Volunteer ManualPolicies and Procedures

Eastern Michigan University: MGMT 505 ASL ProjectAlekhya Mandadi | Jiawen Liu | Jacquelyn Manning | Maitreyee Kulkarni

Volunteer Coordinator: Mr. Jason Frenzel | jfrenzel@hrwc.org

Executive Director: Ms. Laura Rubin | lrubin@hrwc.org

ContentsINTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3

ABOUT US....................................................................................................................................................3

Mission Statement...................................................................................................................................4

History of HRWC......................................................................................................................................4

HRWC FOCUS AREAS...................................................................................................................................6

VOLUNTEERS – THE HEART OF OUR MISSION.............................................................................................7

Benefits to HRWC Volunteers..................................................................................................................8

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH US....................................................................................................................10

RECRUITMENT...........................................................................................................................................11

FIRST TIME VOLUNTEERS...........................................................................................................................11

VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES..................................................................................................11

Record Management.............................................................................................................................11

Dress Code.............................................................................................................................................12

Attendance and Time............................................................................................................................12

Project Placements................................................................................................................................12

Service Requirement.............................................................................................................................12

Altering the Requirements of the Job Description.................................................................................13

Training..................................................................................................................................................13

Youth Volunteer and/or Service Learning..............................................................................................13

Evaluation..............................................................................................................................................14

Recognition............................................................................................................................................14

Conduct.................................................................................................................................................15

Safety and Liability.................................................................................................................................16

Public Relations.....................................................................................................................................16

THANK YOU!..............................................................................................................................................16

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INTRODUCTION

This handbook is primarily for volunteers of the Huron River Watershed Council and describes the

history, mission, and projects of the Huron River Watershed Council. It contains all the information

pertaining to volunteers. This handbook will be updated every 3-5 years, so, if you come across

something you think needs to be included or something that needs updating, please let us know! Please

feel free to bring any questions or concerns to the staff.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1965, the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) is southeast Michigan’s oldest

environmental organization dedicated to river protection. The Huron River Watershed Council works to

inspire attitudes, behaviors, and economies to protect, rehabilitate, and sustain the Huron River System.

HRWC is a nonprofit coalition of Huron Valley residents, businesses, and local governments. The Council

bridges political boundaries by building partnerships between and among communities, community

leaders, residents, and commercial enterprises. Serving those constituencies, HRWC monitors the

Huron River, its tributaries, lakes, and groundwater, and directs multiple programs addressing pollution

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prevention and abatement, wetland and floodplain protection, citizen education, and natural resource

and land-use planning.

Since it was formed, the Council has served as a place where local units of government and citizens have

discussed problems and sought solutions to critical issues affecting the River. Even though the Council

has no enforcement powers, it has accomplished its goals through the use of technical data, factual

information and citizen stewardship to influence decisions made by various local and state agencies.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Council is to inspire attitudes, behaviors, and economies that protect, rehabilitate,

and sustain the Huron River system.

History of HRWC

The origin of the Council goes back to 1956 when a drought period caused severe water shortages in the

Detroit Metropolitan area. A controversy between Wayne County and Detroit resulted in a National

Sanitation Foundation study to survey present and future water resources and demands in the area.

At the same time, new industrial and subdivision development was occurring in Ann Arbor and eastern

Washtenaw County. Water

supply was sufficient, but

pollution in the river was a

growing problem, especially in

the narrow part below Ann

Arbor. The State Health

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Department studied the quality of the river and decided to restrict expansion of any sewage treatment

plants.

Washtenaw County Planning Department was concerned about the impact of this policy on future

watershed to help resolve water use and pollution concerns. Among the findings of the report, the

Water Resource Conditions and Use in

the Huron River Basin, was a

recommendation that an agency was

needed to evaluate the quality of the

Huron River on a continuing basis.

Public Act 200 of 1957 provided the

basis for the local units of government

to establish a cooperative information,

research and consultative agency to tackle multi-unit problems. An agency, the Huron River Watershed

Intergovernmental Committee (HRWIC), was formed in April 1958. Four counties, eight cities/villages,

and twenty townships joined.

At the same time, the technical advisory committee of the HRWIC published A Water Use Policy

Development Program that also strongly recommended the formation of an organization to maintain

surveillance of the Huron. Enabling state legislation was needed and UM Professor Lyle Craine and

others worked to get Act 253 of Public Acts of 1964 passed, the Local River Management Act.

In 1965, seventeen governmental units petitioned the Water Resources Commission to establish the

Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC). The petition was granted and in April 1965 the first Watershed

Council in Michigan was formed.

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HRWC FOCUS AREAS

HRWC concentrates on three main areas of concern:

Watershed Science: HRWC runs several scientific programs designed to gauge the health of the

land and water throughout the watershed.

Watershed

Management:

This is the area where

watershed

science meets watershed policy. HRWC engages in a number of projects to utilize data on the

health of the watershed and its component parts to focus on key stressors and develop and then

implement management plans to address problems.

Education and Stewardship: HRWC works to inspire change in attitudes and actions of the

residents of the Huron River Watershed. We desire to show residents that their actions can

make a difference for the watershed, both positively and negatively.

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VOLUNTEERS – THE HEART OF OUR MISSION

We need volunteers to help to find

creatures living in a river; measure the

speed of stream flow; join a team in listing

the variety of plants in beautiful natural

areas and more. No training required for

some activities; for more complex tasks,

training is offered. Broadly we require volunteers in the following areas:

Monitoring Activities:

o Stream Insects:

o River Roundup: Volunteer teams find insects and other creatures each Fall and Spring.

o ID Day: River scientists help volunteers ID the creatures found in the River Roundup.

o Stonefly Search: In January, volunteer teams find stoneflies in high quality streams.

o Stream Habitat: Measuring and Mapping: In August, volunteer teams map and measure

stream habitat.

o Leader/Collector Training: HRWC trains volunteers to lead the teams in the Roundup.

Clean Up and Maintenance:

o Huron River Clean up: Spring and summer. Pick up trash in and around the Huron River.

o Adopt-a-Storm Drain: Keep storm drains near your home clear of leaves and debris.

Natural Areas and Plants (Bio-service Program):

o Field Assessments: Spring and summer. Join volunteer teams to perform field

assessments on the bio-reserve sites.

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o Plant ID experts needed: Spring and summer. If you are experienced in plant

identification, we especially need your help on the field assessments.

Hydrology and Water Quality:

o Water Quality Sampling: Collect water samples from stream sites twice per month, April

through September.

o Flow Measurement: Periodically measure stream flow at stream sites, April through

September.

o Storm Runoff Sampling: Help set up and collect water samples before and after storms,

April through September.

SUDS on the RIVER:

Held annually in September, and featuring the micro-brews of the watershed and several

favorite local restaurants, HRWC always seeks help making this annual fundraiser happen.

Help in the office:

HRWC occasionally needs help with light clerical work and program management.

Benefits to HRWC Volunteers

Investing in volunteer movements at HRWC benefits not only the organization but also your personal

and professional renewal. One of the greatest rewards to volunteering can be the satisfaction of doing

the work itself and getting involved with the community.

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There are other benefits to volunteering such as:

• Exploring new interests

• Networking opportunities

• Contribution to a cause

• Sense of purpose

• Making new friends

• Developing new skills

• Recognition

• Professional growth

• Personal satisfaction

• The most important thing - FUN!

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HRWC holds several events every year that bring our volunteers, members, and interested community

folk together in order to learn more about our organization and what they can do to help the Huron

River.

Some might also get invitation to participate in activities at times to get involved in new communities

and become ready to participate in other organizations.

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH US

If you wish to join our wonderful team of HRWC Staff and other volunteers, please feel free to reach our

staff via email or phone. We can be reached at (734) 769-5123. For more information on our staff, their

email addresses and their telephone extension, please visit the following link:

http://www.hrwc.org/about/staff-of-hrwc/

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RECRUITMENT

HRWC uses various ways to get in touch with enthusiastic community members. Our method of

recruitment is a combination of traditional and latest methods. Some of these methods include reaching

out community members through social media, online, word of mouth through other volunteers etc. We

believe that every volunteer takes away a valuable work experience working with us. Therefore, we

encourage community members to work with us and help us get the word out.

FIRST TIME VOLUNTEERS

1. First time volunteers must register at the following link:

http://www.hrwc.org/registration-for-first-time-volunteers/

2. They must sign consent form and hand they may email it to the volunteer coordinator.

http://www.hrwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/waiver.pdf

VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Record Management

All information pertaining to volunteers is stored in a safe and secure way at our office. Records include

dates of volunteer service, positions held, duties performed, evaluation of volunteer performance,

training attended and awards/recognitions received. Volunteer records, including application, reference

checks and background checks when appropriate, are confidential. Volunteers are responsible for

submitting and updating information contained in their files to the Volunteer Management Office.

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Dress Code

All volunteers are requested to dress comfortably for all outdoor tasks. Volunteers who work in the

office are requested to wear business casual.

For more information about dress code, please discuss with your supervisor or the volunteer

coordinator.

Attendance and Time

Volunteer attendance is important to the operation and success of each program. Volunteers should

notify their supervisor in advance if they are unable to be present on their scheduled day or

presentation. HRWC understands the time constraints of our volunteers and when possible will work

with volunteers to schedule tasks in way that fits with our volunteers’ schedule. Please feel free to reach

out to your supervisor or volunteer coordinator in order to discuss your schedule.

Project Placements

Upon completion of a project, HRWC encourages volunteers to work on various other projects during

their volunteer service. If a volunteer elects to be re-assigned, the volunteer must apply or register for

the volunteer position and receive all appropriate training. Please feel free to reach out to your

supervisor or volunteer coordinator in order to discuss various opportunities that HRWC has to offer.

Service Requirement

Each project at HRWC has a specific time commitment. By volunteering for the specific project you are

agreeing to dedicate the time required for the project. You may work with your supervisor or the

volunteer coordinator in order to clearly understand what is required of you in terms of service

requirement.

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Altering the Requirements of the Job Description

Volunteers may request to alter their current job description with the approval of their supervisor. This

change will not alter or extend beyond the previously agreed ending date of service.

Training

Potential volunteers who will be interning, leading projects or working on advanced projects are

interviewed by the volunteer coordinator.

Volunteers receive training for specialized activities as part of their volunteer service with HRWC. All

volunteers must complete an orientation, on-the-job or program training and specialized training for

leadership position or any other position in which there is a level of technical skill and ability.

Volunteer Orientation provides an overview of HRWC, its mission, history and goals. Each volunteer will

receive orientation as a part of the interview process with the volunteer coordinator and the supervisor.

The orientation is designed to provide a framework for volunteering. Volunteer Assignment or Program

Training is provided by the supervisor or trainer for a particular placement. The training details the skills

and knowledge necessary to perform their volunteer assignment.

We encourage our volunteers to learn about watershed science to get actively involved with the

community. Volunteers can read more about watershed science at the following location:

http://www.hrwc.org/our-work

Youth Volunteer and/or Service Learning

Volunteers, under 18 years, must have written consent of a parent or guardian before volunteering.

Students volunteering for service learning credit hours for their school must submit school name and

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contact information before volunteering. We require of our volunteers to fill out the liability form before

joining our team.

http://www.hrwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/waiver.pdf

Evaluation

All advance volunteer positions receive periodic evaluations to review their performance. Typically these

are done at the end of the season of a specific project. The evaluations allow for a volunteer and

supervisor to suggest changes, seek improvements and enhance the relationship between the

volunteer, staff and HRWC. The evaluation is an open discussion forum, and both supervisor and

volunteer should establish an open line of communication.

Recognition

Volunteers are the heart of our mission and we are honored to have so many volunteers care so

passionately about the community. There are recognition events for volunteers to highlight the

contributions of volunteers to the organization. Continuing recognition of volunteers is vital and will

occur throughout the year.

There is an annual volunteer appreciation event in which the data from the project is presented which is

followed by a recognition event. This particular event takes place in Winter. There is also an annual

awards section at the annual meeting in the spring.

Stay tuned by following our social media and also our events page as below:

http://www.hrwc.org/events/

Please contact the volunteer coordinator for more information on HRWC events.

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Conduct

Volunteers are expected to follow rules of conduct that will protect the interest and safety of all

volunteer, staff, and HRWC’s Mission. The following are only some examples of expected conduct:

o We encourage volunteers to seek permission from the concerned authority when dealing with

removal or possession of HRWC’s property or that of any HRWC volunteers, staff, agent or

visitor, including failing to cooperate fully in any HRWC investigation.

o We encourage volunteers to seek permission when working with records so as to maintain

integrity of such documents.

o HRWC is proud to be a smoke-free and drug-free workplace.

o For the safety at workplace, we require that volunteers are not under the influence of alcohol.

o We encourage volunteers to maintain a peaceful, professional behavior on HRWC premises and

at sponsored activities.

o We expect our volunteers to abide by the HRWC, federal, state, and local safety and health

codes.

o We encourage volunteers to seek permission to use HRWC’s telephones, computer equipment

and systems, mail, e-mail, facsimile machines, or other HRWC-owned equipment.

o We ask our volunteers not to disclose HRWC proprietary or confidential information.

o We seek volunteers who are cooperative and respectful towards our staff, other volunteers and

the community. We expect high standards or conduct, high levels of enthusiasm, and quality

work of our volunteers.

Safety and Liability

HRWC aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for all volunteers and staff. If a volunteer is

injured in the course of the volunteer’s service, it is important that the volunteer notify their supervisor

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immediately. Volunteers should also complete an incident report and submit the report to the

volunteer’s supervisor. If you witness any unsafe situations, or understand ways for us to improve,

please contact the volunteer coordinator.

Contact the Volunteer Coordinator with questions or for more information about safety and liability.

Our first time volunteers are required to fill out the liability form which can be found in the following

location:

http://www.hrwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/waiver.pdf

Public Relations

As a Volunteer, you are associated with HRWC from the perspective of the public. In all your dealings

with the public, present yourself in a manner that creates a positive image of you, the program and the

organization.

THANK YOU!

We sincerely thank you for your interest in volunteering with HRWC. We look forward to working with

you to better serve our community. We hope you find this document useful in finding pertinent

information about what we do and what we hope to achieve with passionate volunteers such as

yourself. Please direct your questions, concerns and feedback to the volunteer coordinator who will

address them as soon as possible. Once again, thank you for your time and we look forward to giving

you a fulfilling volunteering experience at HRWC.

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