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General Office Hours: Monday– Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Contact Info: The Gems of Hope office is located at: 420- 6th St. SE, Suite 140 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401 Office phone : 319-393-9681

Office email: office@gemsofhope.com Web addresses: www.gemsofhope.com www.cancerrreallysucks.org

https://twitter.com/gemsofhopeinc@gemsofhopecr

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gems-of-Hope-Inc

https://www.pinterest.com/gemsforcancer/

https://www.facebook.com/Cancer-Really-Sucks

Additional Contacts:

Gems of Hope, Inc. 420 - 6th St. SE Suite 140 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Gems of Hope, Inc. Volunteer Handbook

2020

Our mission is to bring hope to cancer patients and their families.

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Table of Contents

Welcome…………………………………………………..………….…..2 History………………………………………………………………..…....3 Mission………………………………………………………………….….3 Vision…………………………………………………………………….….3 G-Force History………………………………………………………...3 G-Force Lingo…………………………………………………………...4 Volunteer Information…………………………………………..4-5 Tracking Volunteer Hours……………………………….…….....5 G-Force Opportunities……………………………………………6-7 Volunteer Code-of-Conduct…………………………………8-10 Problem Solving Procedures……………………………….....10 Grievance Procedures…………………………………………….11 Holidays……………………………………………………………..…..12 Office Hours…………………………………………………………….12 Contacts……………………………………………………..…………..12

Welcome from Executive Director:

Welcome to the Gems of Hope Volunteer Team, G-Force!

For more than 15 years, volunteers have made a great difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families on behalf of Gems of Hope.

By volunteering, you’ll help cancer patients in The Corridor while at the

same time strengthening our community in general. This handbook will help you have the best possible experience as a volunteer. It answers fre-quently asked questions and gives information about Gems of Hope and your role.

The Program/Workshop coordinator can answer most of your questions, but please feel free to contact the Gems of Hope Office any time you need assistance.

Thank you for volunteering. We are glad you have chosen Gems of Hope as your volunteer organization to make a difference in your life and the lives of countless others. With Hope, Beth Hammell Cindy Sale Co-Founders Gems of Hope

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Grievance Procedures:

Although dealing with complaints can be difficult, it can give us a positive opportunity to improve the way we do things and provide a

better service for people affected by cancer. If you have a grievance concerning your work environment, they should report it promptly to

the Program/Workshop Coordinator. Or the Executive Director. Email office@gemsofhope.com or call direct 319-393-9681. Every

effort will be made to achieve a speedy and effective resolution. All complaints will be treated confidentially. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed for complaints involving sexual harassment or child abuse.

Holidays: GOH is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day

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Confidentiality Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volun-teer. Such information includes but is not limited to: information regarding a staff person, volunteer, member, or third party; Gems of Hope's projects or programs; Gems of Hope's organizational health and financial sta-tus; pending agreements with other organizations; and any information that if released may prove harmful to Gems of Hope.

Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer's relationship with the Gems of Hope/or other corrective action. Contacting Other Volunteers Occasionally, volunteers will need to contact other volunteers with regard to their activities with Gems of Hope. We expect all such communications among volunteers to follow standard professional practice. Other than phone numbers or email addresses, the Gems of Hope staff will not share contact or other personal information about a volunteer with another volunteer without the express consent of all parties involved. Dismissal of a Volunteer Volunteers who do not adhere to the rules and procedures of GOH or who fail to satisfactorily perform their volunteer assignment are subject to dismissal. No volunteer will be terminated until the volunteer has had an opportunity to discuss the reasons for possible dismissal with supervisory staff. Possible grounds for dismissal include, but are not limited to: gross misconduct or in-subordination; theft of property or misuse of Gems of Hope's materials; abuse or mistreatment of members, staff, other volunteers, or patrons of any age; failure to abide by Gems of Hope's policies and procedures; and failure to sat-isfactorily perform assigned duties.

Problem Solving Procedures: We want you to feel comfortable in coming to GOH to discuss any problems, questions or concerns that you may have about your volunteer experience. Our Problem Solving Procedure offers all volunteers the freedom to discuss anything they wish with the VWC or the ED. Whenever you have a problem, it can usually be resolved by the following steps:

1. Any concern should first be discussed with the VWC, who should be in the position to handle most problems satisfactorily.

2. In the event that your concern relates directly to the VWC, you may contact the ED.

If your volunteer assignment isn’t working out as hoped, please inform the VWC and together address any concerns. Speak to the VWC about finding a more appropriate role, or revisit this volunteer handbook to explore other opportunities.

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History of Gems of Hope:

Gems of Hope was inspired by Tory, a 9-year-old living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While her mother was in treatment for cancer, Tory wrote daily notes of encouragement, leaving them where her mother would see them. The pair also attended art therapy classes together. Tory’s mother, Sheila Harman, recog-nized that the love behind the notes and the opportunity to create art were val-uable components in her recovery. Sheila joined two friends, Beth Hammell and Cindy Sale, in founding a non-profit organization that would extend these components to others. Together these three women with the help of the Cedar Rapids community launched Gems of Hope, Inc. in 2005 to support men and women during their cancer treatments. Sheila lost her battle with breast cancer in April of 2008, nearly three years after she started Gems of Hope (GOH). Beth and Cindy have been driven to keep the GOH dream alive. GOH promotes what medical research now supports: developing one’s spirit-uality can encourage feelings of optimism and hope and, thus, healing. As a result GOH offers gifts of jewelry mounted on inspirational cards to cancer patients, called Gifts of Hope. The patients are invited, along with family and friends, to attend workshops to create these works of art for others. The gifts are distributed in oncology clinics and hospitals throughout the Cedar Rapids/ Iowa City Corridor. Additionally GOH programs include a website for teens, college scholarships, library programs in area schools, and day camps for kids dealing with a cancer diagnosis in their family. Our website gemsofhope.com contains more in-depth information on these programs.

Our Mission: To bring hope to cancer patients and their families

Our Vision: Gems of Hope provides unique opportunities for patients to connect with oth-ers. Exposure to inspirational quotes and support through workshop opportu-nities are the true gems that patients can carry through their treatment and be-

yond.

The G-Force: The G-Force is our affectionate term for the roughly 550+ volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about bringing hope to cancer patients and their fam-ilies. Volunteers are the mainstay of the organization as they facilitate work-shops, assemble and package Gifts of Hope and distribute these gifts to treat-ment centers. G-Force volunteers are encouraged to interact, share ideas, brainstorm new ideas and spread the word about the Gems of Hope mission. Our volunteers describe their experience as fun, easy and rewarding.

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Gems of Hope and G-Force Lingo

Word/Abbreviation

BOD

CRS

ED

Facilitator

Gifts of Hope

GOH

G-Force

Hope Blooms

VWC

YAB

WAU?

Definition

Board of Directors

Cancer Really Sucks website

Executive Director

A volunteer who oversees workshops

The items made at the workshops and given to cancer patients

Gems of Hope abbreviation

All volunteers supporting Gems of Hope

Annual fundraiser where Gems volun-teers sell various daffodil bouquets and a stuffed animal option.

Volunteer/Workshop Coordinator

Youth Advisory Board

What About Us? kids camp program

Volunteer Information: GOH was a completely volunteer driven organization for eight years, hiring a part-time staff position in 2013 and an Executive Director in 2014. Volunteers continue to be the mainstay of the organization as they facilitate workshops, assemble and package Gifts of Hope and distribute these gifts to treatment centers. Volunteers may serve on our Board of Directors, fundraising commit-tees or get involved with our other programming which include: College schol-arships for high school seniors, the cancerreallysucks.org web site, our What About Us? Kids camp and the Pages for Hope school library program. We expect volunteers to lend their time and talents to the Gems of Hope mis-sion. In return, we are confident that a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction will come from knowing that you, as a volunteer, have made a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. Volunteers are held in the high-est regard and are always welcomed to provide feedback, insight and advice on how to do what GOH does. G-Force volunteers are encouraged to interact, share ideas and develop an empowered volunteer community within the organization. The Volunteer/ Workshop Coordinator (VWC) is available to answer your questions and pro-vide support. GOH will work to foster an environment of meaningful involve-ment for each volunteer. The VWC is available to answer your questions and provide support. GOH

will work to foster an environment of meaningful involvement.

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•treat all people as unique individuals - valuing their cultures, beliefs, opinions, knowledge and experiences •work together toward an identified and common goal •recognize and adapt to each other’s skills and abilities •create an environment that is supportive and encouraging •cooperate so that our combined efforts may exceed the sum of our individual efforts •offer sympathy and understanding Leadership and Discipline •practice non-confrontational leadership by giving clear directions and being responsible, patient and motivating •manage conflict by focusing on the issues •exercise self-control in managing stress •know when to walk away •act responsibly at all times •take pride in your actions and tasks •recognize your limitations and those of others •do every task the right way and with enthusiasm

Equity and Diversity •treat all people as unique individuals - valuing their cultures, beliefs, opinions, knowledge and experiences •use appropriate language that will not offend others •actively discourage bullying, victimization or demeaning humor •encourage people to achieve and grow •stand up for the rights of others as well as our own •seek equitable solutions •value others irrespective of race, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation or creed Representing Gems of Hope Volunteers are asked NOT to contact organizations or individuals on behalf of Gems of Hope unless a staff person or board member gives them express direction to do so. Prior to any action or statement that may significantly affect or obligate Gems of Hope; volunteers should seek consultation and approval from appropriate staff or board member. These actions may include, but are not limited to, public statements to the press, coalition or lobbying efforts with other organizations, or any agreements involving contracts, re-sources, finances, or other obligations. Volunteers are authorized to act as representatives of the Gems of Hope as specifically indicated within their job descriptions and only to the extent of such written specifications.

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Volunteer Code of Conduct:

Smoking No smoking is allowed in the Sister Mary Lawrence Community Center at any time or when representing GOH at any event. Drugs and Alcohol The possession, dispensing, or use of an illegal or controlled substance on the Sister Mary Lawrence Community Center campus or at any GOH event loca-tion is strictly prohibited. If caught or suspected of breaking this policy, ter-mination will result. Safety •put safety first •ensure the safety of each other and the community •use all equipment appropriately •follow all procedures to the best of your ability •report all injuries, illnesses, accidents or safety concerns to the VPC immediately •receive proper training

Respect •treat each other with courtesy and sensitivity to specific needs •listen to the opinions of others although we may disagree •treat each other as you want to be treated Trust, Integrity, Honesty & Truthfulness •honor confidentiality •endeavor to balance organizational and individual needs •treat each other fairly •be truthful with other staff and volunteers •admit when you are wrong and accept responsibility for your actions Commitment & Loyalty •follow through with the commitments you make to the best of your ability •be faithful and honor the Gems of Hope's mission statement Communication •practice effective two-way communication •give and receive constructive comments and feedback •practice effective listening •be alert to non-verbal communication •seek advice whenever appropriate Comradeship, Teamwork, Support & Welfare •foster an environment of well-being, happiness, health and prosperity •take care of, rely on and support each other •develop bonds that grow through shared experiences

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G-Force Orientation: We recruit new volunteers on a continuous basis. Initially, an appointment time is set for a visit to the GOH office. We ask new G-Force volunteers to complete an application. Typically once a volunteer opportunity is selected, the new volunteer will receive a position description and training from the VWC or a seasoned G-Force member. Periodic G-Force training/recruiting opportunities may be offered to allow volunteers interaction with each other to exchange ideas and provide valuable feedback to our organization.

Tracking Volunteer Hours: Gems asks all volunteers to diligently track the hours they contribute to help forward the Gems mission. Tracking data and information about our volun-teers helps advance our fund development efforts and gives meaningful up-dates to our Gems of Hope supporters. Please help us!

At present if you volunteer at workshops, you can sign in at Gems of Hope events. If you are part of a committee, a facilitator or are an in-office volun-teer, a tracking sheet will be provided to you by the VWC. Thanks for your time, attention and support of this very important detail.

Volunteers Under 18: Volunteers under 18 years old must complete a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian in order to volunteer with GOH. In addition a parent or legal guardian must co-sign this Code of Conduct statement. We strongly suggest that minors share volunteer orientation materials with their parents. Parents are invited to call or e-mail Gems of Hope with any questions or comments about our volunteer program.

Inclement Weather Policy:

Equal Opportunity Organization

In case of snow or other potentially hazardous weather or emergency situa-tions, a decision may be made to close the office or delay workshops and/or programming. Whenever it is determined that the health or safety of volun-teers or employees would be at risk, closure may be deemed necessary. The ED shall make the final determination on cancellations. If for any reason you are uncomfortable traveling to your G-Force assignment, call the office to inform the VWC.

GOH is an equal opportunity volunteer organization and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital sta-tus, height, weight, or disability. Please speak with the ED if you believe this policy has been violated. Some volunteer positions may require a back-ground check.

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G-Force Volunteer Opportunities

Gifts of Hope Opportunities

Workshop facilitators Facilitators are needed to set up kits and greet the public coming for card making, beading and bookmarks. Facilitators may also be asked to do workshops requested by private groups.

Finishers Experienced jewelry designers are needed to twist/finish earrings made through the workshops.

Assembly Attach circles/earrings/ bookmarks to finished cards, then label and heat-seal in plastic sleeves. Can be done in our office or at home after train-ing.

Distribution Medical offices- GOH distributors restock inventory monthly with new Gifts of Hope. Retail Distribution - Same as above to area busi-nesses carrying Gifts of Hope. Find new outlying boutiques in which to sell the cards.

Programs

Youth Program What About Us? Coordinator - Circulate news of the program, coordinate with social workers for supplies needed.

Teen Programs Cancer Really Sucks - Work with teens in de-veloping activities, help monitor web site.

Youth Advisory Board - High school juniors/ seniors from area schools. Focused on developing leadership skills, promoting engagement in Gems from the adolescent community through volun-teering and fundraising for youth scholarships.

Libraries Pages for Hope libraries - Facilitator needed to assist with library placements and updates in the community school districts.

Operations

Special Events Facilitate GOH display tables at special events, health fairs, etc. Responsible for set up/take down/volunteer coordination.

Presentations Be willing to speak & present GOH to civic or-ganizations or other groups.

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Fund Raising Participate on a committee for Gems of Hope’s fundraising events.

Golf Classic – Join the committee that plans the event and helps to obtain in-kind donations

Hope Blooms – Join the committee and help plan aspects of the products and help locate spon-sors and volunteers.

Hope Blooms Sales Coordinator – Sell daffo-dils items to friends and co-workers and encour-age them to purchase “Gifts of Hope” bouquets and stuffed animals for those with cancer

Grant writing Research grant opportunities for programming & materials. Writing grants for the benefit of Gems of Hope.

Computer Technology experience preferred for computer programs, website maintenance, & social net-working.

Marketing Design brochures, posters, billboards etc. Look for ways to increase visibility of Gems of Hope in the community.

Recruitment Recruit volunteers for GOH by word of mouth or staff a booth at a local volunteer fair.

Committees Be a part of one of our committees and help GOH continue to meet our mission of bringing hope to cancer patients and their families.

Operations- continued