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Leadership Opportunities

Volunteer Action Training

SOLV Ambassadors
 Stream Team Captains
 Site Coordinators
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Before beginning any work, a Welcome and Safety talk is a must. The Welcome is where the project leader gives an
quick inspiring overview of why the project will make a difference. The safety talk is where you point out potential
hazards reminding the volunteers to be safe. A good welcome talk is the key to preventing burnout. Make sure you
address the following points:
- Thank everyone for coming.
- Recognize all sponsors, partners and key volunteers. Thank them for their assistance.
- Talk about why the project is important and how volunteers’ efforts will make a difference.
- Review volunteer roles and responsibilities.
- Make sure everyone knows who to go to with questions and where to go, especially if sites are away from the check-in area.
- Share the plan for the day – breaks, end time, plan for celebration, etc.
- Review project logistics (i.e., location of drop boxes, port-a-potties, first aid station, etc.).
- Provide basic safety instructions and specific items that pertain to your project.
- Give a good Welcome and Safety talk!
- Make sure everyone reads and signs the waiver.
- Volunteers should wear gloves, proper clothing and shoes.
- Be sure that they do not touch medical waste, hazardous materials or “sharps.” Instruct them to contact you if
they are uncertain about an item.
- Make sure volunteers identify each item before they touch them. If uncertain, leave it alone and contact you.
A new hazard is propane tanks – don’t touch! Report to hazardous waste staff, if on public lands. Otherwise, inform
the Oregon State Police.
- Suggest that everyone works with a partner.
- Caution them to be careful of unstable banks, steep slopes or water in the area.
- Let them know where the first aid kit is located, where to go in case of an emergency and who is trained in First
Aid.
- Encourage them to follow common sense practices when lifting heavy items.
- Be sure that they are physically capable of what they intend to do before attempting it. Ask for help!
- Watch for poison oak, plants with thorns or other natural hazards.
- Watch for any heavy equipment, trucks or winches that might be used in the project.
- Be sure that they stay off the road/highway... watch for traffic.
- Fill collection bags no more than 2/3 full. Bags can be too heavy to handle if filled completely.
- Watch out for people working with tools in close quarters.
- Inform them not to get too hot or too cold.
- Make sure they take breaks, rest and don’t work continually. Drink water, eat a snack... this is strenuous activity!
- Tell them to have a cell phone and a set of directions to the site.
- Be a good model of safe behavior.
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