Why does it take 200 hours to obtain a Letter of Reference?

The Letter of Reference is more personalized than the Confirmation of Volunteer Work Letter. As a Letter of Reference is issued by a specific person at CLS and may go beyond stating your role and duties, we need more time to assess your performance at our organization. Points mentioned in the Letter of Reference would not be possible without deep knowledge of the volunteer's performance - this requires time. If you do not have 200 hours, a Confirmation of Volunteer Work Letter is an excellent option that confirms your role, duties, and hours at our organization. 

How do you evaluate performance (Letter of Reference)?

Our Team Coordinators and Shift Supervisors submit evaluations on every shift. Some of the areas we assess include but are not limited to: (1) punctuality, (2) attentiveness during shifts, (3) ability to follow instructions and accept accountability, (4) professional attitude, (5) active listening skills, (6) ability to validate and empathize with callers, and (7) reaching out for help when necessary during calls. It is difficult to formulate a credible evaluation within a short period of time, hence the 200-hour requirement for a Letter of Reference.

Can I get a Confirmation of Volunteer Work Letter and a Letter of Reference?

Yes! If you meet the requirements, you may receive both a Confirmation of Volunteer Work Letter and a Letter of Reference.

Can I be refused a Letter of Reference?

Under rare circumstances, if serious gaps in performance are reported, we may recommend against a Letter of Reference (even if a volunteer meets the 200-hour requirement). We only write letters that accurately reflect a volunteer's performance at our organization. As such, in rare cases, we may recommend that the volunteer (who is otherwise eligible for the Letter of Reference) choose the Confirmation of Volunteer Work Letter instead.