Volunteer Conduct Policy

Financial Beginnings (FB) provides group-based financial education presentations to schools and community organizations nationwide. The primary contact at each program site, whether a teacher, site coordinator, parent, or similar role, is classified by FB as a Host. These Hosts are required to remain in the classroom with participants and FB volunteer presenters throughout the session.

FB policy requires that volunteer presenters who participate in and deliver our financial education sessions maintain appropriate boundaries with both minor and adult participants during all sanctioned Financial Beginnings programs.

Volunteers are expected to communicate in a way that supports a safe and productive learning environment for all participants. This includes using examples, stories, and analogies that are neutral, professional, and relevant to financial concepts and practices.

Volunteers must avoid:

• Comments, questions or examples that rely on stereotypes (including gender, race, income, or generational stereotypes).
• Violent or harm-related language, even if used humorously or tongue-in-cheek.
• Comparisons between their own financial status or possessions and those of participants or staff.
• Personal questions that are not directly connected to the learning objectives.
• Promoting oneself, one’s business, or one’s employer, including references that could be interpreted as solicitation or personal marketing.
• Using examples that minimize or make light of participants’ real-life financial challenges.

Examples of inappropriate contact include:

• Any violation of federal, state, or local laws, such as those prohibiting child abuse, the provision of controlled substances to minors, or the possession of controlled substances on a school campus.
• Volunteers must not work with youth while under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs
• Attire that violates school dress codes or is inconsistent with standard business attire.
• The use of profanity in the classroom, as this typically contravenes school district policies.

Any allegations of violation of this policy will prompt a thorough investigation. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, it will result in the immediate and permanent dismissal of the individual as an FB volunteer, and the matter may be referred to the appropriate authorities.

Please note that the examples listed above are illustrative and not exhaustive. Other actions not listed here may also lead to immediate suspension or dismissal as an FB volunteer.

Note:

• FB is not set up to offer direct services to participants beyond the active involvement of the program-requesting host, or after a program has concluded.
• FB is unable to provide support or oversight to FB volunteer presenters who wish to serve individual participants outside the scope of FB's sanctioned group education programs.