Volunteer Code of Conduct

Thank you for stepping up to make a difference. At Chicago Emerging Stars, volunteers are more than helpers—you’re mentors, role models, and a vital part of our mission. Whether you're giving your time for an hour or a season, your commitment helps shape the lives of young people across Chicago.

This Volunteer Code of Conduct outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and standards that guide our work together. It protects our youth, supports our volunteers, and ensures we create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for everyone involved.

Volunteer Expectations & Conduct

As a volunteer, I agree to:

Treat all youth, staff, and fellow volunteers with dignity, kindness, and respect.
Honor confidentiality regarding any sensitive information about youth, families, or the organization.
Serve as a positive role model through my words, actions, and attitude.
Show up on time, ready to contribute, and follow through on my commitments—or notify staff if I can’t make it.
Follow all staff directions, policies, and safety procedures during events or programs.
Refrain from any behavior that is unsafe, discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate.
Respect boundaries—physical, emotional, and digital—with youth and other volunteers.
Uphold the values of equity, empathy, accountability, and excellence in everything I do as a representative of Chicago Emerging Stars.

Training & Orientation

All volunteers are expected to complete a brief orientation or training prior to participating in programs that involve direct interaction with youth. This helps ensure that every volunteer is prepared, confident, and aligned with our mission.

Reporting Misconduct or Concerns

If you witness behavior that compromises the safety, well-being, or dignity of a youth or anyone at our events or programs, report it immediately to a Chicago Emerging Stars staff member or confidentially email Future@chicagoemergingstars.org. We take every report seriously and will take appropriate action.

Youth-Only Boundaries & External Contact

To protect youth and volunteers alike:

Volunteers may not engage in private, unsupervised interactions with youth during or outside of Chicago Emerging Stars programs.
Volunteers may not initiate or maintain contact with youth participants outside of official Chicago Emerging Stars activities without prior approval from Chicago Emerging Stars staff and written parental/guardian consent.

These boundaries are in place to protect everyone and ensure that our relationships with youth are healthy, appropriate, and transparent.

Dismissal Policy

We reserve the right to release any volunteer from their duties if they:

Violate this Code of Conduct,
Disrupt programming or create an unsafe environment,
Or engage in behavior not aligned with the values or mission of Chicago Emerging Stars.

We deeply appreciate our volunteers, but we prioritize the safety and integrity of our programs above all.

Legal Disclaimer, Waiver & Liability

By volunteering with Chicago Emerging Stars, I acknowledge that I am offering my time and services voluntarily and without expectation of compensation or benefits.

I release Chicago Emerging Stars, its staff, directors, partners, affiliates, and representatives from any and all liability for injury, loss, or damages that may occur during volunteer activities, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
I consent to receive emergency medical treatment if necessary during the course of my volunteer work, and I understand that I am solely responsible for any associated medical costs.
I grant permission to Chicago Emerging Stars to use photographs, video, or other media taken of me during volunteer activities for promotional, educational, or informational purposes. If I do not consent to media use, I understand that I must notify a staff member in writing prior to participating.

Our Shared Mission

Chicago Emerging Stars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on the belief that every young person deserves a shot at success. Our mission is to guide youth—ages 7 to 24—from underserved communities through mentorship, academic support, career development, and leadership training.

When you volunteer with us, you’re not just giving your time—you’re giving hope, sharing love, and building the kind of community every child deserves. Together, we are shaping the future—one star at a time.

Questions or Concerns?

Please reach out to us anytime at Future@chicagoemergingstars.org. We’re here to support you and make your volunteer experience meaningful and impactful.