Volunteer Code of Conduct

Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct

DREAM Adaptive Recreation requires that staff and volunteers conduct themselves in a safe and respectful manner to help maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and comfortable environment throughout DREAM  programs or events. By fostering mutual respect and safety, we can ensure that everyone enjoys the full benefits of our programs.  All staff and volunteers are asked to read, sign, and follow this Code of Conduct prior to each season as part of their involvement in DREAM programming, which includes but is not limited to: Alpine Ski & Ride, Nordic Ski, Mountain Biking, Paved Path Cycling, Fishing, Paddle Boarding/Kayaking, Motorized Watersports, and Military/Veteran specific activities.

To help ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, all staff and volunteers engaging in DREAM programming are expected to:

• Treat each other with respect and consideration.  All forms of harassment are prohibited. Harassment is any conduct where a person feels it interferes with work and learning, or creates an offensive environment. This includes but is not limited to the following: obscene gestures, physical contact, use of profanity, display or circulation of written materials or pictures derogatory to gender, race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, political beliefs, appearance or ethnicity.

• Honor confidentiality.  Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information of participants, volunteers, board members, and donors involved with DREAM Adaptive Recreation.

• Uphold a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.  Physical, verbal, sexual, or mental abuse—or neglect of any kind—will not be tolerated and is grounds for immediate dismissal.

• Adhere to the Sport Protection Policy.  All staff and volunteers are required to understand and adhere to DREAM’s Sport Protection Policy to maintain a safe environment for all.

• Respect personal boundaries.  Understand there is zero tolerance for touching participants inappropriately or in ways that may lead participants to misinterpret the intent due to their individual circumstances, cultural standards, or their developmental stage. In cases where the participant must be touched, ask the permission of the participant (e.g. loading into a mono ski or helping an individual get up after falling). If permission cannot be obtained, secure additional help and/or a witness. Appropriate legal action will be taken to address any reports of inappropriate touching or misconduct.

• Use appropriate language.  There is zero tolerance for any communication—spoken or written—that could be considered inappropriate or misinterpreted by participants, families, volunteers, or staff based on their personal experiences, cultural standards, or developmental understanding.

• Maintain healthy boundaries.  Foster supportive and positive connections with participants while respecting and being mindful of appropriate personal and professional boundaries during and outside of DREAM programming.

• Avoid conflicts of interest.  Do not accept commission, gifts, payments, loans, promises of future benefits or other items of value from anyone who has or may seek some benefit from DREAM in return.

• Report safety concerns promptly. Any situation that may endanger the health, safety, or well-being of anyone involved—yourself, participants, staff, volunteers, or sponsors—must be reported to a DREAM Program Staff member or the Executive Director within 24 hours.

• Maintain control of equipment and surroundings.  Be in control of your own body and equipment throughout activity. It is your responsibility to stop or avoid people or objects and obey posted signs and warnings for closed areas.

• Act with professionalism.  Act in a positive and professional manner throughout the entire activity. Staff and volunteers should encourage, motivate, and provide positive feedback for participants to help improve their skills.

• Be prepared for emergencies.  Have a means to communicate with emergency medical crew or DREAM staff in case of an emergency and make every attempt to communicate (i.e. cell-phone, radio, etc.).

• Avoid impairment.  Staff and volunteers must not be under the influence of any substance that impairs their ability to safely and responsibly participate in program activities.

• Drugs and alcohol are prohibited.  The use of drugs and/or alcohol while representing DREAM is forbidden. DREAM has the obligation and right to refuse to let someone volunteer or participate if they suspect that the individual is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

• Abstain from tobacco use.  Not smoke or use tobacco products of any type, including e-cigarettes at program/event activities.

• Comply with all laws.  Not engage in any conduct that is criminal under any laws applicable to me, including, but not limited to laws governing the possession and use of drugs and alcohol and providing of drugs to any person and of alcohol to minors.

• Use equipment responsibly.  Only use equipment you have been trained on and approved to use.

• Be reliable and communicative.  Punctuality and attendance are expected of all staff and volunteers. If you will be absent for any reason or need to arrive late or leave early, you must notify a Program Staff member as far in advance as possible. 

• Secure your personal items.  Keep personal effects including valuables and medications secured. DREAM Adaptive Recreation is not responsible for the loss or damage of these items.

• Keep shared spaces clean.  Keep all program and event areas neat and clean and be respectful of other people’s property.

• Speak up.  If you observe anyone not following the Code of Conduct, please let DREAM Adaptive Recreation staff know immediately. 

Accountability

Failure to comply with the expectations and requirements established in this document may result in disciplinary action such as the participant, caregiver, or family guest being dismissed from the program or activity, and may jeopardize future participation. Any travel expenses related to early dismissal  will be the participant’s responsibility (i.e. mileage, airfare, stipend, etc.). 

Acceptance

I understand that my compliance with this Code of Conduct is a requirement for my involvement in DREAM programs and events. I also recognize that this Code does not establish a complete set of rules that prescribes every aspect of appropriate behavior. DREAM reserves the right to determine what behavior is considered inappropriate and/or inconsistent with the values, mission, and standards of the organization. This includes conduct that may not be explicitly outlined in this policy but deemed inappropriate in the context of DREAM’s expectations and policies.

By signing below, I agree to uphold the spirit of this Code, which serves as a general guide for my conduct while participating in DREAM programs and events. I have reviewed the Code of Conduct and understand that my agreement to its terms is a condition of my participation.