Volunteer Guidelines [menu location=volunteer-menu]The Mastocytosis Society, Inc. welcomes you as a Volunteer!We appreciate the time you graciously donate to the organization.The TMS Board, Committees, and Volunteers at large (all hereafter referred to as “Volunteers”) are expected to follow these TMS Rules of Conduct. We encourage Volunteers to always represent TMS with a welcoming smile, a positive attitude, and a “can-do” team spirit! TMS does not discriminate against anyone based on race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, or age. TMS accepts the service of all Volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of TMS BOD. Volunteers agree that TMS BOD may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the Volunteer’s relationship with TMS. The volunteer may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to sever the volunteer’s relationship with TMS. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible to TMS BOD.As an integral part of the TMS team, we depend on our Volunteers to follow through with their commitment to the organization. Volunteers represent TMS to other members and the public at large, and it is important to portray a positive and professional image. TMS Volunteers are expected to:Treat members, fellow volunteers, and the public with respect and courtesy. Always be kind, considerate and welcoming; be sensitive to the illnesses and disabilities TMS and other organizations represent.Conduct yourself in a manner that is befitting a positive organizational image. To properly serve TMS and its members, each Volunteer must at all times act with dignity and integrity, both inside and outside of Board/Committee meetings and other TMS activities, reflecting TMS’s high standards for ethical behavior and professionalism. Each Volunteer sets the tone for TMS members by acting as a leader and serving as an example of dedication, integrity, kindness and professional conduct. A Volunteer should take no action that could discredit the reputation, credibility, or teamwork of TMS.Be punctual and dressed appropriately for scheduled events and meetings (NOTE: must be scent-free at all times).Communicate clearly with your supervising contact on the Board or Committee.Volunteers are asked to not contact organizations or individuals on behalf of TMS unless they are given express directions to do so by the Committee Chair or Board member. Prior to any action or statement which might significantly affect or obligate the agency, Volunteers should seek prior consultation and approval from appropriate Board member(s). 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 contractual or other financial obligations. Volunteers are authorized to act as representatives of TMS as specifically indicated within their job descriptions.Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a Volunteer, whether this information involves a single member, volunteer, medical professional, vendor or other person involved in overall TMS business. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer’s relationship with TMS or other corrective action.We expect communications among Volunteers to follow general etiquette guidelines. TMS will not share contact information about a Volunteer with anyone outside of TMS without permission.In return from the TMS Board of Directors and your Committee Chair you can expect to:Have your concerns, problems, and issues heard;Be treated with respect, courtesy, and kindness;Be kept informed about changes within TMS that pertain to you;Be provided with a safe atmosphere in which to volunteer;Be appreciated for your contributions to the organization;Have an understanding ear if your illness interferes with your ability to volunteer.If you have any problems while volunteering that you would like to discuss with the TMS Executive Board, it can be reached by emailing chairman@tmsforacure.org. TMS uses an accountability ladder as a guide to positive problem solving. Please review this if needed with the Volunteer coordinator:Problem Solving Accountability Ladder for TMS Board, Committees and All VolunteersEach numbered line represents a rung on the ladder. The goal is always to remain above the black line, which represents the middle rung. Below the middle rung are behaviors that are not solution oriented, and instead waste valuable time and energy.Each line above the middle rung represents dynamic behaviors which result in finding solutions. Anytime you find yourself slipping below the middle rung (i.e. you are making excuses or assigning blame to someone for a problem that has arisen), it is your job to self-correct and move up the rungs of the ladder.While we try hard to create a scent-reduced, trigger-reduced environment to the best of our ability at official TMS functions and meetings, it is impossible to achieve a 100% safe environment for everyone since every individual’s triggers are different. Therefore, please participate at your own risk after consulting with your physician about how to best safeguard your health.Thank you for volunteering for TMS, and for helping us work towards a cure. We look forward to working together!I have reviewed the Accountability Ladder and will do my best to work towards staying on the top rungs of the ladder, which means always identifying a problem and working towards a solution for it without assigning blame or dwelling on obstacles that will impede success. This is in addition to agreeing to any other guidelines for Volunteers at The Mastocytosis Society.I also agree that any photos or videos taken of me while volunteering at TMS may be used for the work of the Society, including research, education, support, advocacy, and fundraising.
