West Seneca Youth & Recreation
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TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM - Application

PROGRAM DETAILS
This program is for youth in grades 9-12 who are looking for volunteer opportunities that will allow them to give back to their community, provide positive youth development opportunities, and strengthen their leadership skills. Through service and leadership, members build and strengthen assets in themselves and provide meaningful assistance to the Recreation Department, the Town of West Seneca, youth, and their families.

In order to become a Member, youth will need to register and “apply” online (this is the registration form/application page). This includes completing a Background Check Authorization Form and submitting a Letter of Recommendation. You will not be able to complete the registration/application process until these two items have been uploaded. The department will review the registration “application” and notify the member when/if they have been enrolled. During the application process, it will appear that you are enrolled in a 1-minute program on December 31 - this is false - this only confirms the application process is completed for the year applied.

This program is open to Residents and Non-Residents. There is no fee for this program and all positions are unpaid.

HOW TO APPLY
The program runs for one calendar year and Membership expires annually on December 31. An individual must re-register each year with registration opening in December for the subsequent year.  This will be online only.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY SIGN UPS
Each volunteer opportunity will be posted online, and registration will be online only. There will be a maximum number of volunteers that we will take for each volunteer opportunity. Sign-ups are first come, first serve for members. Members will not be allowed to sign up for any volunteer opportunities until their registration is approved and reviewed by our department. This can take 5-10 business days. Members will receive emails when they are approved and can sign up.

There is no minimum or maximum amount of time a youth must volunteer. Volunteer opportunities will be for West Seneca Recreation Department programs and events that are staffed by Recreation employees only. Members will be required to assist with running the program. The programs and events could be highly active for members, staff, and program participants - indoor or outdoor and will require complete engagement from everyone.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND?
 
We understand that urgent issues, personal issues, illness, etc. come up. If you cannot attend an opportunity that you signed up for, you need to “call in” within 3 hours of the start time.  A good rule of thumb is if you cannot make it to school, you should not go to an opportunity.  You will not be penalized for this. If this happens on a frequent basis, we may request a doctor's note or removal from the program. Remember, the success of activities/events depends on you being present and engaged.

Things happen at the last minute sometimes, but please try to reach out to the Youth & Recreation, do not be a no-show.  Some activities/events require a certain number of volunteers and if you call early enough and cancel, arrangements can be made to find someone to take your spot, but if you don’t show up, then we are shorthanded.
If a member signs up for a volunteer opportunity and is a no-call, no-show - the first offense will be a warning - the second offense will remove them from the program. The success of these activities and events is dependent upon you being present and engaged.

If you are going to be late arriving at an opportunity, you need to notify us. Otherwise, the first offense will be a warning - the second offense will remove you from the program.

PARENT/GUARDIANS
We understand the need to lend your children a helping hand, however, in the program, we will treat them like young adults. This program allows youth the ability to build skills and be ready for a part-time job. This means if they need confirmation of hours, paperwork filled out, or a letter, to sign up or cancel an activity they must do so themselves. If they receive a warning, are removed from the program, etc. the parent/guardians will not be notified. We will not discuss their status or involvement in the program with parents/guardians. This will help them become responsible young adults. These members are treated similarly to employees.

Parents/Guardians are not required to walk their youth into/out of events.

PAPERWORK
We will not provide letters of recommendation. We will complete any paperwork needed for confirmation of hours and/or provide a letter stating the enrollment year(s) and the total amount of hours served. If members need paperwork filled out for confirmation of volunteer hours, they must submit it to our department. The department will complete the paperwork within 5-10 business days of receiving the paperwork. If there will be further delay, we will contact you. The request/paperwork must be submitted via email.

CELL PHONES
All cell phones are to be put away during activities and events.  Remember that you are a representative of the Town of West Seneca and you need to take your role seriously.  No cell phone use is allowed during an activity/event unless we give you the OK.  You can use them to notify your parents or in an emergency. In the event, you are using a cell phone and it is not approved the first time you will be reminded of the policy, and the second time you will be ejected from the program.

DRESS CODE
If there is a specific dress code for an event, it will be stated in the description of that activity. If a dress code is not stated in the description, it is as follows (a) jeans or khakis (with no holes) or shorts (shorts must be an appropriate length) (b) a t-shirt, sweatshirt, crew neck, etc. No low-cut shirts, shirts with slits, shirts that promote unhealthy behavior, have offensive language or messages, etc. (c) sneakers, closed-toe tied. No open-toe shoes. Please come dressed for the activity appropriately: no stomachs showing and/or no ripped clothing.  Please Dress comfortably for all the events. If you are not dressed properly, you may be sent home from an activity. The first time you will be reminded of the policy, and the second time you will be removed from the program.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE EVENT
Locate the person in charge of the event. Introduce and identify yourself as a volunteer member. They will provide you with a sign-in sheet. You must sign in, on the sign-in sheet or you may not receive credit for your hours. After you have signed in, ask what you can help with. Remember: Stay off your cell phone, be engaged, be friendly, and have a positive attitude. It is expected that when you arrive, you find the person in charge of the event and obtain your task(s) for the event. If you do not do this, you may not obtain your tasks and may not receive credit for the event.
If you do not sign in, on the sign-in sheet: We do not have documentation that you were present. You may not receive credit for these hours. This is your responsibility to ensure you sign in. If you are unsure where the sign-in sheet is, ask.

Do not be alone with any program participant at any time. If you are found alone with a youth participant, you will be immediately ejected from the program.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
As a volunteer member, you must always set a good example and refrain from talking about and using alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, vaping, and other drugs. If you are caught talking about, using, or under the influence at an activity, you will be ejected from the program immediately.

BEHAVIOR
It is expected that while at an event, which you signed up for that you exhibit proper behavior. Any form of bullying (verbal, physical, etc.) will not be tolerated. It is expected that you follow directions and show respect toward everyone. It is expected that you do not use foul language. Volunteers will be punctual, and dependable, follow instructions, show initiative and act appropriately at all times. In the event you do not demonstrate the proper behavior the first time you will be reminded of the policy, the second time you will be ejected from the program.

CHARACTER PLEDGE
I understand that Members:
  •       Are Responsible for His/Her/Their Actions
  •       Will Not Cause Harm to Any Person
  •       Will Not Threaten Any Person
  •       Must Show Tolerance of The Differences Among Us
  •       Have Dignity by Promoting an Environment Free from Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying, Etc.
In the event you do not demonstrate the proper behavior, the first time you will be reminded of the policy, and the second time you will be ejected from the program.

PROGRAM EJECTION
In the event a member is ejected from the program - they will not be permitted to rejoin the program at any time. Ejection could happen without notice or warning.

CHILDREN AT RISK: 
All childcare agencies are required by law to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment if they have reasonable cause to suspect it. Our staff is trained in recognizing abuse and maltreatment. Maltreatment can be such things as failing to provide proper medical care, excessive punishment, misuse of alcohol, drugs, etc.
We will also report any threats of violence or harm a youth makes towards themselves or someone else to the proper authorities.

We will also report any statements youth make regarding violence (physical, mental, emotional, verbal, etc.) towards them and/or regarding any other members of their household to the West Seneca Police Department.

Any youth who brings over-the-counter, prescribed, illegal, and/or any other types of drugs, alcohol, and/or weapons to the program will be reported to the West Seneca Police Department.

The Town of West Seneca reserves the right to contact the West Seneca Police Department regarding any situation, at any time, for any reason. Parents may or may not be notified.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
For questions, comments, concerns, paperwork requests, or to report an absence please email both
Lauren J. Masset <lmasset@TWSNY.ORG> -and- Heather Reimondo <hreimondo@TWSNY.ORG>

Register Activity Ages Grades Days Date/Time Fees
 
   Log In
Teen Volunteer Program - 2024 Application 
14y - 17y 9 - 12 Tu  12/31/2024
09:00 AM - 09:01 AM
CCL Youth Gym 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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