Cowichan 2008 has developed standards, guidelines and resources for the recruitment, training and placement of volunteers. Volunteers will be placed in roles based on existing experience and skills and/or the potential to develop the necessary skills to fulfill the requirements of the position.

All volunteers will participate in cross-cultural training, which will be the beginning of meaningful encounters between individuals and cultures. In addition to training, volunteers will be provided with manuals and handbooks to ensure they are comfortable with the role they have been assigned and are well informed regarding cultural protocol and their specific tasks and responsibilities as a volunteer.

TRAINING OVERVIEW

Step 1 Orientation and General Training: expectations, volunteer etiquette and code of conduct

Step 2 Cross-Cultural Training: cultural awareness and protocol (local, regional and international)

Step 3 Job-Specific Training: specific role and tasks (handbook provided)

Step 4 Venue Training: site tour and familiarization with specific facility

Step 5 Accreditation and Uniforms: volunteers receive accreditation with photo ID badge and uniform