Your safety and well-being are our top priorities at Give Protocol. This guide provides comprehensive safety guidelines for volunteers participating in charitable activities through our platform.

Safety First Principles

1. Personal Safety Assessment

Before accepting any volunteer opportunity:

• Evaluate the location - Research the area and venue
• Check organization credentials - Verify the charity’s legitimacy
• Review activity details - Understand what’s expected
• Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong, don’t proceed

2. Pre-Volunteering Checklist

• Verify the organization through our platform verification badge
• Read all volunteer requirements and expectations
• Ensure you have appropriate skills/physical ability for the task
• Confirm the time commitment and schedule
• Check if background checks or training are required

During Volunteer Activities

Communication Guidelines

1. Stay Connected

   • Keep your phone charged and accessible
   • Share your volunteer location with a trusted contact
   • Use our in-app messaging for all volunteer communications

2. Emergency Contacts

   • Save local emergency numbers (911 in the US)
   • Keep the organization’s emergency contact readily available
   • Know the exact address of your volunteer location

Physical Safety

Indoor Volunteering

• Familiarize yourself with emergency exits
• Follow all facility safety rules
• Report unsafe conditions immediately
• Use proper equipment and protective gear when provided

Outdoor Volunteering

• Dress appropriately for weather conditions
• Stay hydrated and take regular breaks
• Use sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
• Be aware of environmental hazards (uneven terrain, wildlife)

Heavy Lifting and Physical Work

• Use proper lifting techniques (bend knees, not back)
• Ask for help with heavy items
• Take breaks to prevent overexertion
• Report any injuries immediately

Health and Hygiene

General Health Guidelines

1. Stay home if you’re sick - Protect yourself and others
2. Practice good hygiene - Wash hands frequently
3. Follow health protocols - Comply with any COVID-19 or other health requirements
4. Bring necessary medications - Keep personal medications accessible

Food Safety (for food-related volunteering)

• Follow all food handling guidelines
• Wear gloves and hairnets as required
• Report any food safety concerns
• Don’t handle food if you have open wounds

Personal Information Protection

What to Share

• ✓ First name only (unless organization requires full name)
• ✓ General availability
• ✓ Relevant skills and experience
• ✓ Emergency contact (with organization only)

What NOT to Share

• ✗ Home address (unless absolutely necessary)
• ✗ Financial information
• ✗ Social Security number (except for verified background checks)
• ✗ Personal social media accounts
• ✗ Unnecessary personal details

Handling Uncomfortable Situations

If You Feel Unsafe

1. Remove yourself from the situation immediately
2. Contact the volunteer coordinator or supervisor
3. Document the incident with details
4. Report through our platform’s safety reporting feature
5. Seek help if you need immediate assistance

Dealing with Difficult People

• Remain calm and professional
• Set clear boundaries
• Involve a supervisor if needed
• Never engage in confrontations
• Document problematic interactions

Transportation Safety

Getting to Volunteer Sites

• Plan your route in advance
• Use reliable transportation methods
• Arrive during daylight hours when possible
• Park in well-lit areas
• Carpool through platform connections when available

If Driving Others

• Verify insurance coverage
• Never transport more people than seatbelts
• Follow all traffic laws
• Don’t share personal vehicle information publicly

Special Considerations

Working with Vulnerable Populations

Children

• Never be alone with a child
• Follow organization’s child protection policies
• Report any concerns about child welfare
• Maintain appropriate boundaries

Elderly or Disabled Individuals

• Respect personal space and dignity
• Ask before providing physical assistance
• Follow care protocols exactly
• Be patient and compassionate

Disaster Relief Volunteering

• Only volunteer through authorized organizations
• Ensure you have proper training
• Bring required safety equipment
• Follow all safety protocols strictly
• Be prepared for challenging conditions

Insurance and Liability

Understanding Coverage

• Check if the organization provides volunteer insurance
• Understand what activities are covered
• Know your personal insurance coverage
• Report incidents immediately for documentation

Liability Waivers

• Read all waivers carefully before signing
• Ask questions about unclear terms
• Keep copies of signed documents
• Understand what risks you’re assuming

Reporting Safety Issues

How to Report

1. In-app reporting - Use our safety report feature
2. Contact organization - Notify volunteer coordinator
3. Emergency services - Call 911 for immediate dangers
4. Platform support - Contact our safety team

What to Include in Reports

• Date, time, and location
• People involved
• Description of incident
• Any injuries or damages
• Witnesses present
• Actions taken

Safety Resources

Training Opportunities

• First Aid/CPR certification
• Volunteer safety workshops
• Specialized training for specific roles
• Online safety courses through our platform

Safety Equipment

Common safety items to consider:

• First aid kit
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Reflective vest
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Platform Safety Features

Verification Badges

• 🔵 Verified Organization - Confirmed legitimate charity
• 🟢 Background Checked - Volunteers screened by organization
• 🟡 Training Required - Special skills or certification needed
• 🔴 High Risk - Additional safety precautions required

Safety Alerts

• Real-time notifications about safety concerns
• Weather alerts for outdoor activities
• Emergency broadcasts for your volunteer area
• Updates on changing safety requirements

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Action Plan

1. Assess the situation
2. Ensure your safety first
3. Call for help (911 or local emergency)
4. Provide assistance if safe and able
5. Report to organization and platform
6. Document everything

Important Numbers

Keep these readily accessible:

• Emergency: 911
• Platform Safety Hotline: [Your safety number]
• Organization emergency contact
• Personal emergency contact

After Volunteering

Post-Activity Safety

• Check in with your emergency contact
• Report completion through the app
• Note any safety concerns encountered
• Review and rate the safety of the experience
• Share feedback to help future volunteers

Remember

Your safety enables you to continue making a positive impact. Never compromise your well-being for any volunteer activity. We’re here to support safe, meaningful volunteer experiences that benefit both you and the communities you serve.

If you have any safety concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact our volunteer safety team through the platform. Together, we can ensure that giving back remains a safe and rewarding experience for everyone.

Last updated: December 2024
For immediate safety concerns, always contact local emergency services first