General Program Information

Program Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of HRI's Volunteer Program is to provide a valuable service to our clients and a worthwhile experience for our volunteers.  Without the skill and dedication of our volunteers, HRI would not be able to achieve its mission.

HRI could not serve as many clients as it does, and in an expedited and professional manner without the help of volunteers that participate with us in the different programs that the organization has to offer.

HRI accepts the service and participation of its volunteers with the understanding that such service and participation is at the discretion of the volunteer and HRI.  Either party may decide to terminate the volunteer's participation in the program at any time.

Scope of the Volunteer Policies

These policies shall apply to all volunteers participating in each and every volunteer program and project under HRI's supervision and management.

HRI seeks to provide guidance to staff and volunteers that participate in volunteer programs and efforts. These policies do not constitute a binding agreement with the volunteers or staff members, and HRI reserves the right to change these policies partially or entirely at any time and to expect volunteers and staff to adhere to the modified policy. Changes to this policy may only be made by the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Human Resource Services and Volunteer Coordinator.

Definition of Volunteer

A volunteer is a person that performs a specific service voluntarily and willingly without compensation or the expectation of compensation.

Volunteer Requirements

Before a volunteer is assigned to any volunteer program, s/he must complete the following:

1. HRI's online application form
2. Attend a mandatory group or individual training session at the HRI offices
3. Read, understand and sign HRI's Guidelines for the program(s) the volunteer has been matched to participate in
4. Read, understand and sign a confidentiality agreement
5. Read, understand and sign a background check request that HRI conducts without exception for all volunteers. The background verification services are provided by VeriFYI at a cost to HRI of $7.30 USD per person screened. To help defray these costs, the volunteer may make a donation to HRI in the amount of $7.30. All checks must be made payable to "Human Rights Initiative" and sent in with the completed application form.
6. Read and understand HRI's Volunteer Policy Manual and sign an Acknowledging Receipt of Policy Manual.

Volunteer's Rights and Responsibilities

Volunteers have the right to receive meaningful project assignments, to be treated with respect, and to have supervision, assistance and communication with the Volunteer Program Coordinator and/or their respective Project Coordinator, and the right to recognition for the work done for HRI.

Volunteers have the responsibility of performing the duties assigned to them to the best of their abilities and to respect the procedures and mission of HRI. For specific responsibilities, refer to Program Description and Volunteer Responsibilities.

Intern, Pro Bono and Other Volunteers

HRI has an established internship program and is willing to work with students, universities, and other learning institutions on projects created for course credit.  We also provide training opportunities for CLE credit for attorneys.  Please check with your learning institution to confirm requirements and eligibility for the program.  It is the intern's responsibility to make sure requirements and deadlines are met.

Clients as Volunteers

Current clients of HRI may not serve as volunteers for HRI. Former clients may serve as mentor or interpreter/translator volunteers, but HRI prefers they not be involved in the legal cases due to the emotional nature of the work. HRI reserves the right to make an exception on a case-by-case basis.  

Due to their previous experience with HRI, former clients may not be required to attend the mandatory training. In order to participate in any of HRI's volunteer programs, former clients may simply go through an informal meeting with HRI personnel to discuss his/her interests and what type of cases s/he wants to be involved in.

HRI's Volunteer Programs (V-1)

HRI provides many volunteer opportunities to suit different personalities, skills, interests and backgrounds of our diverse volunteers.  Volunteer opportunities are posted on our website and hardcopies of our Volunteer and Intern Opportunities pamphlet are available.

Program Specific Policies and Procedures can be found in the addendum.  Please refer to the appropriate addendum for complete information on the applicable program:

Advocacy Program Volunteers                           

Client Services Volunteers                          

Interpreter & Translator Program Volunteers               

Pro Bono Volunteers                                 

Fundraising Volunteers                                              

General Office & Administrative Support Volunteers         

Interns                                          

Community Service / Service-Learning Volunteers         

Organization Chart of the Volunteer Program

Pro Bono Committee

List of current Pro Bono Committee members.

Pro Bono Committee Roles and Responsibilities

The Pro Bono Committee will assist HRI in achieving its mission by communicating insights and concerns that may impact HRI's ability to provide legal representation to clients.  The Pro Bono Committee may also share recommendations with HRI and with each other as a peer assistance venue.

Additional Committees

Steering Committees may be created at the Board's discretion as needed in order to reach specific goals, such as a fundraising or special event committee.  The Board will determine committee chairs and the chair may assign members or they may be elected by the board.