CITY OF LIGHTS VOLUNTEER RULES AND GUIDELINES 

Thank you for your willingness to volunteer with City of Lights Dream Center. We believe God calls volunteers as well as paid staff to do His work here and we are grateful that you have answered that call. For the safety of our clients, and for the functioning of the organization, we have certain guidelines by which we ask volunteers to abide. Please note that these guidelines are in place regardless of the location or ministry that you have chosen to volunteer. These will be discussed with you before you begin your volunteer commitment, but you are encouraged to speak with the Center Director at any time if you have questions or concerns. 

1. A designated staff person will supervise all volunteers. This staff person will instruct you in your job and be available to answer any questions you may have. 

2. All contacts with City of Lights Dream Center clients are to occur on COL property during your designated volunteer shift. 

  • Volunteers are not permitted to transport clients or residents in their personal vehicles.

  • Volunteers are not to form personal relationships with clients or residents.

  • Volunteers are not permitted to give, loan, or borrow any item (i.e., money, stamps, candy, soft drinks, etc.) to clients or residents.

  • Volunteers are not allowed to provide their personal phone number, email address, or physical address to any resident or client. In turn, volunteers are not permitted to borrow money from clients/residents. If a resident approaches a volunteer with a request of this nature, the volunteer should immediately notify the appropriate department director or the volunteer coordinator.

  • Residents are aware that they are not permitted to socialize with volunteers or staff members, and they further understand that violation of this rule will result in their dismissal from the program.

3. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings. Designated smoking areas are available outside; however, to exhibit a strong moral character example to the clients and residents, volunteers are encouraged to refrain from smoking while on duty at COL. 

4. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited on any COL property. 

5. All information pertaining to clients and residents is strictly confidential. 

6. We will count on you during your designated volunteer shift. Please notify your supervisor or the volunteer coordinator if you are unable to be present for duty. 

7. City of Lights is a Christian organization. We ask that you dress and act in a manner that reflects this. Volunteers must wear shoes. Shorts, halter-tops, tank tops, tube tops, see-through clothing, short shirts, and tight-fitting jeans are considered inappropriate attire. Volunteers who come to work dressed in any of the above clothing will be asked to go home and change. Refusal to adhere to this policy will result in the dismissal of the volunteer. 

8. Volunteers may not take any food, clothing, or other items from the COL. 

9. If you are volunteering with children, please refer discipline problems to your staff supervisor. Corporal punishment by staff or volunteers is prohibited. 

10. If you are injured during your volunteer shift, please notify your supervising staff member so that we can ensure you receive any necessary medical treatment. 

11. Volunteers are not permitted to drive COL vehicles. 

12. Volunteer service will not be used as credit or validation with any government benefit plan (Work First Program, Food Stamp Program, Work Training Program, Community Service Program, 

etc.) COL has established programs, which work with each of these government agencies. Anyone requesting volunteer hours in conjunction with these programs will be directed to the COL Director.