ORGANIZATIONS HOSTING VOLUNTEERS

Safety is our top priority during the COVID-19 community response. As such, we are providing organizations involved in COVID-19 volunteer response efforts with the following best practices around safety. We encourage all organizations involved in these efforts to strictly adhere to CDC, North Carolina, and Buncombe County Government guidelines. Click HERE for a printable version of organization safety and volunteer management best practices. 

Use precaution when organizing in-person volunteer support for COVID-19 response. Supplies and/or items to have on hand, and procedures to follow before, during, and after hosting volunteers include:

  • Advise volunteers to take their temperature at home before leaving for their volunteer shift.
  • Advise volunteers to put on their face covering at home or before exiting their vehicle. 
  • Implement a simple screening process comprised of asking volunteers five questions prior to their volunteer shift.
    • Consider recruiting a health and safety screening volunteer to complete this recommendation. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe can provide this resource if requested.
  • Instruct volunteers to wash their hands upon entering your building.
  • Have hand sanitizer easily available and accessible hand washing stations.
  • Provide sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g. hand-hygiene products, tissues, Clorox wipes and receptacles for their disposal) in all locations.
  • Ensure that bathrooms and shared spaces are deep-cleaned and disinfected per  CDC guidance.
  • Limit convening in populated areas, such as waiting rooms, lobbies, etc.
  • Make sure all volunteers understand any risks associated with the task you would like them to do and remain understanding if a volunteer is not comfortable with that level of risk.
  • Ensure physical distancing of 6 feet is maintained throughout the volunteer shift and communicate specific tasks where volunteers might engage closer than 6 feet. 
  • Interested in having a volunteer support your organization's health and safety guidelines? Notify Hands On Asheville-Buncombe for recruitment efforts! Click HERE to review a mock Volunteer Health and Safety Coordinator position. 

Other Best Practices for Managing Volunteers:

  • Have a sign-in sheet with basic information such as:
    • First and Last Name
    • Phone Number
    • Emergency contact information in the event of an onsite emergency
  • Have volunteers sign a waiver if you have one (ensure pens are disinfected after individual use).
  • Make sure all instructions are clear and that everyone has a task — your job is to manage the workload and people, not complete the task at hand unless you're working with a small group (something we strongly encourage during this time).
  • Make sure someone from your organization is available to oversee the project and connect with volunteers during their project/shift to ensure:
    • All safety precautions are being followed;
    • Volunteers take regular breaks for hand washing; 
    • To answer any questions about the volunteer project/task;
    • To provide additional PPE, disinfecting supplies or other tools necessary to complete the task;
    • To check-in with volunteers periodically to ensure they're feeling well;
    • To thank volunteers for their support and what it means to the organization and community.

Want to List an Opportunity with Us? 

Contact us at info@handsonasheville.org.