Eastside Youth Volunteer Code of Conduct

Guidelines and expectations for anyone involved with our youth and children’s ministries

You are about to begin what could become a lifelong commitment to working or volunteering in the Church. It is a privilege to help carry on the mission of Jesus – a mission that no one takes lightly. It is important that you understand and follow certain rules and guidelines, both for your own protection and for the protection of those to whom you minister. Eastside takes the issue of misconduct very seriously. Any instance of misconduct will be evaluated carefully and you are urged to report misconduct that you see to the Shepherds or Youth Minister. Likewise, your own conduct must be beyond question. You have been entrusted with a responsible position and are expected to “Let your light so shine before all, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:16).

 

This Code applies to adult volunteer conduct as it relates to their role interaction with minors on behalf of Eastside.

While working as a youth employee or volunteer, I will:

• Protect and guide children and other youth (minors) entrusted to my care at all times.
• Treat everyone with patience, courtesy, respect, and dignity.
• Be positive, supportive, and caring in my speech and interactions with minors
• Use positive words and encouragement to change behavior and encourage others to do so
• Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with minors

Examples of permissible physical contact include:

o   Side hugs or an arm around the shoulder.

o   Handshakes or “high fives.”

o   Holding hands during prayer.

o   Holding hands while walking with young children or those unsteady.

• Always be in the presence or view of another adult when interacting with minors. One-on-one conversations should still happen in the context of large group settings (find a corner in a big room, still in view of others). No private meetings/interactions alone in rooms, vehicles, outside, etc.
• Address and discourage any inappropriate or bullying behavior
• Promptly report suspected abuse to the Shepherds or Youth Minister.
• Promptly report abuse disclosed by minors to the Shepherds or Youth Minister
• Cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse
• Dress appropriately, consistent with my role and assigned activities, including not wearing any clothing with offensive or profane messages or pictures

 

While working as a youth volunteer or employee, I will not:

• Use or possess tobacco products.
• Use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at any time.
• Use or allow profanity in the presence of minors
• Verbally or physically abuse or threaten anyone.
• Tolerate inappropriate or bullying behavior
• Provide or allow sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate communication, music, recordings, films, games, websites, computer software, mobile device application, or other content to be used.
• Touch a minor in an overly affectionate or inappropriate manner.
• Privately communicate unnecessarily (electronically or through any other communication form) with an unrelated minor, especially outside of youth events.