Program Volunteer Code of Conduct

JA is an organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth. Organizations that provide programs to children and youth (and other vulnerable people) must take reasonable measures to protect them. JA is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for everyone involved with our organization, including the thousands of program participants and the volunteers that deliver JA programs, help with special events or take on leadership roles.

JA's Screening Protocol ensures that:

      • New volunteers meet set standards directed at reducing the risk of abuse

      • Our services are managed in a safe, professional way

      • Our volunteers are involved appropriately and effectively

      • Everyone is involved in, and aware of, risk management

To help volunteers fulfill their roles, JA’s guidelines and standards for program volunteers are set out below. Volunteers should uphold the following core values:

      • Integrity – demonstrate honesty and sound ethical behaviour in all JA related activities

      • Compliance – follow all laws and regulations

      • Business Conduct – observe JA standards and act ethically in fulfilling JA obligations

      • Mutual Respect – consistently treat individuals with respect and dignity

Volunteers are expected to:

      • Be actively engaged in presenting JA programs in a dynamic manner, utilizing examples that are relevant and related to the learning outcomes or activity objectives

      • Be observant of program participants and be prepared to adjust delivery styles or curriculum content to meet the learning and development needs and the group dynamics of the students involved

      • Work together with the classroom teacher to ensure a positive learning environment is maintained

      • Ensure that their volunteer involvement accomplishes the learning objectives for the students, and broadens their own professional development

      • Inform their supervisor as far in advance as possible if unable to meet their volunteer commitments

      • Enjoy the experience and have fun!

Volunteers should not:

      • Have an inappropriate contact* inside or outside the classroom (or other place where they fulfill their JA related duties) with any student met through their JA program or class, including those students 18 years of age or older

      • Deliver a program without the teacher present in the room at all times

      • Transport program participants unless it is part of your written position description and appropriate screening measures conducted

      • Be in contact with any student inside or outside the classroom (or other place where they fulfill their JA duties) unless the student’s teacher or other school-sanctioned adult, or the student’s parent, is present or aware of the situation

      • Be in contact with any student inside or outside the classroom without the prior knowledge or consent of the JA staff and student’s teacher or parent. Exceptions would include routine business or bonafide job interviews for students 15 years of age or older, conducted at a regular place of business and during regular business hours.

      • Express personal opinions during program delivery that are not endorsed by the organization

 * Examples of inappropriate conduct include:

      • Violations of federal or provincial laws regarding child abuse, providing alcohol or other controlled substances to minors or having alcohol on a school campus, etc.

      • Use of profanity or inappropriate language while fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer for JA

      • Physical contact which is inappropriate to a teacher-pupil professional relationship considering the age and sex of the student

These are examples only. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list. There could be other actions not listed herein, which could result in dismissal as a volunteer.

Allegations of inappropriate conduct may result in immediate suspension as a JA volunteer. JA will act on its duty to report such incidents to the proper authorities. If an investigation by the proper authorities determines a violation occurred, it will result in immediate and permanent dismissal of the accused as a Junior Achievement volunteer.

Please keep in mind that an organization does not decide who to screen; rather, it decides how to screen. Based solely on the risk involved in the position, an organization determines which screening tools are needed. For example, candidates for the job of a mentor, who work alone with children, will need to be screened thoroughly for the safety of the children. On the other hand, a position where there is no access to children, confidential records, or money, will likely involve fewer screening steps.

If you are requested to provide a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check, this does not mean that the organization does not trust you or has concerns about you. It means the position you are applying for is considered to have a heightened risk and the organization is managing that risk appropriately. It may also be a requirement by the school board that we are required to follow.

Confidentiality Agreement

JA is committed to protecting and respecting the privacy of the personal information shared by volunteers associated with JA.  This requires that JA be transparent and accountable in how stakeholder information is treated.  Records shall be kept on a consistent basis with respect to the screening and management of individuals.  Privacy of confidential information and security of records shall be of prime consideration in the administration of the screening process. 

In your role as a JA volunteer, any information (written, verbal, or other form) obtained during the performance of your duties must remain confidential. Any unauthorized release or carelessness in the handling of this confidential information is considered a breach of the duty to maintain confidentiality. Any breach of the duty to maintain confidentiality could be grounds for immediate dismissal and/or possibly liability if there is any legal action arising from such a breach. 

Taking unauthorized photographs/videos of members or participants, guests, volunteers, students or children is prohibited. JA volunteers should refrain from sharing these photos/videos, whether on personal social media accounts or otherwise. If pictures are needed for JA’s website, flyers, social media, etc., they are to be taken by designated/approved staff only and must be accompanied by a signed photo release form to be kept on file. 

Be aware that communications and posts made online, especially on social media, are permanent and can extend past your peers to be viewable by millions of people. Emails, chats, and posts may be saved, forwarded/shared to others without the original author’s knowledge. Deleted emails and posts may be retrieved at a later date.  

      • Consider any data or information you post or share online as permanent and visible to the entire worldwide web.  Think twice before posting personal information that can be used to steal your identity or be used as a target of harassment 

      • Respect the personal information and privacy of others and do not forward personal electronic mail messages or share personal information to others without permission