Paws for Purpose Fairfax | Volunteer Information and Agreement
We deeply value the contributions of our volunteers and are committed to creating a positive, supportive, and respectful environment. Volunteers play a critical role in the success of our mission, and we strive to ensure a meaningful and enriching experience for everyone involved.
By volunteering with Paws for Purpose Fairfax, you join a compassionate community dedicated to supporting therapy dog programs that bring comfort and healing to hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, and community events.
This page outlines the expectations, guidelines, and commitments that shape our volunteer program, ensuring clarity and alignment for all participants. Additionally, we address essential requirements, including a Volunteer Agreement and a Liability Waiver to uphold safety and accountability.
Participants | Pledges | Sponsors | Vendors | Volunteers
As part of the registration process, all volunteers must sign a Liability Waiver acknowledging their understanding of the inherent risks associated with event participation. The waiver ensures mutual accountability and outlines our commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
The Volunteer Agreement sets forth the mutual responsibilities of volunteers and our organization. It includes:
- Volunteer Responsibilities: An overview of your duties, expectations, and best practices to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
- Confidentiality: Volunteers are expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality of participants, staff, and other volunteers.
- Commitment to Safety: Adherence to safety protocols is vital to maintain a secure environment for participants and therapy dogs.
Background Check Policy | Virginia State Police Background Check Form
The National Child Protection Act/Volunteers for Children Act (NCPA/VCA) permits national fingerprint-based background checks for individuals who work with children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. This screening requirement applies to all independent volunteers participating in Paws for Purpose Fairfax and must be completed within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
To comply with this federal and state mandate:
- A national criminal background investigation facilitated by the Virginia State Police is required.
- Each independent volunteer must complete and submit the SP-325 form along with fingerprinting through the Virginia State Police.
- The cost of the background check, $20.00 per individual (plus postage), will be charged to the event operational budget.
✅ All volunteers, including those referred through partner organizations, will be required to complete a background check. This ensures consistent safety standards for all individuals present at the event, as volunteers may interact with guests at any time while wearing official PFPF shirts.
All volunteers, regardless of background check status, will be supervised during their assigned roles to ensure event safety and compliance.
Please note: Volunteers are expected to secure and pay for their fingerprint records directly with the Virginia State Police and submit them to Canine Concierge Corporation as part of their application process. In Virginia, the cost for fingerprinting at a police department is generally $10 for the first fingerprint card and $5 for each additional card.
Volunteer Roles and Expectations
Each role is crucial to the success of ‘Paws for Purpose Fairfax.’ Below are the available positions along with their specific responsibilities:
1. Event Setup and Breakdown (10)
– Responsibilities:
– Supervision over the assemble and disassemble of booths, signage, and other event infrastructure.
– Ensure all materials are properly stored and accounted for post-event.
– Collaborate with other teams to facilitate efficient setup and teardown processes.
- Decorations (8)
2. Parking Coordination (6)
– Responsibilities:
– Direct participants to designated parking areas.
– Maintain a smooth flow of traffic to prevent congestion.
– Provide information to attendees about parking regulations and event entry points.
3. Registration Desks (12 + 2)
– Responsibilities:
– Assist with participant check-in, ensuring all attendees are registered.
– Distribute event materials, such as maps, schedules, and promotional items.
– Address participant inquiries and provide general information about the event.
4. Vendor Assistance (4)
– Responsibilities:
– Support vendors during booth setup and teardown.
– Address any logistical needs or concerns vendors may have.
– Act as a liaison between vendors and event organizers to ensure smooth operations.
5. Participant Support (4)
– Responsibilities:
– Offer assistance and information to attendees throughout the event.
– Guide participants to various event areas, such as restrooms, activity zones, and first aid stations.
– Handle any issues or concerns raised by participants, escalating to event management when necessary.
6. Crowd Management (6)
– Responsibilities:
– Monitor event spaces to ensure safety and orderliness.
– Manage crowd flow, especially in high-traffic areas, to prevent bottlenecks.
– Assist in emergency situations by following established protocols and guiding attendees to safety.
7. Cleanup Crew (6)
– Responsibilities:
– Maintain cleanliness of the venue during and after the event.
– Collect and dispose of trash, recyclables, and other waste materials appropriately.
– Ensure all areas are left in a condition that meets or exceeds venue requirements.
8. Administrative Support (3)
– Responsibilities:
– Assist with pre-event planning activities, such as organizing volunteer schedules and logistics.
– Communicate with participants via email or phone to provide event updates and information.
– Prepare materials needed for the event, including printing documents and assembling information packets.
9. Event Management Support (4)
– Responsibilities:
– Work closely with event organizers to address on-the-spot needs and challenges.
– Monitor event schedules to ensure all activities proceed as planned.
– Assist in coordinating between different volunteer teams to ensure cohesive operations.
10. Volunteer Meal Preparation (3)
- Grill Operations:
- Safely operate the two permanent Pavilion grills located at Lake Fairfax Park.
- Cook and manage the preparation of hamburgers and hot dogs for volunteer meals.
- Food Handling:
- Assemble meals including hamburgers, cheeseburgers (with optional cheese, lettuce, and tomato), and hot dogs.
- Properly store and distribute condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, etc.) at the serving station.
- Monitor food quantities to ensure all volunteers are served promptly and safely.
- Food Safety Compliance:
- Follow all basic food safety guidelines, including wearing gloves, maintaining clean surfaces, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked items.
- Ensure all food is cooked to appropriate internal temperatures.
- Meal Service:
- Assist in distributing prepared meals to volunteers during designated meal times.
- Help keep the meal preparation and serving areas tidy and organized throughout the event.
Key Notes:
Basic meal prep training and safety orientation will be provided on-site before the event begins.
Volunteers assigned to this role should be comfortable working around open flame grills and handling food in a busy outdoor environment.
General Expectations for All Volunteers:
– Punctuality: Arrive on time for assigned shifts and attend any required briefings or training sessions.
– Professionalism: Maintain a courteous and helpful demeanor when interacting with participants, vendors, and fellow volunteers.
– Adaptability: Be prepared to handle unexpected situations and assist in areas outside of your primary role if needed.
– Communication: Keep open lines of communication with team leaders and report any issues or concerns promptly.
– Attire: Wear appropriate clothing as specified by the event guidelines, including any provided volunteer identification or uniforms.
Your dedication and hard work are vital to making *Paws for Purpose Fairfax* a memorable and successful event. Thank you for your commitment to our cause!
Volunteer Benefits
We aim to make your volunteer experience rewarding and fulfilling by offering:
- The opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause that makes a lasting impact on the community.
- Access to training and guidance for your role.
- The chance to work alongside like-minded individuals and therapy dog teams.
- Commemorative t-shirt & lunch.
Join Us Today
Becoming a Paws for Purpose volunteer means being part of a life-changing mission. Your time, effort, and enthusiasm bring us closer to creating a world where every paw counts toward healing.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:
Michael Stokes
Founder, Canine Concierge Corporation
📧 mstokes@canineconcierge.vip
📞 571-375-5932
We look forward to welcoming you to our team and making a difference together!
