VOLUNTEER POLICY                                                          Adopted April 2004

The Friends of Bon Echo Park (FOBE) is an association of volunteers.  The FOBE is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Bon Echo Provincial Park. 

Volunteers interact with each other, Park staff, and with the many visitors to Bon Echo Provincial Park.  Numerous FOBE volunteers serve Park visitors of all ages:

• by serving on the Board of Directors and its committees
• by operating the Greystones Gift and Book Shop
• by maintaining the Mugwump and Wanderer Too’r boats
• as Mugwump captains 
• by organizing and operating the Art Exhibition and Sale
• by operating the South Beach Barbecue
• by presenting bursaries at the NAEC
• by representing the FOBE at amphitheatre events
• by participating in special projects
• by assisting in the publishing of books and trail guides

Our volunteers are our most valued asset.  We work together as a team.  We rely on the efforts of our volunteers. The achievements of the FOBE are dependent on the successful discharge of volunteers’ responsibilities.    We are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for everyone involved in our organization. 

Volunteers should expect that:

• they will always be treated with the respect, dignity and consideration they deserve
• they will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation
• their commitment and contribution will be recognized and appreciated
• appropriate measures will be taken to ensure their safety and the safety of those they serve
• they will be adequately prepared and equipped for the tasks assigned to them
• effort will be give to selecting tasks appropriate to their interests and abilities
• they will have a clear understanding of their roles and duties and be provided with a written job description
• the FOBE carries a liability insurance policy to cover the actions of volunteers

The Friends of Bon Echo should expect that volunteers will:

• work as team members, sharing the gifts and abilities they have been given
• understand and support Our Role and Mandate, Our Values, Our Vision and Our Mission, Park standards and our role within the Park
• be loyal to the FOBE and maintain its dignity and integrity with the public 
• accept the policies and follow the guidelines established by the FOBE
• respect the principle of confidentiality and follow the same ethical standards expected of all Friends staff
• accept the assignment of their choice, relative to their personal abilities and decline assignments with which they are uncomfortable
• participate in an orientation session and any offered training
• always arrive at assignments at the agreed time and, if necessary, call as early as possible to be excused so that a substitute can be arranged
• not feel they own a volunteer position
• feel free to pick up the slack of another volunteer when requested
• be open to commending or critiquing the FOBE and its volunteers/staff to the appropriate people in an appropriate manner
• provide a police records check if required

It is hoped that all volunteers will enjoy their experience as a volunteer with the Friends of Bon Echo Park.