Volunteer Handbook

Thank you for supporting Youth Development and Leadership for Change (YDLC). Volunteers are essential to our mission of helping young people develop real-world leadership skills.

This handbook outlines expectations, responsibilities, and support structures.

1. Our Mission

YDLC helps young people build practical skills, develop leadership, and contribute to their communities through mentorship and community-based learning.

Volunteers help make this mission possible.

2. Volunteer Roles

You may serve in one or more of the following roles:

Mentor support
Workshop facilitator
Event support
Career guidance volunteer
Communications and outreach
Technical support
Media and storytelling
Administrative support

3. Expectations

Volunteers are expected to:

Act professionally and respectfully
Support a safe environment for young people
Follow safeguarding guidelines
Communicate clearly and responsibly
Commit only to what they can reliably deliver

4. Time Commitment

Flexible based on role
Some roles require weekly engagement
Event-based volunteers support as needed

5. Safeguarding

Safeguarding is mandatory for everyone involved at YDLC:

No unsupervised 1:1 interaction with participants
All interactions must follow program guidelines
Concerns must be reported immediately to the safeguarding contact
Volunteers must complete onboarding before participation

6. Support for Volunteers

YDLC provides:

Orientation sessions
Role-specific guidance
Program coordination support
Clear communication channels

7. Code of Conduct

Volunteers must:

Respect participant privacy
Avoid inappropriate communication
Maintain professional boundaries
Report concerns responsibly

8. Ending Volunteer Engagement

YDLC reserves the right to end volunteer engagement if guidelines are not followed or if participant safety is at risk.

9. Contact

For volunteer support, reach YDLC through the Contact page. For safety concerns, see our Safety & concerns page.