Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

Boundaries Expectations Policy

For Volunteers
Updated: November 2014

Volunteer/Member Communications

Volunteers should communicate with members while in the Club and if needed to be in contact outside of the Club, all
communication should be conducted through BGCB staff. Non-urgent communication should be conducted by BGCB
phone or email. In the event that communication takes place via personal email or cell phones, a staff may ask that you
copy them. All communications between volunteers and members, regardless of medium, may be reviewed by
supervisors.

Personal contact information

BGCB does not expect that volunteers will share their personal contact information with members. In the event that cell
phone numbers need to be shared to ensure communication during a field trip or other event, please note that all
communication should be BGCB program related. Any time volunteers share personal contact information with a
member or parent, a supervisor should be notified.

Romantic relationships with members, parents, colleagues, vendors

Under no circumstances may adult volunteers date club members.

We ask that any relationships with adults that you meet in the course of your service (parents, co-
workers, volunteers, colleagues, vendors, etc.) be carefully considered in terms of potential for negative
impact on youth and club. Your club director may ask that you notify them if such a relationship begins.
Any such relationship that compromises club operations, safety, or your job performance may impact
your service with BGCB.

Providing childcare for members/children outside of BGCB

Occasionally volunteers may be asked by the parents of members or co-workers to provide childcare outside of club
hours. Such arrangements should be discussed with your supervisor in advance.

Physical Contact

Physical contact, such as lap sitting, cuddling, or any contact that compromises the emotional or physical safety of a
member is not appropriate. In general, volunteers should be aware of physical boundaries and seek to maintain them.
No contact should feel uncomfortable to any party involved.

Horseplay and Rough Housing

Horseplay and rough housing are not allowed. Interactions that could lead to injury or that you would not want youth to
imitate should be avoided.

Dress expectations

Volunteers are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate to work in a youth serving organization. This means:

Clothing should not carry negative, obscene, or inflammatory messages

Clothing should provide appropriate coverage and allow for participation in all activities
Skirts and shorts must cover upper thigh, even when seated
 Sagging is not allowed
Attire should present a neat, casual, but professional appearance

Personal Cell Phones

Volunteers are expected to use personal cell phones only for emergencies. Cell phones should not be visible to
members unless use is work related. In general, cell phones are regarded as a distraction and must not interfere with a
volunteers responsibility to supervise and support youth. Excessive use will result in disciplinary action.

Social Media

Volunteers should not communicate or share information with members using personal social media. This includes
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If members friend you, as a volunteer, the best response is to thank the youth, and
tell them that you are only friends with other adults and family. Providing youth with information about WHY we have
boundaries is as important as the boundaries themselves. Posting pictures of members on your pages is also not
allowed.

Volunteers

Volunteers are not to be left alone with youth, individually or in groups. BGCB staff member must be present at all
times. Certain volunteers have been cleared to be alone with members for specific tasks or reasons. Please ask you
supervisor.

Eyes and Ears

BGCB is committed to maximizing the number of eyes and ears at work to protect our youth from sexual abuse in any of
our facilities. If you see or hear anything that causes you concern, seems inappropriate, or feels wrong to you, you
should speak to a Program Director, Volunteer Coordinator, Club Director, or Human Resources. Anyone who makes a
report is protected by the organizations Whistle Blower Policy from retaliation or negative repercussions.

Positive Interactions Policy

Interactions with volunteers provide youth with access to positive and supportive role models. It is expected that
volunteers will adhere to a policy of positive interactions. We expect that ALL interactions with youth will emphasize
our belief that every one of our members has the capacity to be great. Yelling at youth, belittling them, singling out
negatively, and other discipline methods that humiliate or denigrate youth are not allowed.
 Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
Boundaries Expectations Policy
For Volunteers
Updated: December 2014

Signature Page

I have received the BGCB Boundaries Expectations Policy. I understand that I am required to read and abide by all
expectations outlined in the Policy throughout my employment/volunteer service.

Name (print clearly):______________________________________________________

Signature:_______________________________________________________________

Date:___________________________________________________________________