Volunteer Spotlight

Bill Lewis

The great part of our volunteer profile is sharing the unique talents each of our 156 volunteers has shared with us. Part of a vibrant and sustainable volunteer program is striving to find the optimal intersection of volunteer skills and ACOL's needs. We are very fortunate to have Bill Lewis volunteering with us. A volunteer for the past 9 months, Bill has quickly found his stride at the AIDS Committee of London. Having completed his orientation in April 2009, he quickly became involved in the design of our newest branding initiative, creating a unified look and feel for our agency displays that are eye-catching and elegant. A huge fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bill joined four other volunteers in creating our first volunteer committee for this fun fundraising event held October 29, 2009. Putting his graphic art skills to work Bill created banners, posters and leaflets ensuring the event was recognized and well attended, with 296 of the 300 tickets sold! In our work up to AIDS Awareness Week, Bill assisted with a photo shoot and created posters and letterhead featuring our message "HIV lives here" that is on our latest community displays. More than technical skill, Bill brings a warmth and enthusiasm to each project he joins. Every month his e-mail is one of the first in response to the ACOL Volunteer Updates. When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering he replies, "It's the staff and other volunteers."

AIDS Committee of London Volunteer Training

Orientation and HIV Basics is offered every other month at our London office, 186 King Street . The dates for 2010 are:

• Saturday, March 27, 3-5 p.m.
• Thursday, May 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September TBD, 1-3 p.m.
• Thursday, November 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

We offer Beyond the Basics training twice a year. Topics include outreach, client support, fundraising, and more!

• Saturday, March 27, 3-5 p.m.
• Saturday, September TBD, 3-5 p.m.

About Volunteering

The AIDS Committee could not do its work without the involvement of volunteers from the surrounding community. Volunteers are involved in every level of the organization: from program planning, delivery and evaluation to agency administration, fundraising, participating on our Board of Directors and being involved on the front lines.

Here are some of the jobs that volunteers do at the agency:

• Driving & practical assistance for clients
• Staffing information booths
• Assembling prevention kits & materials
• Planning & running special events
• Office Administration

Becoming a Volunteer

Rights and Responsibilities

Understanding your rights and responsibilities is key to a rewarding volunteer experience in any organization. Rights and responsibilities are understandings/agreements between an organization and volunteer; basically a list of expectations between the volunteers and the organization to provide a high quality of service. The following are the fundamental rights, responsibilities and rewards that the AIDS Committee of London uses when working with volunteers.

VOLUNTEER RIGHTS

• To work without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or developmental disability.
• To be treated with respect.
• To work in a comfortable, stress-free environment.
• To be treated as an equal to paid staff, and not just "free help."
• To be carefully interviewed and appropriately assigned to the volunteer job/role that best meets the skills, needs and interests of the volunteer.
• To receive appropriate training and orientation for volunteer duties & and to be kept informed about matters that affect them.
• To receive continuing education and upgrading.
• To be heard, when expressing ideas and opinions.
• In consultation with the Coordinator of Volunteer Services, to choose how, when and where to serve and when one will stop serving.
• To receive recognition for service.
• To receive a letter of reference in regard to performance while volunteering at ACOL, within two weeks of requesting one.

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a volunteer, we ask for loyalty to the AIDS Committee of London (ACOL), its mission statement, and goals.
• Volunteers are responsible for adhering to ACOL's Confidentiality Policy. If you are unsure in any way about this policy, please ask a staff person. Breaches of confidentiality will be handled with immediate dismissal and possible legal action.
• While volunteering in or outside of ACOL's offices, you are a representative of the Agency. It is expected that you will conduct yourself in a manner that will reflect positively on the AIDS Committee.
• As a representative of the AIDS Committee, you must refrain from the consumption of alcohol or the use of illegal drugs prior to or during any assignment.
• As a volunteer, you are subject to a code of ethics similar to that of a professional. Like them, you are assuming certain responsibilities. Expect to be accountable for your actions. These ethics vary according to assignment.
• Ensure that you are fully briefed and understand the tasks that you are undertaking. Ask questions if you do not understand your assignment.
• As a volunteer, you must be mindful of your commitment time. Please arrive on time. Contact the office if you cannot keep your commitment.
• Please keep track of your hours in the appropriate log or give to your supervisor.
• If you have any comments, feedback, ideas, concerns, complaints or suggestions contact the Volunteer Coordinator.