Volunteer Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is mandatory for all volunteers of the Winners Efi Hope Foundation (WEHF) and is designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for all program participants, especially the girls we serve. By signing up, you agree to adhere to these standards at all times.

I. Core Principles

As a representative of WEHF, I commit to:

1. Safety First: Prioritizing the physical and emotional safety of all girls and young people above all else.

2. Respect and Dignity: Treating all participants, fellow volunteers, staff, and community members with unconditional respect, courtesy, and fairness, regardless of background, ability, or belief.

3. Role Model: Serving as a positive and responsible role model whose behaviour aligns with the mission and values of girls’ empowerment.

4. Integrity and Trust: Maintaining the highest level of professionalism, honesty, and accountability in all interactions.

II. Required Behaviours (Do’s)

Volunteers must commit to the following:

• Communicate Openly: Maintain open, appropriate, and professional communication with all participants.

• Report Concerns: Immediately report any concerning behavior, suspected abuse, or policy breach (by any person) to your designated WEHF supervisor or Child Safety Officer.

• Work in Pairs/Groups: Always seek to work in an open environment and avoid situations where you are alone with an individual child or young person.

• Maintain Professionalism: Dress appropriately for all activities and always present yourself in a manner that upholds the reputation of WEHF.

• Confidentiality: Treat all personal information about the girls, their families, and other volunteers as strictly confidential. Share information only with authorized WEHF staff when necessary for the participant’s well-being or safety.

• Follow Procedures: Adhere strictly to all WEHF policies and procedures, including the WEHF Child Safety Policy (which is a companion to this document).

III. Unacceptable Behaviours (Don’ts)

Volunteers must not engage in any of the following activities:

• Inappropriate Contact: Any form of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, corporal punishment, humiliating, ridiculing, or threatening a child.

• Personal Relationships/Favoritism: Establishing a personal, intimate, or romantic relationship with any participant. Do not engage in favouritism (e.g., giving unsolicited gifts or special attention to one girl over others).

• Alone Time: Transporting an individual girl alone in your personal vehicle or inviting a girl to your personal home (or the home of another volunteer) unless explicitly approved by WEHF management and the participant’s parent/guardian.

• Physical Contact: Initiating or engaging in unnecessary physical contact (e.g., tickling, excessive hugging, or touching in a way that is intrusive or makes a child uncomfortable). Brief, appropriate physical contact (like a high-five or supportive pat on the shoulder) should be always mindful of the child’s comfort and cultural norms.

• Personal Communication: Giving your personal phone number, social media handles, or personal email address to any participant, or accepting theirs, unless explicitly authorized for a specific, monitored program.

• Substance Use: Using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances while volunteering or at any WEHF event.

• Promising Secrets: Never promise a child you will keep a secret, especially if it involves harm to themselves or others. You must explain that you are required to share this information with a safe adult (your supervisor) who can help.