The Michigan State University Extension
Volunteer Selection Process
Why Was the Volunteer Selection Process Developed?
Most people who choose to work with children and vulnerable adults are caring, responsible people who have the needs and best interests of the children in mind at all times. They are members of caring communities who are significant in helping young people on their journey to competent and contributing adulthood and to helping those with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
Michigan State University Extension strives to respond to the needs of program participants by providing experiences led by volunteers. MSU Extension must make sure that the process of selecting individuals to serve as volunteers adequately identifies, selects, trains and supports those interested in volunteer leadership. As Extension workers and volunteers, we strive to do all we can to ensure that individuals who come to our programs are treated with respect and dignity, and are provided with safe, caring environments in which to learn and have fun.
Whether we are staff members or volunteers, teens or adults, all of us who work closely with young people and vulnerable adults have the potential to profoundly affect the well-being of others. In addition to providing safe and appropriate environments, we must also be positive role models–focusing on how we communicate with others, our methods of problem-solving and discipline, and how sensitive we are to the individual needs of all program participants.
The responsibility for the well-being of children and vulnerable adults lies with each and every one of us. The Michigan State University Extension Volunteer Selection Process is designed to help us carefully select and match appropriate individuals with the Extension-related efforts that best meet the needs of everyone involved.
What is the Selection Process for MSU Extension Volunteers?
This selection process is for volunteers who desire to work directly with youth and for volunteers who work with adults who have severe mental, physical or emotional handicapping conditions. Its purpose is to help ensure the appropriate selection and placement of volunteers for MSU Extension activities involving youth. It’s also designed to provide documentation on volunteer selection and placement.
- MSU Extension strives to provide a safe, nurturing environment for youth and vulnerable adults participating in its programs.
- MSU Extension has behavioral expectations of volunteers with its programs. These expectations are written as an "MSU Extension Staff and Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct Form" and are available to those who wish to be volunteers, and to those charged with helping staff make decisions about volunteer selection and placement.
- With the concerns surrounding the safety of young people and vulnerable adults, most major public service agencies have instituted selection processes for staff and volunteers. Child abuse awareness and an understanding of the problem have increased.
- A selection process is a method of strengthening recruitment and placement of volunteers and staff for Michigan State University Extension programs.
Steps in the Process
- Initial contact is made with potential volunteer who receives copies of the "MSU Extension Volunteer Application Form" and the "MSU Extension Criminal History Background Check Form" to complete. The "MSU Extension Criminal History Background Check Form" may be waived if the applicant has undergone the check with another agency within the past year.
- The potential volunteer completes the "MSU Extension Volunteer Application Form" and the "MSU Extension Criminal History Background Check Form" and submits them to the local Extension office.
- The staff and/or selection committee reviews the "MSU Extension Volunteer Application Form" and conducts a reference check with the people the applicant listed as personal references. This step may also be carried out by a team of trained volunteers.
- The staff conducts a criminal history background check through the Michigan State Police. For purposes of confidentiality, this step is carried out only by staff and all results are kept in a locked file.
- The staff or trained volunteers conduct an interview with the potential applicant.
- If the outcome of step 3 or step 4 or the interview is unacceptable, the staff sends a letter to the applicant saying his or her application has not been accepted. If the outcome of the interview is acceptable, the staff sends a letter to the applicant saying his or her application has been accepted. The applicant is asked to complete the "MSU Extension Staff and Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct Form" and to participate in the local volunteer orientation process.
When is the Process Used?
This process must be completed by volunteers aged 19 and over who have ongoing or unsupervised access to children aged 19 and under and/or to adults who have severe mental, physical or emotional handicapping conditions. "Ongoing" is defined as more than four meetings or gathering times and/or indepth contact (such as overnight events, out-of-state trips, exchange trips). "Unsupervised" means that the person is alone with children for significant periods of time (15 minutes or more). Such volunteers include those who work with any MSU Extension programs involving youth or vulnerable adults (such as 4-H organizational leaders, 4-H project leaders, summer camp activity leaders, Master Gardeners, trip chaperons, resource persons, Sea Grant volunteers, adult host family members) and Proud Equestrian Programs (PEP) therapeutic riding volunteers. If individuals will have on-going or unsupervised contact with youth or vulnerable adults, it is required that they be processed through this system.
Online Resources
Who To Contact for More Information
If you have questions about the Volunteer Selection Process, contact the MSU Extension staff in your county Extension office. Thank you for your interest in becoming a Michigan State University Extension volunteer!
If you are not in Michigan, contact:
Julie Chapin, Ph.D., Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
USA
