Program Description

The community-led VESD program will be composed of two parts, an easily accessible database where community members can offer their time and talents and faculty and staff can find and request volunteers, and a volunteer management structure which provides training and support for volunteers and teachers.

Database Description

The VESD database will serve as an information hub for both community members and faculty and staff.

• • • Community Members will provide information to help match them with volunteer opportunities.

      • Basic information such as availability, interests, location preferences, and experience will be gathered.

      • Community Members will also have the opportunity to present specific program ideas based on areas of expertise.  (Ex. A retired geologist proposes a classroom presentation on the geology of the area for middle and high schoolers.  An artist proposes a program on working with clay with elementary school students, etc.) VESD would provide program development and implementation support.

    • Faculty and Staff will both be able to search for available volunteers and post volunteer opportunities.

      • Faculty and staff can search for specific dates/times/experience to see if a volunteer matches their needs.

      • Faculty and staff can search specific available programs and request them for their class.

      • Faculty and staff can ask for help with specific needs and VESD will help match with available volunteers.

Volunteer Management Description

VESD will provide a structure so that volunteers are prepared, and that volunteers and faculty/staff are supported throughout the process.

• Volunteers will utilize the existing ESD system to obtain a background check.

• Volunteer handbook completed in collaboration with ESD members will be presented to each volunteer.  

• Mandatory volunteer training will occur quarterly covering the material in the volunteer handbook, as well as basic positive behavior management strategies and emergency procedures (fire, earthquake, lockdown procedures).  (School specific information will be conveyed by the site coordinator for each school)

• There will be one VESD administrator responsible for database maintenance, volunteer matching, and training.

• Each school will have a site coordinator to support volunteers and faculty/staff to ensure that volunteer matches are successful.