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Volunteer Code of Conduct

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Lead to Read KC welcomes you as Reading Mentor! To help ensure our volunteers have healthy, appropriate relationships with the students in our program, we ask you to adhere to the following:

Personal Responsibilities
  • Complete the brief training session and submit the online form confirming completion prior to your first reading session.
  • Stay informed on Lead to Read KC programming and schedule information by reading all emails from Lead to Read KC, particularly from your Site Coordinator.
  • Arrive for your reading session five minutes prior to the start time wearing your Lead to Read KC name badge.
  • If you can’t attend a session, contact your Site Coordinator, ideally at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Report any student concerns to your Lead to Read KC Site Coordinator.
  • Obtain advance approval from Lead to Read KC for any media interaction.

Guidelines
  • Keep all student information confidential.
  • All communication outside of reading sessions (in person or digital), between any student and any volunteer via telephone, text messaging, social networking, and other external devices or technologies is strictly prohibited. The prohibition includes but is not limited to texting, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
  • Do not photograph, videotape or record students or the reading sessions.
  • Treat students, parents and school staff with respect; no negative comments.
  • Exhibit behavior supportive of all ethnic and racial groups, abilities, and religions by, for example, seeking to identify common experiences and avoiding stereotypes. Please review Lead to Read KC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement here.
  • Dress appropriately, as you would for a casual work event.
  • Do not give gifts, including birthday cards, or lend money to students.
  • Refrain from physical contact, such as sitting on laps or hugs.

Safety
  • No sexual or romantic advance, contact, or relationship is allowed, even if it is apparently “consensual” or initiated by a student.
  • Volunteers may not use profanity or exhibit displays of violence or threats of violence.
  • Volunteers may not engage in any illegal activities with students, including but not limited to providing alcohol, tobacco or drugs to students.
  • Volunteers may not attempt to influence or persuade students on religious or political matters.
  • Volunteers may not dress or provide medication to students.