteers who are working professionals and students in architecture, design, engineering, art and urban planning.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AFHny is led by a team of directors. The directors of the organization shall consist of the Managing Director, Director of Operations, Director of Projects, Director of Membership, and Director of Development, and other officers as are appointed by the board of directors every two years or upon resignation.
CHAPTER MEMBER Dues-paying members donate $25/year to Architecture for Humanity to aid in furthering the benefits of good design. Volunteers will not be allowed in managing or advisory roles without confirmation of paid member dues. PROJECT VOLUNTEER All pro-bono projects are executed by AFHny Chapter Volunteers. Volunteer time commitment, project roles and expectations vary between various projects. Project Volunteers do not need to be Chapter Members. PROJECT COORDINATOR (PC) Each project is led by a team leader(s), designated as Project Coordinators. These volunteers are responsible for project execution. Including management, client relations, reporting, volunteer coordination, and staffing. PCs are expected to commit a minimum of five hours per week. Project Coordinators report back to the Director of Projects for progress updates, and required guidance. Project Coordinators are Chapter Members. TEAM COORDINATORS Administrative initiatives are led by Team Coordinator(s). This includes communications, events, development, education and more. Team Coordinators are Chapter Members. ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK
NOT JUST DESIGNERS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Most AFHny projects take a timeframe of a few months. Volunteers looking for short-term projects, should keep an eye out for the term “Pop-Up Project�. Below is a small sample of volunteer positions that Architecture for Humanity has called in the past.
Disaster Recovery Team Disaster Assessors Cost Estimators Field Surveying Grant Writers Project Liaisons Renderers Graphic Designers Photographers
Fundraisers Event Planners Project Coordinators Budgeters Video Editors Writers Painters Code Researchers Zoning Researchers
Urban Planners Social Media Development Researchers Environmental Researchers Industrial Designers Architects Interior Designers
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members - only MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Architecture for Humanity New York volunteers may not get a salary, but there are plenty of benefits that are offered as a thank you for your philanthropic efforts. CHAPTER VOLUNTEER BENEFITS • Full access to our Member Directory where to link directly with like-minded designers. newyork.architectureforhumanity.org/members • Priority updates on local projects and volunteer opportunities. • Free entry to the annual “Design Like You Give A Damn: Live! Conference. • IDP Community Service hours approval for NCARB completion. • Free or discounted registration to all Architecture for Humanity New York competitions and charrettes. • Free or discounted admission to events. • Free or discounted admission to partner events. (e.g. Guggenheim) IDP : INTERN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AFHny will sign-off on IDP hours for the “Service and Leadership” (80 hours) credits under “Practice Management” with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). To obtain this Chapter Members must in good standing of Architecture for Humanity. Volunteers must provide proof donated time. Volunteers are to inform supervising leader or coordinator about the desire to obtain IDP hours. The managing coordinator and/or director will need to confirm completed hours with the Board of Directors prior to sign-off. ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Another benefit of volunteering with the chapter is professional development. There are many opportunities to build one’s portflio, sharpen management skills, and hone your craft. There are many different ways to get involved and have exposure to other facets of the industry, and the business. In addition to being a volunteer, you can assume leadership roles - both within project teams or on the Board of Directors. Any way an individual chooses to be part of the team, your involvement is a great resume builder and chance for professional growth!
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we all have rights YOUR RIGHTS VOLUNTEER RIGHTS Volunteer Safety. Volunteers have the right to be apprised of any potential risks while working for AFHny on a project. Volunteers are expected to voice concern to the managing coordinator and/or director, if they feel that a project or situation is unsafe. Clear Project Information. Volunteers have the right to know the who, what, when, why, and how of their project and/or position. Volunteers are expected to voice concern to the managing coordinator and/or director, if they feel that they do not understand the complete scope of their role or project. Resignation. Members should not make this decision hastily. However, should the volunteer choose to leave please inform AFHny why the experience was negative. A volunteer may resign at any time by delivering notice to their managing supervisor. Managing coordinator or director may choose to fill the pending vacancy before the effective resignation date.
OUR RIGHTS ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NY RIGHTS Volunteer Dismissal. Architecture for Humanity New York, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to reassign or dismiss volunteers when such action is in the best interest of the volunteer, AFHny, the Project, the client, and/or our parters. Architecture for Humanity New York can remove you with or without cause. Reasons for dismissal may include, but are not limited to:
• • • • • •
Refusal to attend orientation or other required training. Missing more than three scheduled meetings in six months without proper notification. Excessive lateness or lack of response to supervising coordinators, clients or partners. Disclosure of confidential information Involvement in any illegal activities. Failure to adhere to any of AFHny’s Policies & Procedures.
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK
thanks, thanks, && we’re we’re glad glad you you
design like you give a damn For more information:
Aslaugh@afhny.org Adrielle Slaugh, Dir. of Membership
www.afhny.org
ArchitectureforHumanityNY
AFHny
AFH_ny
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notes to actions
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK
RE:
SAVE FOR LATER:
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Designing Like We Give A Damn www.afhny.org
536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012 newyork@architectureforhumanity.org