1. Purpose & Scope
At Brave Like Me Foundation ("Brave Like Me"), our volunteers, also known as Brave Builders, play a critical role in fulfilling our mission to create moments of uninhibited joy by breaking down barriers for children with complex medical conditions. This Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for volunteers to ensure a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants, families, staff, and fellow volunteers.
By participating in Brave Like Me’s volunteer activities, volunteers acknowledge their responsibility to uphold the values and standards of Brave Like Me in all volunteer activities.
This Code applies to all volunteers in any capacity, including but not limited to activities such as Brave Friends Adventures, Brayden’s Books, the Brave Like Brayden Community Dog Park, the Brave Pets Mobile Family Pet Reunion Center, Bravesgiving, The Brave Open, office work, community outreach, fundraising, promotional events, and any other activities organized, sponsored, or affiliated with Brave Like Me.
2. Core Values & Expected Behavior
Brave Like Me is committed to fostering a culture based on the following core values:
- Bravery – We act with courage, even in the face of adversity.
- Belief – We have unwavering faith in our mission, those we serve, and our ability to create meaningful change.
- Hope – We uplift and empower those we serve.
- Love – We treat others with kindness, respect, empathy, and generosity, ensuring that every child and family we serve feels valued and supported.
- Relentless – We persist through challenges and embrace inclusivity, ensuring that no child is left behind.
- Integrity – We act with honesty, uphold ethical standards, and take full responsibility for our actions.
- Spartan – We work as a team, utilizing all resources carefully to maximize financial and time contributions and mission impact.
- Aspirational – We continuously strive for improvement, recognizing that even when we are at our best, we can always be better.
All volunteers are expected to embody these values and behave in a professional and ethical manner while representing Brave Like Me.
3. Volunteer Responsibilities & Professional Standards
All volunteers shall:
- Act honestly, ethically, and with integrity at all times.
- Treat all Brave Like Me employees, volunteers, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity.
- Not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.
- Not engage in harassment, bullying, or mistreatment of any individual.
- Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws while volunteering.
- Maintain professional decorum at all times. Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate personal details, or any form of harassment in the presence of children or parents is strictly prohibited.
- Dress appropriately for their volunteer role. While there is no strict dress code, volunteers should wear modest, activity-appropriate attire suitable for their assigned duties.
- Report any violations or concerns regarding this Code of Conduct to volunteer@bebrave.org.
4. Safety & Compliance
- Brave Like Me is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Volunteers must:
- Follow all safety protocols and guidelines outlined by Brave Like Me staff.
- Complete a background check if volunteering with minors, handling finances, or participating in sensitive projects, as determined by Brave Like Me.
- Immediately report any unsafe conditions, incidents, or injuries to Brave Like Me staff.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding personal information of children, families, and other volunteers.
5. Attendance & Punctuality
- Volunteers are expected to be reliable and punctual for all scheduled activities.
- If unable to attend an event or shift, volunteers must notify a designated Brave Like Me staff member as soon as possible.
6. Interactions with Children, Families, and Animals
- Volunteers must never be alone with a child in an area where they cannot be observed by others. Volunteers should position themselves in ways that allow for visibility by staff and other volunteers.
- Volunteers are prohibited from transporting children unless a parent or caregiver is present during transport.
- Volunteers must not communicate with minors privately (e.g., through texts, calls, social media messages). All communication must include a parent or legal guardian.
- Volunteers must not engage in any form of abuse toward children, families, or fellow volunteers. This includes:
- Physical abuse (e.g., striking, shaking, slapping).Verbal abuse (e.g., humiliation, threats, degradation).
- Sexual abuse (e.g., inappropriate touching, suggestive language, or electronic communication).
- Mental abuse (e.g., shaming, withholding kindness, cruelty).
- Neglect (e.g., withholding food, water, basic care).
- Any suspicious behavior or mention of abuse must be reported immediately to Brave Like Me staff or local law enforcement.
- When interacting with family pets in the Mobile Family Pet Reunion Center, volunteers must follow all handling and safety protocols as defined within the site's specific standard operating procedures.
7. Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Policy
- The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.
- Volunteers may not be impaired, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol while performing volunteer duties.
- Alcohol consumption is permitted at adult-oriented social events (such as Bravesgiving, Brave Open, other social and fundraising events, etc.), but volunteers must maintain professionalism and sound judgment at all times.
- No alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, or marijuana is permitted at any child-oriented event, such as Brave Friends Adventures.
8. Conflict Resolution & Reporting Violations
If a volunteer witnesses or experiences inappropriate behavior, they should report it to volunteer@bebrave.org. All reports will be handled with discretion and appropriate action will be taken.
Volunteers who fail to comply with this Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or permanent removal from volunteering with Brave Like Me.
Thank you for your commitment to Brave Like Me Foundation and for helping us make a difference!
