Table of Contents
A. Welcome Letter
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B. About Bebashi-Transition To Hope 1. History 2. Mission Statement 3. Hours of Operation 4. Vehicle Regulations/Parking 5. Confidentiality
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C. Expectations & Scheduling 1. The Importance of Volunteerism 2. Agency’s Commitment to Volunteerism 3. Volunteer Roles i. Food Pantry ii. LGBTQ Navigation iii. Development
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D. Personnel Policies 1. Screening 2. Dress Code 3. Grievance Policy
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E. Acceptance of the Code of Conduct
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F. Frequently Asked Questions
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G. Conclusion
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A. Welcome Letter Dear Bebashi Volunteers, Thanks so much for volunteering at Bebashi-Transition to Hope. You are an extremely valuable part of Bebashi’s operations, both in helping to make sure the food pantry runs smoothly and by helping clients have a pleasant experience. Everyone at Bebashiemployees, Board of Directors, interns, and clients- appreciate your hard work and dedication to making Bebashi experience the best it can be.
Volunteers are ambassadors of the organization and a public face for Bebashi. Our volunteers care about Bebashi and want to help us make it a success. A Bebashi volunteer is a dependable, friendly outgoing person with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. You have already exhibited each of these characteristics- that’s why we’ve asked you to join our team! We are very excited to have you playing this integral role in the company.
This handbook is to help guide and support you with your endeavors. It will serve as a guide to reference for all aspects of the program, to serve as a reminder in case you forget anything, and to help answer any questions you might have. Please refer to this guide as much as you like and if you think something needs to be updated, please let us know!
Sincerely,
Bahir Eley Volunteer Specialist
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B. About Bebashi-Transition To Hope History Bebashi was founded in 1985, in response to the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the African American community of Philadelphia. At the time, there were no HIV/AIDS educational programs or services targeting the African American community of color. The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS immobilized the usual community response to such a devastating threat. Understanding that the behaviors that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS also cause the transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as unplanned pregnancies, Bebashi launched a major community outreach education and service effort to combat the sexual health concerns of communities of color. Bebashi’s original educational efforts focused on street outreach to areas of the community most in need of prevention information and the lease likely to receive it. Outreach was conducted to active substance abusers on the street and in shooting galleries, to sex trade workers (on the street during their workings hours) to youth in arcades parks, and playgrounds, and to gay and bisexual men. In 1990, Bebashi expanded its services to the community byu offering HIV antibody counseling and testing and case management services for people living with HIV disease. Today, Bebashi continues to conduct street outreach, but has expanded its prevention education services to include more structured programs, still based on population specific education, that is designed to provide fewer individuals with a more complex and interactive approach to education and HIV risk reduction. Bebashi remains one of Pennsylvania’s largest community-based minority provider of HIV/AIDS education and services for the African American community, and a model for the provision and culturally specific education and services for communities of color. Bebashi has been instrumental in the development of similar services to the Latino community through Congresso de Latinos Unidos and Association Puertoriqueños En Marcha (APM) and to the Asian community through the Korean Businessmen’s Association and the Intercultural Family Services Center (Formerly the Philadelphia Refugee Services Center). Bebashi is a founding member of the Philadelphia AIDS Consortium, The Circle.
Mission Statement Bebashi provides culturally sensitive health and prevention information, education, direct services and advocacy targeting, but not limited to, African Americans communities in metropolitan Philadelphia. Our mission is to empower people to enhance the quality of their health and overall wellbeing by providing access to culturally sensitive high-quality healthcare, HIV/AIDS services, health education, and social services. Page | 4
Hours of Operation The agency is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm. There are extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00pm.
Vehicle regulations/Parking The agency parking lot is available for use only by Bebashi employees. All volunteers with the vehicles are expected to park in the surrounding vicinity. The agency does not offer compensation for the cost of parking expense.
Confidentiality Data relating to clients to Bebashi, personnel, as well as data relating to provider agencies, are considered to be confidential. You will be advised of this during orientation and throughout volunteering at Bebashi. The executive director and all other supervisory personnel will release or recommend the release of any staff person who in any communications to others outside of Bebashi and/or removes any data which pertains to clients, personnel, or provider agencies without the written approval of the Executive Director.
C. Expectations & Scheduling The Importance of Volunteerism A volunteer is defined as any individual seeking to support the agency without receiving any type of monetary compensation or academic credit. Both the schedule and duration of their work is at the discretion.
Agency’s Commitment to Volunteerism Bebashi’s volunteer program affords individuals the opportunity to engage in service while simultaneously enhancing one’s knowledge of sexual health and hunger issues, especially as they pertain to Philadelphia. As a nonprofit with a small core staff, the agency welcomes and encourages individuals to join the Bebashi. Your volunteerism helps to increase staff capacity and helps our bottom line. Your work with us is helping
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Volunteer Roles I.
Food Pantry Food Pantry Responsibilities: According to the Greater Philadelphia Coalition against Hunger, 1 out of 4 Philadelphians is food Insecure. Our FoodFirst food pantry provides fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and nonperishable items to economically challenged individuals and families. We also provide ready-to- go meals for individuals who lack facilities to store or prepare food. Key Responsibilities:
Help unload and pack all of the donations on the drop off days. Help organize and neatly pack all of the donations in the cupboard. Help package food for clients during walk in times. Help with any other food related requests. Help with our food drives/toiletry drives
Qualifications: To be able to lift at minimum 20lbs of food/food related items. To be organized and corporative.
II.
LGBTQ Navigation LGBTQ Navigation Key Responsibilities Bebashi’s LGBTQ Navigation offers services specifically for members of the LGBTQ community. Services include assistance with getting photo IDs and birth certificates, employment/ work readiness, housing, food/ clothing bank, case management, confidential STI/ HIV test, condoms, PrEP, and sexual health education. Key Responsibilities:
Help assist with our monthly Kiki lounges. Help with some of the outreach on the field. Helping with organizing the Trans Necessities closet. Employment/Work readiness referrals. Volunteering at balls.
Qualifications: To be comfortable with public speaking. Pleasant manner, patience, problem-solving ability, dependability. Leadership characteristics. To be able to lift at minimum 20lbs of clothing/boxes. To have experience with interacting with the LGBTQ community! Page | 6
III.
Development Development Key Responsibilities: Bebashi is seeking a development volunteer to help the Development and Communications teams. This role is ideal for someone who is hoping to build and enhance their skills in nonprofit development/fundraising, marketing and communications, project management, and relationship-building.
Key Responsibilities:
Assists in tasks related to development, communications, and social media. Help to maintain clean data in Bebashi’s donor management software. Help with general office work such as mailings, calls, emails, etc. Assists with drafting appeals and/or external documents.
Qualifications: We are looking for someone who is a strong written and verbal communicator and/or is hoping to enhance their skills in these areas. We are seeking a volunteer with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
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D. Personnel Policies Screening The hiring process for all volunteers is standard and includes the following:
Completion of the “volunteer application” Submission of a resume, cover letter, and reference letter Checking of 3 references Interview with the volunteer coordinator
Dress code The office dress code is business casual. Volunteers are allowed to wear relaxed, comfortable clothing; however, the following items are not acceptable:
Cut off or ripped clothing Tops that reveal cleavage, mid drifts, or undergarments See through items Clothing with offensive language written on it Pants, skirts, or dresses that are above the kneecap
Any infraction of these standards may result in the individual being sent home and asked to change their clothing.
Grievance Policy Any issues that arise during work should be addressed to the Volunteer Coordinator. If the situation cannot be resolved at this level, steps may be taken to involve the Office Manager and management team.
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E. Acceptance of the Code of Conduct A registered volunteer or organization of Bebashi accepts the responsibility to conform to Bebashi’s Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Volunteers and organizations are responsible for becoming familiar with these documents and which are easily accessible in the volunteer handbook.
Expectations for Volunteers and Organizations
Perform job functions in the best interest of the volunteer and organization.
Honor the need for confidentiality with respect to information obtained, and not disclose confidential information gained by reason of the volunteer opportunity.
Volunteers to follow the Code of Conduct, rules and/or behavior policies of the organization for which they are volunteering.
Volunteers show up to every opportunity on-time and prepared for the work assigned. Organizations provide a safe and organized volunteer environment.
Grounds for Volunteer Account Termination and Removal of Organization Volunteer Opportunity Although there is no possible way to identify every rule of conduct, the following is an illustrative list. Keep in mind that these standards of conduct apply to all registered volunteers and organizations whenever engaged in volunteer opportunities listed in Bebashi’s Volunteer Handbook. Engaging in any conduct TVS deems inappropriate may result in cancellation of subscription or removal of organization volunteer opportunity. Unacceptable behavior may include, but is not limited to:
Dishonesty. Unauthorized consumption of goods (pantry) or taking food.
Possession or control of illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, alcohol, or other dangerous or unauthorized materials.
Engaging in threats of violence or violence, use of vulgar or abusive language or other disorderly conduct that may endanger others or damage property.
Failure to comply with the Bebashi’s Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Excessive absenteeism or tardiness.
Unprofessional conduct.
Illegal harassment or discrimination.
Disrespectful treatment of Bebashi personnel or organization staff.
Behavior that demeans, ridicules, or embarrasses an employee of the organization, a fellow volunteer, or a member of the public. Page | 9
Bullying which creates an intimidating, humiliating or uncomfortable volunteer environment.
Harassment of others because of race, ancestry, age, religion, sexuality, marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status or disability.
Asking for compensation for volunteer service.
The conduction on-site of non-volunteer business such as canvassing, collection of funds, pledges, circulation of petitions, promotion of services, solicitation or any other similar types of activity is strictly prohibited.
Consequences of Misconduct Bebashi reserves the right to take corrective action against any volunteer or organization who has been found in violation of this Code of Conduct. Corrective action may include, but is not limited to:
Issuing an apology
Warning
Suspension of Bebashi’s access and/or placement with a certain organization
Termination/Cancellation of Account
Termination of posted volunteer opportunities
Police involvement if necessary
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F. Frequently Asked Questions How much time do I need to volunteer? This is really up to you. You can find volunteering opportunities that only take one hour per month, to five days a week - or more. While most of our volunteer opportunities take place during office hours, you can volunteer on evenings and weekends too, again depending on your preference.
Can I leave if I don’t like it? Yes, of course. You are under no obligation to keep volunteering for an organization if you don’t like it. However, it is always worth talking to somebody before stopping. That person could be your volunteer coordinator, supervisor or someone in the organization who is responsible for your assignment. You can discuss with them why you feel unhappy and what you feel would improve your time as a volunteer.
Do I need qualifications? Not usually, no. Some volunteering opportunities require certain skills such as counselling which may require qualifications, but we provide training. There will be days on which we will host the trainings for interested volunteers.
Can I volunteer together with my family or friends? Yes, you can. There are less opportunities for group volunteering, however, there may be opportunities in prevention and our amazing FoodFirst food pantry.
I’ve got a criminal record- can I still volunteer? Yes, you can, with some limitations. Depending on the nature of your criminal record, you may not be able to take up some volunteering roles, but a variety of others would still be open to you.
None of these FAQ’s answers my question, what do I do now? If we haven’t covered your question you can contact us at 215-769-3561 or via email at bahire@bebashi.org
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G. Conclusion On behalf of the Bebashi team, we would like to welcome and congratulate you on becoming a part of our extended family! We thank you for your interest and willingness to support our efforts in educating and raising awareness in our local community. We hope that your experience is an enlightening and enriching one and that your time spent working with us helps you in your goals of academic achieving and professional development.
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