To become a volunteer at Cancer Support Community Western Ohio, please complete and return a Volunteer Application Form. When your application is received, one of our staff will be in touch with you. Below are a few general guidelines for all volunteers to follow:
Training and Orientation
Read this CSCWO Volunteer Handbook thoroughly and be familiar with Cancer Support Community and its programs and services. Some volunteer positions will require further training and orientation. Your level of training will be reviewed when we contact you and you will need to attend a volunteer training session or meet one-on-one with a member of our staff.
Attendance
Your volunteer time will be arranged in advance. Should you need to cancel for any reason, please contact Cancer Support Community as soon as possible so a replacement may be found. 937-223-4117
Dress Code
Volunteers are representatives of Cancer Support Community Western Ohio and should present a positive image to our participants and the community. Volunteers should come dressed appropriately for their specific volunteer role. Dress codes will be reviewed for the various volunteer assignments. Nametags will be supplied and should be worn when volunteering.
Smoke-Free Environment
Cancer Support Community is a smoke-free environment. Volunteers should refrain from smoking in or around our facility, or when volunteering for Cancer Support Community.
Alcohol & Drugs
No volunteer under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be allowed to perform their volunteer duties. Cancer Support Community may sponsor events where alcohol is served. In such situations, volunteers who consume alcohol are expected to act in a responsible manner.
Illness
Do not report to your volunteer assignment if you are not feeling well. Participants at CSCWO may have suppressed immune systems and should not be exposed to those who are ill. Please contact Cancer Support Community if you are ill and will not be able to fulfill your volunteer assignment. If you become ill during your volunteer assignment, please inform a staff member immediately.
No Monetary Gifts
Volunteers should not be expected to receive any form of payment for his or her volunteer service. Cancer Support Community does not pay volunteers for their donated time. No monetary gifts are to be accepted by volunteers. Donations to Cancer Support Community are accepted and will be acknowledged by the organization.
No Selling Policy
Cancer Support Community policy maintains that we do not sell anything to our participants nor do we allow any outside vendors or individuals to use CSC to sell their products or services to our participants.
No Endorsements or Advice
Please do not recommend or endorse any specific physician, hospital, treatment, etc. to anyone involved in Cancer Support Community. Please refrain from giving advice, opinions or counsel to CSC participants or those calling or inquiring about our services.
Recording Volunteer Hours
As a non-profit organization, it is important to record contributed volunteer hours. Prior to beginning your volunteer assignment, please check-in with the appropriate staff member or volunteer coordinator. Volunteers working at the CSC office should check in with the office manager and sign-in his or her hours in the “Volunteer Hours” binder.
Emergencies
Should an emergency arise at Cancer Support Community or during an event or function, please contact a CSC staff member immediately. If it is a medical emergency, please call 911.
Providing Feedback
Volunteers may raise any complaints, suggestions, needs or issues with an appropriate staff member. Volunteers may also be asked to provide feedback from time to time via a survey or phone call from our staff.
Special Sensitivities
When referring to people with cancer, never use the words “sufferer” or “victim”. Avoid calling cancer a “deadly” or “incurable” disease. At CSC, we refer to people who use our services as “participants” or simply “people affected by cancer”.
Safety
Cancer Support Community aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for all volunteers. Please ask a staff member to assist you in lifting or moving heavy objects in the facility. If you are injured in the course of your volunteer service, it is important to notify a CSC staff member immediately.
Use of CSC Property
CSC owns or leases its property and equipment for use in business purposes only. Equipment and property may not be borrowed or otherwise used for personal use. Please report any property or equipment that appears to be damaged, defective, or in need of repair.
Inclement Weather
Cancer Support Community strives to ensure the safety of all of our participants, staff and volunteers. In the event of inclement weather, volunteers are responsible for contacting Cancer Support Community’s Weather Update Line: 937 750-0591. The line is updated as inclement weather arises.
