VOLUNTEERING AND PARTICIPATION POLICY

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that volunteering activities within the Young Volunteers Association are conducted in an ethical, safe, sustainable, and rights-based framework, and to define volunteers' participation processes, rights, and responsibilities.

2. Scope

This policy covers;

  • All volunteers
  • Volunteer applicants
  • Volunteer coordinators
  • Project teams
  • Partner institutions

3. Volunteering Approach

The Young Volunteers Association defines volunteering as:

  • A process of generating social benefit
  • A learning and development area
  • A mechanism for participation and taking responsibility

Volunteering is;

  • Free of charge
  • Based on mutual trust
  • Non-compulsory
  • Participatory

4. Core Principles

4.1. Equality in Volunteering

All volunteers;

  • Participate without discrimination
  • Have equal opportunities
  • Can engage in activities
4.2. Participation and Inclusion

Volunteers;

  • Are actively involved in project processes
  • Their opinions are taken into account
  • Can contribute to decision-making processes
4.3. Rights-Based Approach

Volunteering activities are conducted within the framework of;

  • Children's rights
  • Human rights
  • Social justice
4.4. Safe Volunteering

All volunteering activities are;

  • Aligned with the child protection policy
  • Conducted in a safe environment
4.5. Learning and Development

The association;

  • Provides training opportunities for volunteers
  • Supports personal and professional development

5. Types of Volunteers

  • Field Volunteers (schools, events, project implementation)
  • Digital Volunteers (remote support, content production, etc.)
  • Expert Volunteers (law, health, education, technology, etc.)
  • Student Volunteers (high school and university collaborations)

6. Volunteer Onboarding Process

  1. Completion of application form
  2. Evaluation and guidance
  3. Orientation process
  4. Volunteer matching
  5. Participation in activities

7. Volunteers' Rights

  • Right to work in a safe environment
  • Right to be respected and treated equally
  • Right to receive training and information
  • Right to provide feedback
  • Right to access participation and development opportunities

8. Volunteers' Responsibilities

  • Comply with association policies
  • Act according to ethical principles
  • Adhere to child protection rules
  • Fulfill assigned responsibilities
  • Protect the institution's reputation

9. Volunteer Coordination

  • Establish volunteer coordination systems
  • Keep communication channels open
  • Evaluate volunteer feedback
  • Monitor volunteer satisfaction

10. Recognition and Motivation

  • Make volunteer contributions visible
  • Provide participation certificates and references
  • Support successful work

11. Termination of Volunteering

  • Volunteers may terminate volunteering at any time
  • The association may terminate volunteering when necessary

12. Education and Capacity Building

  • Conduct orientation training
  • Provide rights-based approach training
  • Offer project-based training

13. Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Volunteer processes are regularly evaluated
  • Impact analyses are conducted
  • Processes are continuously improved

14. Entry into Force

This policy comes into force on the date approved by the Board of Directors of the Young Volunteers Association.

15. Commitment

The Young Volunteers Association commits to creating a sustainable structure that strengthens volunteering, increases participation, and supports young people to play an active role in social life.