youth ambassador program - families in transition · youth ambassador program ... participate in an...

Updated: 9/15/2016 For questions, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 603-641-9441 ext. 357

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Youth Ambassador Program

Information and Application

About the Youth Ambassador Program: Families in Transition’s (FIT) Youth Ambassador Program is a new initiative designed to engage high school aged youth in their community. Through this program, students are offered opportunities to make tangible impacts in the lives of formerly homeless children and families living at one of FIT’s properties. In addition, students will build the personal and professional skills needed to excel both in and out of the classroom. The Youth Ambassador Program is a critical component for our organization to help break the cycle of homelessness and offer avenues of service to community members of all ages. Total Time Commitment: Approximately 30 hours per session.

Summer session: June-September

School-year session: October-May Structure and Requirements: The Youth Ambassador Program will be comprised of students planning and executing service projects in addition to learning leadership skills in workshops hosted by FIT and community partners. The requirements for this program include:

Completing one two-hour volunteer shift every month during their session.

Designing and completing one service project during their session.

Participating in two half-day leadership development courses during their session (Dates TBD).

Communicating regularly with FIT Volunteer Program staff.

Acting as a FIT Ambassador within social circles, when applicable. Prerequisites: The following are required before being accepted into the Program. Applicants must:

Complete the paper application and agree to the terms, requirements, and release agreements.

Be at least fourteen years of age.

Be able to provide two references that are not from family members.

Attend orientation and training.

To Apply: Please submit the completed application packet via email at [email protected] or mail to

Families in Transition Youth Ambassador Program, c/o Volunteer Coordinator, 122 Market Street,

Manchester, NH 03101 no later than Friday, October 16, 2015 for our school year session. If you have

questions, please call our staff at 603-641-9441 ext. 357. We hope to hear from you soon!


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Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

1. I have limited availability. Can I still participate in the program?

Absolutely! The majority of the Youth Ambassador Program is done off-site at the student’s

discretion. The only mandatory hours include one two-hour shift each month whenever the student

is available as well as two half day trainings over the entire session that are set aside in advance for

professional development. Students will be responsible for their transportation to and from these

events. Aside from those events, the students will only be expected to put in enough time to meet

specific requirements and deadlines.

2. What exactly will I be doing as a Families in Transition Youth Ambassador?

We’re glad you asked! The program consists of four main service components. 1.) Over the course

of the entire session, the student is expected to design and implement one service project. This may

include initiating a collection drive, fundraiser, service group, or other opportunities. 2.) The

student will volunteer at least two hours per month at any FIT sponsored opportunities or events.

3.) The student should also be prepared to attend leadership development courses throughout their

session. 4.) The student will act as a FIT Ambassador within their social circles whenever applicable.

3. Will we ever meet the families that live at Families in Transition?

Good question! It is unlikely that you will directly interact with our participants, but in the event that

it happens, you are expected to act in a professional manner and do everything in your power to

preserve their confidentiality both within and outside of Families in Transition.

4. What is the application process like?

Easy! There are three required actions: 1.) Return the completed application packet with the two

attached reference forms, 2.) Participate in an interview with a member of our staff, and 3.) Attend

an orientation and training. If the student is under 18, parent or guardian signature and approval

are required.

5. How many spots are available in the program?

As this is a new program, this session will be capped at 10 students. As the program grows, we hope

to add many more!

6. Is there a limit to the number of times that I can participate in the program?

Not at all! As long as you fulfill the prerequisites and requirements, you are welcome to apply and

participate as many times as you wish.

7. Will I have an opportunity to work with other students or will I work on my own?

This is a great question! While each student is responsible for their own service project, you are

encouraged to work together. Students may brainstorm ideas together, help with each other’s

projects, or otherwise cooperate. In the event that two or more students have an idea for a

collaborative service project, they must submit it to the staff for approval.


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Youth Volunteer Application The information contained in this form is confidential.

Please feel free to use additional paper to complete this form.

First Name / Middle Name / Last Name: Date of Application:

Address: (Street / City / State / Zip)

Cell Phone: Date of Birth:

Student email address (Required, primary form of communication): High School Class:

Frsh. Soph. Jr. Sr.

Parent/Guardian Name: Emergency Phone:

Home Phone: Cell Phone:

Home Address (If different from above):

Email Address:

School: School Phone:

School Address:

School Counselor and email address:


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Why do you want to volunteer at Families in Transition?

What is your current or previous volunteer experience?

Have you ever volunteered at Families in Transition before? If yes, what was your experience?

Do you or a family member have a prior relationship and/or affiliation with Families in Transition?

What is your availability? (Day and time)

Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:


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Volunteer Code of Conduct

Volunteers have a special place here at Families in Transition (FIT) and are able to help in many ways. This could be working directly with our clients or interacting with our customers at our OutFITters Thrift Store. To assist Families in Transition in providing a safe and positive environment for all, we ask our volunteers to comply with the Code of Conduct for Volunteers. This code of conduct has been formulated to clarify the type of conduct that is expected of volunteers when participating in volunteer opportunities here at Families in Transition. Each volunteer has an obligation to observe and follow FIT’s policies and to maintain proper standards of conduct at all times. If an individual’s behavior interferes with the orderly and efficient operation of a department, corrective disciplinary measures will be taken. The decision as to whether a volunteer’s conduct violates FIT’s policies rests solely with FIT. (Please see the volunteer handbook for the corrective discipline for any rule violations.) The following are the types of conduct that FIT has determined important to go over with all volunteers and those who will be supporting their client’s during their volunteer assignment, as all are required to comply. All policies and procedures are also included in the Families in Transition volunteer handbook. Please ensure that you have been provided a copy and have gone over it with either the Resource Development office or your supervisor. FIT reserves the right to change, add to or amend this list at any time.

Observe similar standards of behavior and ethical conduct to that required of FIT/OutFITters staff. You are expected to act within the law, be honest and fair, respect others (this includes other volunteers, staff, participants, clients, donors, etc.), and work to the best standard of your ability.

Observe confidentiality in respect of all information gained through your participation as a volunteer. Some information is especially sensitive. Sensitive and/or personal information requires additional caution in the way it is treated. For example volunteers should not discuss nor disclose personal information about our clients, staff, or volunteers to others.

Observe all safety rules or health and sanitation regulations.

FIT's reputation for integrity is its most valuable asset and is directly related to the conduct of its staff and volunteers. Therefore, volunteers must never use their positions with FIT, or any of its participants, for private gain, to advance personal interests or to obtain favors or benefits for themselves, members of their families or any other individuals, corporations or business entities. FIT adheres to the highest legal and ethical standards applicable in our business. FIT's business is conducted in the strict observance of both the letter and spirit of all applicable laws and the integrity of each volunteer is of utmost importance.

Volunteers of FIT shall not conduct their personal affairs in such a fashion that their duties and responsibilities to FIT are jeopardized and/or legal questions arise with respect to their association or work with FIT. This includes any personal or professional business occurring on any of FITs property.

Observe FITs dress policy which is that all volunteers are expected to maintain the highest standards of personal cleanliness and present a neat, professional appearance at all times. At


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OutFITters Thrift Store and Boutique all volunteers are required to wear long pants and close toed shoes. (Please see volunteer handbook for further detail.)

Observe FIT’s policy on personal phone use. We ask that all volunteers personal cellular telephones must be turned off or set on vibrate during volunteering hours while on FIT premises. Please note, that during a volunteer shift, it is expected that personal calls and texts are kept to a minimum. (Please see volunteer handbook for further detail.)

Observe FIT’s violence policy against any violence committed by a volunteer or anyone else against a volunteer, employee, participant, customer, supervisor or member of management will not be tolerated. (Please see volunteer handbook for further detail.)

Observe FIT’s policy on smoking during volunteer shift. FIT is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for volunteers, staff, and visitors. Smoking is not permitted on any FIT property, inside of or outside of the building or in FIT trucks and/or automobiles.

Observe FIT’s policy on concealed weapons. Possession, use or sale of weapons, firearms or explosives on work premises is forbidden. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

Observe FIT’s drug and alcohol policy. Volunteers are prohibited from reporting to work or working while using illegal or unauthorized controlled substances. Volunteers are prohibited from reporting to work or working when the volunteer uses any drugs, except when the use is pursuant to a doctor's orders and the doctor has advised the volunteer that the substance does not adversely affect the volunteer’s ability to safely perform his or her job duties. Volunteers are also prohibited from reporting for duty or remaining on duty with any alcohol in their systems. Volunteers are also prohibited from consuming alcohol during working hours, including meal and break periods. (Please see volunteer handbook for further detail.)

Observe the policy on confronting a participant or guest during conflict. Some participant/guest issues may occur in the store or on FIT property. Volunteers should immediately alert the Management staff if there is concern for the safety of the participant, volunteer or employees. Concerns may include the following individuals: a tenant (adult or youth), tenant guest or family members, store customer/donor or other community members. If an OutFITters Thrift Store staff, FIT staff or FIT volunteers are in immediate danger, please call 911. Once the phone call has been made please call our clinical hotline at (866) 563-2070.

All volunteers will refrain from using abusive, profane, discourteous, disrespectful or false or malicious language concerning FIT’s activities or any volunteer, participant or member of management.

All volunteers will refrain from dishonesty of any kind, including but not limited to, such conduct as falsification of personnel or other records or reports; punching another volunteer’s time card; unauthorized reproduction of keys or misuse of security precautions; misappropriation of FIT’s property, its participants or that of fellow volunteer, or destruction or abuse thereof.

Volunteers will refrain from communicating with FITs participants outside of their volunteer role. This includes any social media channels as well.

Excessive absences and/or tardiness and/or poor performance or failure to call in or report to work for two (2) consecutive days can result in termination of volunteer commitment with Families in Transition.

Those attending the volunteer shifts with your client(s) are required to complete the following: o Go through FITs Volunteer Application Process. o Be trained in the volunteer assignment of your client(s). o Stay with your client(s) at all times to assist and answer any questions with their

volunteer assignment.


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Refrain from using a FIT vehicle for personal errands or for use other than as assigned or disregard for FIT’s vehicle policy.

Volunteers at the OutFITters Thrift stores must refrain from making purchases while on their volunteer shift or putting any items aside for after their shift. Items located in the inventory and receiving space are not to be sought out. Items on the sales floor are the only ones available to purchase when your shift has been completed.

I have received a copy of the Volunteer Code of Conduct and have read over each point. I have asked any questions that I might have had with the appropriate FIT representative. Name: ______________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________________________ Volunteer Signature: _____________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature (if under 18): __________________________________________ FIT Staff: ______________________________________________________


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Volunteer Service Description FIT Youth Ambassador Program

Please read this page in its entirety and agree to its terms by signing below

Thank you so much for volunteering at Families in Transition (FIT), one of southern New Hampshire’s largest providers of housing and services for the homeless! As a FIT Youth Ambassador, you will be asked to perform tasks that may include, but are not limited to:

Please carefully read the following terms of agreement keeping in mind that “I” references you, the volunteer.

1. I, the volunteer, understand that my services are donated and that I am not entitled to nor expect to receive any

present or future salary, wages, or other benefits for these voluntary services.

2. I agree to follow the supervision and direction of any personnel, employee, or volunteer to whom I have been

assigned to perform services and to participate in any training required by FIT in order to perform the voluntary

services.

3. I agree that I will not be considered an employee of FIT, for any purposes other than tort claims and injury

compensation, while performing the above described voluntary services.

4. I understand that I am responsible for injuries to third parties or damages to their property while acting outside the

scope of assigned volunteer duties and that I may be held personally liable for any monetary damages a court may

award to the injured party.

5. I understand and agree that the services rendered to FIT shall apply only in the case of liability arising out of the

ordinary negligence that occurs during the scope of my volunteer services agreed to herein, and that in no way do

any of these provisions apply for my benefit, my heirs, executors, or administrators in any action arising out of gross

negligence, willful misconduct, or any other conduct on my part which cause or may give rise to criminal liability.

6. I agree that I will fully cooperate with FIT and its agents in any investigation, lawsuit, arbitration, or any other legal

or quasi-legal proceedings that arise from the matters covered in this agreement. I further agree to notify FIT

immediately of any incident that occurs or may occur within my knowledge which gives rise to liability on my part.

By signing below, I certify that I have read and understand the tasks I will be assigned as a volunteer of Families in Transition

and the terms of my service. I further agree that if I am found to be in noncompliance with these terms, it may be cause for

decline of my involvement as a volunteer at Families in Transition.

Print Name:__________________________ Signature: ________________________ Date:_____________________ Parent/Guardian Name (if under 18): __________________ Signature: __________________ Date:______________

FIT Staff: _______________________________________________________ Date:___________________________

(If under 18 years of age, signature of parent or legal guardian is required)

Attend and participate in two leadership development courses throughout your session

Have the ability to communicate regularly with Volunteer Program staff

Complete one two-hour volunteer shift every month during your session

Design and execute one service project during your session


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Confidentiality Statement

Families in Transition is a nonprofit organization providing social service and/or housing to families and

individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The importance of confidentiality is

essential for any staff, board, and volunteer member to protect each FIT participant. Participants who

enroll in FIT may have a history of domestic violence, substance use, or other personal issues so it is

important to respect the privacy of others for their safety. Any information learned about current or

past FIT participants or prospective program members throughout and even after the termination of the

volunteer’s position with FIT is not to be discussed and should remain strictly confidential.

Please sign and date:

Name: ________________________________________________ Date:___________________

Parent/Guardian: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________

FIT Staff: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________

If anyone violates this confidentiality policy,

their volunteer position will need to be re-evaluated.

(If under 18 years of age, signature of parent or legal guardian is required)


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For FIT Staff use only Required Information

Staff Name: ________________ The person (s) in the photo is a (please check one): □ FIT □ Employee □ Intern □ VISTA □ Volunteer □ FIT Participant □ Other-please specify (ex.: Board Member, Committee Member, Event Name, Reason for photo)

____________________________________________________ __________________________

__________________________

Date: ___________________

Name: __________________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________________ (If under 18 years of age, signature of parent or legal guardian is required) Please initial one:

____ I DO consent ____ I DO NOT consent ____ I DO consent for myself, but I DO NOT consent for my children ____ I DO consent for my children, but I DO NOT consent for myself

Address: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________________________

I hereby give Families in Transition the absolute right and permission to copyright and publish my photograph or pictures of me and/or my child(ren) for all print materials, advertisements, promotions, website, presentations, social media, and/or to use video/audio recording(s) of me and/or my child(ren). I understand that the photographs, video and/or audio may be used in any Families in Transition publications, advertisements, public service announcements, promotional materials, training activities, web site, news stories, social media outlets, advertisements, or in newspapers of general or local circulation. I understand that I and/or my children will be identified in the photos as participants, volunteers, or employees of Families in Transition. I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect and/or approve the finished product or the advertising copy that may be used in connection therewith or the use in which it might apply. I hereby release and agree to hold harmless Families in Transition and duly authorized agents from all legal responsibility or liability for the creation or use of photographs and/or video/audio recordings as authorized herein. If you wish to annul or rescind the photo release approval or that of a minor at a given future time, Families in Transition requests a 30-day written notice to be submitted to the Development Office attention to the Manager of Volunteers and VISTA. At this time, Families in Transition will commit to the future cease and desist of all current and new use of images and audio tape recordings of said party at the requested date of termination of use. Furthermore, any prior images and/or audio and video tapes that were approved prior to individual termination of such release and that Families in Transition has made monetary or financial contributions toward in support of marketing and/or development use of, may continue to be utilized until Senior Management deems fulfillment of contractual agreement and use.

Photograph, Video and/or Audio Release Form


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Professional Reference FIT Youth Ambassador Program

About Families in Transition: Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1991, Families in Transition was

formed as response to the growing number of homeless individuals and families in Manchester and

throughout the State of New Hampshire. We believe that having a home is a basic human right and a

fundamental component of becoming an engaged and contributing member of the community.

Our Mission: To provide safe, affordable housing and social services to individuals and families who are

homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, enabling them to gain self-sufficiency and respect.

About the Youth Ambassador Program: Families in Transition’s (FIT) Youth Ambassador Program is a

new initiative designed to engage high school youth in their community. Through this program,

students are offered opportunities to make tangible impacts in the lives of the formerly homeless

children and families that our organization serves in addition to building personal and professional skills

needed to excel both in and out of the classroom.

Applicants must submit two recommendation forms from non-relatives or family friends who have worked with

the student and who can speak for their character, ability, work ethic, and commitment to community service.

Forms can be returned via email at [email protected] or by mail to Families in Transition Youth Ambassador

Program, c/o Volunteer Coordinator, 122 Market Street, Manchester, NH 03101.

Name: ______________________________ Phone Number: __________________________

Student Name: _____________________________ I’ve known this student for: ___________

My relationship to this student is as a: ______________________________________________

In the space below, please describe the strengths of this student, as well as areas where they may need support. In addition, please describe an experience you’ve had involving this student and add any comments that you feel are important for us to consider during our assessment. Feel free to use additional paper if needed. Thank you.

mailto:[email protected]


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Professional Reference

FIT Youth Ambassador Program

About Families in Transition: Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1991, Families in Transition was

formed as response to the growing number of homeless individuals and families in Manchester and

throughout the State of New Hampshire. We believe that having a home is a basic human right and a

fundamental component of becoming an engaged and contributing member of the community.

Our Mission: To provide safe, affordable housing and social services to individuals and families who are

homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, enabling them to gain self-sufficiency and respect.

About the Youth Ambassador Program: Families in Transition’s (FIT) Youth Ambassador Program is a

new initiative designed to engage high school youth in their community. Through this program,

students are offered opportunities to make tangible impacts in the lives of the formerly homeless

children and families that our organization serves in addition to building personal and professional skills

needed to excel both in and out of the classroom.

Applicants must submit two recommendation forms from non-relatives or family friends who have worked with

the student and who can speak for their character, ability, work ethic, and commitment to community service.

Forms can be returned via email at [email protected] or by mail to Families in Transition Youth Ambassador

Program, c/o Volunteer Coordinator, 122 Market Street, Manchester, NH 03101.

Name: ______________________________ Phone Number: __________________________

Student Name: _____________________________ I’ve known this student for: ___________

My relationship to this student is as a: ______________________________________________

In the space below, please describe the strengths of this student, as well as areas where they may need support. In addition, please describe an experience you’ve had involving this student and add any comments that you feel are important for us to consider during our assessment. Feel free to use additional paper if needed. Thank you.

mailto:[email protected]

youth ambassador program - families in transition · youth ambassador program ... participate in an...

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