Code of Conduct

For Volunteers Within the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

As a volunteer, I promise to follow the rules and guidelines in this Volunteer's Code of Conduct as a condition of my providing services to the children, youth and/or vulnerable adults of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

As a volunteer, I will:

• Treat everyone I serve with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity and consideration.
• Use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition or comparison when working with children, youth or vulnerable adults.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to normal parish business.
• Comply with the mandatory reporting regulations of the State of Minnesota and with the Archdiocesan sexual abuse policies to report suspected child abuse.  I understand that failure to report suspected child abuse to civil authorities is against the law.
• Cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse of children, youth or vulnerable adults.

As a volunteer, I will not:

• Touch or speak to a child, youth or vulnerable adult in a sexual or other inappropriate manner.
• Strike, spank, shake or slap children, youth or vulnerable adults.
• Humiliate, ridicule, threaten or degrade children, youth or vulnerable adults.
• Accept or give gifts to children, youth or vulnerable adults without the knowledge of their parents or guardians.
• Smoke or use tobacco products while engaging in volunteer activities with children, youth or vulnerable adults.
• Use, possess or be under the influennce of alcohol or illegal drugs at any time while volunteering.
• Use, possess or show pornographic materials to children, youth or vulnerable adults at any time while volunteering.
• Use profanity in the presence of children,  youth or vulnerable adults.

I understand that as a volunteer working with children, youth and/or vulnerable adults, I am subject to a thorough background check including criminal history.

My signature confirms that I have read this Code of Conduct and that as a volunteer ministering to children, youth and/or vulnerable adults I agree to follow these standards.  I understand that any action inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or failure to take action mandated by this Code of Conduct may result in my removal as a volunteer with children, youth and/or vulnerable adults.