VOLUNTEER CODE OF ETHICS & EXPECTATIONS
This document certifies that you, as a trained representative and a volunteer for IN*SOURCE, agree to the following ethics and expectations:
Unauthorized Practice of Law IN*SOURCE staff and volunteers are not authorized to provide legal advice. Although we help families access legal information and we conduct training intended to increase participants’ understanding of regulations, IN*SOURCE is not a law firm nor a legal services agency. This prohibition includes but is not limited to: giving legal advice, misrepresenting oneself as having legal expertise, appearing on contact lists or websites as available for legal services, drafting legal documents or representing individuals/families in any type of legal proceeding. Therefore you agree that you will not provide any type of services that may be construed as practicing law and will not represent yourself as being capable of legal representation or advocacy.
Fees As a representative of IN*SOURCE, you recognize that all services provided to schools and families are free. You agree never to charge for services provided as an IN*SOURCE representative or use your ability to serve to barter for goods or services.
Conflict of Interest It is unethical to serve as a volunteer in order for you or your family members to personally profit from a similar paid service. As a volunteer, you agree that the professional conflict of interest does not exist. You also agree to record with the Executive Director any potential appearances of a conflict of interest even when there is no real issue of concern.
It is also important that you avoid situations where the perception of being able to provide fair and impartial service may be compromised due to personal issues or relationships with any of the clients involved in a situation. You agree to contact your IN*SOURCE Team Leader to reassign the contact and remove yourself as the volunteer representative.
Professional Conduct As a representative of IN*SOURCE, you agree to conduct all activities professionally and with integrity. If at any time, you find yourself unable to fulfill your duties, you agree to contact your IN*SOURCE Team Leader, request the client to be reassigned, and remove yourself as the volunteer representative.
Do No Harm Families and schools look to IN*SOURCE as an organization that provides resources, training, and information related to special education. As a representative of IN*SOURCE, it is imperative that the information you provide is correct. If at any time, you feel as though you cannot accurately assist a client, you agree to seek the correct answer and provide it at your earliest convenience.
IN*SOURCE Staff Support If at any time, you are unsure of how special education regulations or procedures applies in a situation, or for any other reason you need assistance, you agree to contact your IN*SOURCE team leader for information and direction.
Equality and Discrimination As a representative of IN*SOURCE, you agree to always strive to be fair and objective in advice and actions, and never influenced in decisions, actions, or recommendations by issues of gender, race, creed, color, age, disability, or political affiliation.
Confidentiality IN*SOURCE is committed to maintaining the highest degree of integrity in all our dealings with potential, current, and past clients, in terms of confidentiality and the protection of all personal information received in the course of providing the services concerned. You agree to keep all documents received as a representative of IN*SOURCE in a secure place only for the period necessary to conduct business at hand and then destroy all documents at the earliest opportunity. Additionally, you agree to reveal details of your assistance only when you are asking for guidance from an IN*SOURCE employee or when you are using the secure software where you record the services that you provide. Reporting Commitment Reporting our activity to our grantors is vital to the ability of IN*SOURCE to continue our funding from year to year. One of the most important duties you have as a volunteer is to report to complete a service entry form EACH TIME you have made contact with clients.
Training Commitment You agree that, on an annual basis, you will attend or take part in at least two training activities that will continue and/or expand your knowledge of special education law in Indiana. This continuing education can be done through a conference, seminar, webinar, class, or training through IN*SOURCE or one of our other partnering agencies.
Release of Contact Information and Images You authorize IN*SOURCE to use any pictures or video taken of you and to share necessary contact information for any lawful promotion including, but not limited to, parent and school referrals, promotions, advertisements, websites, social networking sites, and other print and digital communications, without payment or any other consideration. You hold harmless and release IN*SOURCE from all liability surrounding said information and images.
Social Media IN*SOURCE respects one’s online social networking and personal internet use and encourages volunteers to share releases, tweets, posts, etc. that have been created or vetted by IN*SOURCE to promote the good work of IN*SOURCE and affiliates. IN*SOURCE volunteers must not communicate in any electronic or print format (1) anything that may harm the goodwill or reputation of IN*SOURCE or any disparaging information about IN*SOURCE; (2) any disparaging, discriminatory, or harassing information concerning any client, employee, vendor or other person associated with IN*SOURCE; or (3) any confidential or private information.
In compliance with applicable regulations of the Federal Trade Commission, volunteers endorsing IN*SOURCE products or services must disclose their relationship with IN*SOURCE and must ensure that endorsements do not contain representations that are deceptive or cannot be substantiated. Any volunteer speaking about IN*SOURCE must either clearly identify themselves as a volunteer, or speak in the first person and use a disclaimer to make it clear that the views expressed belong solely to the volunteer, such as: “The opinions expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of IN*SOURCE.”
Health, Safety, and Attendance Protocol You agree to follow local and school guidelines for health and safety protocol any time you are representing IN*SOURCE at in-person meetings, including refraining from participation if you have any concerns about your personal symptoms or exposure.
You also agree to notify the school ahead of time when you will be attending an in-person meeting and that you will conduct yourself in accordance with local building procedures.
Annual Commitment You agree to abide by and recommit to this code on an annual basis. You understand that if you fail to follow this code of ethics and fail to renew your status annually, your name will be removed from our volunteer rosters until this acknowledgment is received. Additionally, you agree that you will only represent yourself as an IN*SOURCE volunteer when in good standing based on these requirements.
By signing, you agree to be bound by each of the above-listed conditions as a volunteer of IN*SOURCE, for the 2024-25 school year.
September 7, 2024
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