2. Volunteer Manual
Table of Contents
Letter from the Mayor ..............................................................................................................3
City of Lafayette Volunteer Mission Statement .....................................................................4
History of the City of Lafayette ...............................................................................................5
Map of Locations of Volunteer Opportunities .......................................................................6
Purpose of the Volunteer Manual ...........................................................................................7
Role of the Volunteer Committee............................................................................................7
Duties and Expectations .........................................................................................................7
Rewards and Recognition.......................................................................................................7
Conduct ..................................................................................................................................7
Schedule.................................................................................................................................7
Driving Vehicles ......................................................................................................................7
Policies......................................................................................................................................8
Vehicle Accidents ...................................................................................................................8
Hostile Work Environment ......................................................................................................8
Volunteer Accident Medical Coverage Plan............................................................................8
Drug Free Workplace..............................................................................................................8
Volunteer Background Checks ...............................................................................................8
Safety Guidelines for Outdoor Volunteers .............................................................................9
Proper clothing and precautions .............................................................................................9
Watch for Hazards ..................................................................................................................9
Chaperones ..........................................................................................................................10
Hours ....................................................................................................................................10
Role of the Safety Coordinator .............................................................................................10
In Case of Emergency ..........................................................................................................10
May 2006
Page 2
3. Volunteer Manual
Letter from the Mayor
Dear Volunteers,
Your decision to volunteer for the City of Lafayette is an important one. Volunteers
make our community a better place to live. City volunteer opportunities will connect you with
people and programs that will utilize your talents and benefit others.
I am proud of the contributions our volunteers are making to enhance the quality of life
here in Lafayette. On behalf of the city staff, thank you for your service and dedication. We
look forward to working with you and celebrating your accomplishments!
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Berry
May 2006
Page 3
4. Volunteer Manual
City of Lafayette Volunteer Mission Statement
Adopted February 16, 2001
Because we believe that our volunteers are a reflection of and an invaluable resource to
our community, we will strive to provide them with a supportive, safe environment, offer them a
fulfilling experience, and celebrate their efforts. In turn, we will endeavor to ensure that we
give to our community a diverse and safe population of volunteers who will enrich our lives and
uphold our standards of excellence.
May 2006
Page 4
5. Volunteer Manual
History of the City of Lafayette
During the 1860’s, Lafayette and Mary Miller were among the thousands of people who
migrated to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains to avoid the effects of the Civil War.
Among the many business and societal ventures for the Millers was a farm in Boulder County
located two miles east of Louisville, the current site of Old Town Lafayette. In 1884, the richest
vein of coal in the Boulder Valley was discovered on the Miller Ranch. Mary Miller platted a
150 acre town site in 1888 and named it after her recently deceased husband, Lafayette. The
town was incorporated in 1889 and continued to flourish for the next 50 years in an economy
based on coal mining. By Lafayette’s Centennial Celebration in 1989, the City had begun a
process of creating a viable economic base to sustain City services. Improvements in
economic development allowed the City to support improvements in services and amenities for
residents, like the award winning Bob L Burger Recreation Center, which was opened in 1990.
The early 1990’s also saw the completion of the Indian Peaks Golf Course, designed by Hale
Irwin, one of the most highly-rated municipal golf courses in Colorado. In 1997 the City
opened a new library on Baseline Road. The south side of the building hosts a mural (shown
above) 42’ x 13’, made of 75,000 ceramic tiles, depicting our coal mining history.
May 2006
Page 5
6. Volunteer Manual
Map of Locations of Volunteer Opportunities
May 2006
Page 6
7. Volunteer Manual
Purpose of the Volunteer Manual
The Volunteer Manual will:
• Provide direction to volunteers
• Answer questions regarding volunteering
• Define the role of volunteers
• Help volunteers be effective
Role of the Volunteer Committee
The role of the Volunteer Committee is to recruit and place volunteers into City programs. The
Volunteer Committee assists staff in identifying motivated and creative volunteers, while
keeping track of their contributions. Outstanding volunteers are recognized annually.
Duties and Expectations
A description for your assignment will be developed by your volunteer coordinator. It will
contain the purpose and duties of your assignment, as well as your assignment qualifications.
You may not perform professional services for which certification is required unless you
already hold the appropriate certificate or license and have received approval from your
volunteer coordinator. Please provide a copy of any certification or license (i.e. special driving
licenses or first aid and CPR certificates).
Rewards and Recognition
The City of Lafayette and the Volunteer Committee are proud of our volunteers and their
accomplishments, and enjoy rewarding them accordingly. Each year the City of Lafayette
presents the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Volunteer Group of the Year Award to
recognize outstanding efforts of each of our volunteers.
Conduct
While volunteering with the City of Lafayette, volunteers are expected to conduct themselves
with the highest level of honesty and integrity. Any conduct demonstrated other than this may
result in the volunteer being permanently excused from their assigned responsibilities.
Schedule
It is important for volunteers to perform their duties per the agreed upon schedule. If you find
you have a schedule conflict, please inform your volunteer coordinator as far in advance as
possible so that alternative arrangements may be made.
Driving Vehicles
Volunteers who will be driving (whether their own vehicle or City owned vehicle) will provide
proof of insurance and proof of a valid Colorado drivers license with a good driving record.
May 2006
Page 7
8. Volunteer Manual
Policies
Vehicle Accidents
In the event of an accident involving a vehicle (either City owned or privately owned) while you
are performing your volunteer duties, you should immediately contact the local police. Request
that all parties to the accident remain at the scene until a law enforcement representative
releases them. Report the accident to your volunteer coordinator and Human Resources as
soon as possible, but no later than the next day. Refrain from any discussion of the accident
with anyone other than the investigating Police Officer, appropriate City officials,
representatives of the insurance company designated by the City, and/or representatives of
your own insurance company.
Please note that automobile insurance follows the automobile. If you are driving a City vehicle,
City insurance will be in effect. If you are driving your own vehicle, only your personal
automobile insurance is applicable. For the purpose of this policy, performing volunteer duties
also includes those periods of time when a volunteer is on break.
Hostile Work Environment
All City volunteers have a right to function in an environment free from all forms of
discrimination and conduct which can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive.
Harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual
orientation or any characteristic protected by law, will not be sanctioned or tolerated. If such a
situation arises, promptly report it to your volunteer coordinator; all reports will be investigated
and where appropriate corrective action will be taken.
Volunteer Accident Medical Coverage Plan
The City of Lafayette has accident medical insurance coverage for our volunteers, specific
information may be obtained from the Human Resources Division.
Drug Free Workplace
The City is committed to a safe, healthy and productive environment for all volunteers and that
they are free from the effects of substance abuse. Volunteers are expected to be in
appropriate mental and physical condition while volunteering. Volunteers will perform their
duties free of the influence of illegal drugs or other intoxicants. The unlawful manufacture,
distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on City premises or
while conducting City business off City premises is absolutely prohibited. Volunteers must
report any conviction, pleas of guilty, or no contest under a criminal drug statute for violations
within five days. Violation of this policy will result in the volunteer being permanently excluded
from their assigned responsibilities, along with possible legal consequences.
Volunteer Background Checks
In an effort to provide our volunteers, employees, and citizens with the safest environment
possible, the City conducts background checks on volunteers.
May 2006
Page 8
9. Volunteer Manual
Safety Guidelines for Outdoor Volunteers
Proper clothing and precautions
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. You may be climbing under branches, down
on your hands and knees, or walking through tall vegetation.
Wear sunglasses and a hat; a hat will cut down on the sun’s heat in the summer and
insulate your body on cooler days.
Wear sturdy shoes. Do not wear sandals! You are likely to encounter glass, wire and
rusty metal. Good sturdy tennis shoes or boots will protect your feet from punctures.
You will probably be walking some distance and your feet will appreciate the support.
Bring a pair of gloves with your name on them. Leather work gloves are best because
they protect you from thorns, glass, wire, trash, etc. Make sure that children have
heavyweight gloves.
Apply sunscreen before you go to your site and bring sunscreen with you. Even though
you have a hat and other protective clothing, you can still get sunburn. If you are
working along busy streets or in medians, the City of Lafayette will provide your team
with fluorescent work vests, at your request.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while you work. Bring along some quick energy
snacks if you will be outdoors for a long period of time.
Watch for Hazards
Watch for snakes, dogs, cats, prairie dogs, birds, squirrels, geese, etc. These critters
may look cute and friendly, but they may bite or scratch you. If one is creating a
problem or if you discover a dead or dying animal, please do not touch it and have your
group leader call the Lafayette Police Department at 303-665-5571. Also, report to the
police any contraband or stolen items found.
Insects are abundant. Be prepared to deal with spiders, bees, wasps, mosquitoes,
gnats, flies and other insects. Use an insect repellant to make the day a little more
enjoyable.
Man-made hazards include construction areas such as irrigation trenches, concrete
work and other projects. Respect barricades and warning signs. Be cautious around
electrical power lines, utility boxes and transformers. Watch out for potholes where you
could twist an ankle and muddy, wet or icy areas where you could slip and fall. Do not
touch materials that may be toxic or hazardous. For your safety and to make trash bags
easy to transport, do not compact trash in them.
May 2006
Page 9
10. Volunteer Manual
Many open space properties, trails and parks border busy streets and private property.
Stay off private property and watch for traffic. Keep in mind that trails have pedestrian
and bicycle traffic. Please yield the right of way to park users and avoid blocking their
path. You may want to establish a verbal warning system for workers in high traffic
areas. It is a good idea to face oncoming traffic to keep an eye on it while you work.
Chaperones
If volunteering as a group, please provide one adult chaperone for every eight
volunteers between 13-17 years of age and one adult chaperone for every four
participants between 6-12 years of age. No volunteers under the age of 6 will be
allowed to participate.
Hours
For outdoor work, please do not work other than approved hours; one hour after sunrise
to one hour before dusk.
Role of the Safety Coordinator
Designate at least one person in your group as the Safety Coordinator. This person is
responsible for ensuring that everyone complies with these Safety Guidelines and for
developing a plan in case of an emergency.
In Case of Emergency
Call 911. Take whatever steps are necessary to make the environment safe for the
injured party, you and other volunteers. If you are willing and able, administer first aid
and wait for help to arrive.
May 2006
Page 10
