A positive youth
development program sponsored by
the St. Louis
County Board of Commissioners
THE BASICS:
| 1. | Fill out an application and turn it in. | |
| 2. | Attend an orientation to hand in your paperwork and sign up for a volunteer site. | |
| 3. | Attend training at your site to meet your mentor and learn your tasks. | |
| 4. | Follow your volunteer schedule at your site. | |
| 5. | When you have completed your volunteer hours, ask your mentor to mail us your timesheet | |
| 6. | Fill out and return the post-survey we send you. | |
| 7. | Watch the mail for your exchange credit certificate. | |
| 8. | Enjoy using your certificate at your chosen recreation site. |
THE FINE PRINT
(or, here's a little more detail
about what happens when you participate in The Incredible Exchange)
- Turn in a completed application form to The Incredible Exchange Office as soon as they become available. Since we must limit the number of people who participate in the program, the earlier you get your application to our office the better your chances. Deadline dates are April 15th for summer session and October 31 for winter session.
- We will mail you a postcard to let you know we have received your application. If there is room in the program, you will later be mailed an information packet with instructions on attending our Youth Orientation and with some forms you'll need to fill out before the Orientation. Read the packet carefully and attend an Orientation.
- At the orientation you will choose your volunteer site, learn about volunteering, and complete an Exchange Agreement/Code of Conduct form, which is your promise to complete your exchange and to conduct yourself properly while doing so. You can read the Exchange Agreement/Code of Conduct form here.
- Your must also attend an orientation at your volunteer site. At this time you will meet your site mentor and learn about your volunteer duties. You will also learn more about the rules/guidelines established by the Exchange (volunteer) Site. This may include following a dress code, completing a site application and interview by the specified deadline date, and background checks.
- Provide positive peer support – be a positive role model - be enthusiastic, open minded, willing to learn, and creative – smile – have fun – enjoy yourself!
- Show you are committed - value the time of others and be dependable – be on time and stay for your entire scheduled shift.
- Make your own transportation arrangements to and from the Exchange Site.
- Follow through with completion of the activities outlined in your Youth Exchange Agreement.
- Ask your mentor for help! If you are unclear about your volunteer duties, need help working with a co-volunteer or someone else at the site, or have any questions about your volunteer work, don’t hesitate to talk it over with your mentor. They want you to have a positive volunteer experience and are trained to help you achieve just that! If you need additional assistance, please call The Incredible Exchange as soon as possible at 733-2876.
Esti, one of the volunteers in our Summer 2006 Session (wearing the pink shirt), found herself hanging out with a dragon at the Duluth Childrens Museum. She is joined by the Site Mentor, Pat.
- Volunteer the number of hours you agreed to – and the days/times you agreed to. Whenever possible, let your mentor know ahead of time of any changes to your schedule or number of hours you can volunteer. Sites have certain times they need volunteers – mentors will schedule you at those times. Remember that the number of hours you volunteer equals your number of Exchange Credits - up to a maximum of 50. You must volunteer at least 25 hours to get an Exchange Credit Certificate.
- Be sure to report any changes to The Incredible Exchange office. If you change the number of hours you are contracting for or your Recreational/Cultural Site, you need to call us at 733-2876 or email us at: theincredibleexchange@hotmail.com All changes should be made by the mid-point of the session.
- Keep track of your volunteer hours. You may want to use the calendar we provide to document your hours for your own records. Your mentor will be given a Volunteer Time Sheet to keep at the volunteer site to record your hours. Your mentor will sign and mail us your completed Volunteer Time Sheet when you have completed your volunteer hours.
- Complete a Youth Post Survey. This survey will be mailed to you after we receive your Volunteer Time Sheet. A self-addressed envelope will be provided for you to return the completed survey to us.
- Receive an Exchange Credit Certificate, redeemable at the Recreational or Cultural Site you chose. You are responsible for contacting the Recreational/Cultural Site to schedule lessons or classes. Please note the expiration date listed on the Exchange Credit Certificate. If you are unable to redeem by the expiration date, please call our office as soon as possible.
History of The Incredible Exchange
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For problems or questions regarding this web contact theincredibleexchange@hotmail.com
Last updated: 2/4/08.
