At The Autonomy Project, the safety and well-being of our volunteers are paramount. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring a secure environment for all volunteers, both during events and in interactions outside of events, including dealing with media, law enforcement, and external parties.
Volunteer Safety at Events:
- Event Briefings: Prior to each event, volunteers will receive a safety briefing covering emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and points of contact for immediate concerns.
- Safe Spaces: Designated safe spaces will be available at all events for volunteers who need a break or encounter distressing situations.
- Buddy System: Volunteers are encouraged to use a buddy system at events, ensuring no one has to respond to difficult situations alone.
- Incident Reporting: Clear procedures will be in place for reporting and responding to safety incidents or concerns. All volunteers will have access to this information.
- First Aid and Emergency Services: Access to first aid and emergency medical services will be available at events. Volunteers will be informed about how to access these services.
Volunteer Safety Outside of Events
- Media Interaction: Volunteers should not speak to the media on behalf of The Autonomy Project unless they have been authorized and trained to do so. All media inquiries should be directed to the designated media contact person.
- Law Enforcement Interaction: If volunteers interact with law enforcement while representing The Autonomy Project, they should remain calm and respectful, and immediately inform a project leader about the encounter. Legal counsel should be involved in any discussions that could affect the organization.
- External Parties: Volunteers should exercise caution when dealing with external parties. Personal information should not be shared without a clear need and understanding of privacy implications.
- Confidentiality: Volunteers must respect the confidentiality of information related to The Autonomy Project's members, operations, and strategies. This includes sensitive information encountered while volunteering.
- Social Media: Volunteers should follow The Autonomy Project's social media guidelines, ensuring their posts or interactions do not compromise their safety or the organization's integrity.
General Safety
- Training: Volunteers will receive regular training on safety protocols, de-escalation techniques, and how to handle various scenarios that may arise during their activities.
- Support and Resources: The Autonomy Project will provide support and resources to volunteers, including access to mental health resources and guidance on handling stress or trauma related to their volunteer work.
- Feedback and Concerns: Volunteers are encouraged to provide feedback on safety policies and report any concerns or suggestions for improvement to the volunteer coordinator or safety officer.
- Review and Updates: The safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to address new safety challenges and ensure the well-being of all volunteers.