Effective Date: 28 September 2024

Srividya Foundation is grateful for the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, who play an essential role in helping us achieve our mission of promoting ancient spiritual practices. This Volunteer Policy outlines the expectations, roles, responsibilities, and behavior standards for all volunteers working with our organization. By volunteering with Srividya Foundation, you agree to abide by this policy.

1. Purpose of the Volunteer Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

Define the expectations, roles, and responsibilities of volunteers.
Establish clear guidelines for conduct, confidentiality, and intellectual property.
Ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all volunteers, staff, and participants.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all individuals who volunteer their time and services to Srividya Foundation, whether on a regular or occasional basis, in-person or remotely.

3. Recruitment and Selection

Equal Opportunity: Srividya Foundation is committed to providing equal opportunities to all volunteers, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Selection Process: Volunteers will be selected based on their skills, experience, and alignment with our mission and values. An interview or orientation may be conducted to determine the suitability of the role.

Volunteer Agreement: All selected volunteers must sign a Volunteer Agreement, which outlines the terms of their engagement, expectations, and adherence to this policy.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Assigned Duties: Volunteers will be assigned specific roles and tasks based on their skills, interests, and availability. These duties may include program assistance, administrative support, event coordination, teaching, outreach, or other activities as required by Srividya Foundation.

Commitment: Volunteers are expected to commit to the agreed-upon schedule and notify the organization in advance if they are unable to fulfill their duties.

Communication: Volunteers should maintain regular communication with their supervisor or the designated volunteer coordinator to provide updates on progress, report any issues, or seek guidance as needed.

5. Code of Conduct and Behavior Standards

Volunteers are expected to:Treat Everyone with Respect: Interact with all staff, participants, fellow volunteers, and members of the public in a polite, respectful, and courteous manner.

Follow Instructions: Adhere to the instructions and guidance provided by their supervisor or the designated volunteer coordinator.

Maintain Professionalism: Exhibit professionalism in behavior, language, appearance, and actions while representing Srividya Foundation.
Respect Diversity: Embrace diversity and be open to working with people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.

6. Confidentiality

Volunteers may have access to confidential information about Srividya Foundation, its members, participants, and activities. Volunteers are expected to:
Maintain Confidentiality: Keep all confidential information private and not disclose it to any unauthorized persons, both during and after their volunteer engagement.

Protect Sensitive Data: Handle personal data, program materials, financial information, and any other sensitive information with care and in accordance with the organization’s privacy policies.

7. Intellectual Property

All materials, content, designs, ideas, projects, or work created or developed by volunteers while volunteering with Srividya Foundation are considered the intellectual property of Srividya Foundation.

Volunteers agree that they have no ownership rights to such materials and that Srividya Foundation retains all rights, titles, and interests, including copyrights and trademarks, over any work created during their volunteer engagement.

8. Adherence to Policies and Procedures

Volunteers are required to comply with all policies and procedures set by Srividya Foundation, including but not limited to:
Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy
Code of Conduct / Community Guidelines
Health and Safety Guidelines
Failure to adhere to these policies may result in disciplinary action, including termination of the volunteer engagement.

9. Health and Safety

Srividya Foundation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all volunteers. Volunteers are expected to:
Follow Health and Safety Guidelines: Adhere to all health and safety protocols, including reporting any hazards, accidents, or injuries to their supervisor or the volunteer coordinator immediately.

Take Care of Themselves and Others: Act responsibly to ensure their safety and the safety of others while volunteering.

10. Reimbursement of Expenses

Volunteers are not compensated for their time; however, Srividya Foundation may reimburse reasonable, pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses incurred while performing volunteer duties.

Volunteers must submit receipts and complete an expense reimbursement form for any eligible expenses within 30 days of incurring the cost.

11. Use of Organization’s Property

Any equipment, materials, or resources provided to volunteers for the purpose of fulfilling their duties remain the property of Srividya Foundation and must be returned upon request or at the end of the volunteer engagement.

Volunteers must use the organization’s property responsibly and for authorized purposes only.

12. Termination of Volunteer Engagement

Srividya Foundation reserves the right to terminate a volunteer’s engagement at any time if the volunteer fails to adhere to this policy or behaves in a manner that is inconsistent with the organization’s values or mission.

Volunteers may also choose to end their engagement at any time by providing notice to their supervisor or volunteer coordinator.

13. References and Acknowledgment

Upon completion of a volunteer engagement, Srividya Foundation may provide volunteers with a letter of acknowledgment or reference, if requested.
Volunteers are encouraged to inform us of any skills gained, achievements, or contributions made during their time with us, as we value their involvement in our mission.

14. Contact Information

For any questions, concerns, or assistance regarding this Volunteer Policy, please contact:

Srividya Foundation
1376, West Lagoon Road, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Phone: +1 707-789-1017
Email: info@srividya.net
EIN: 99-1557390

Acknowledgment

By volunteering with Srividya Foundation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this Volunteer Policy. This policy is designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and fulfilling experience for all volunteers, staff, and participants.