Narrative:

PRC has an ongoing function administered through the Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) for the recruitment, selection, orientation, training and retention of volunteers which is outlined in the PRC Volunteer Program Handbook.

Recruitment is based on the skill and experience needed for tasks and positions including but not limited to one-day community projects, and long-term commitments such as Green Squad leaders, interns and scouts groups, Site Leaders and Blitz Crew. Recruitment methods include an existing roster of 2,200 volunteers comprised of individual community members, groups and organizations, calendar of projects made public and posted to Eventbrite that is shared with the roster via email and WPF’s 30,000 subscribers and social media accounts with 10,000 subscribers, through volunteernewyork.org, and continual outreach.

Selection and placement are made with consideration paid to the interests and capabilities of the volunteer who is then provided a description and scope of volunteer functions and when to report to the facility. For long-term commitments, WPF staff recruit volunteers from organizations or for specialty projects may use an application and interview process. For corporate groups, WPF staff sets up a meeting to discuss options for a custom group project.

Orientation and training are provided at one-day projects led by WPF staff, and long-term roles are offered additional training including webinars, pruning workshops, and plant identification walks. Intern volunteers who are developing more advanced skills receive training and feedback throughout the project.

Retention is achieved when WPF staff meet regularly to assess use and effectiveness, follow up with PRC staff to check satisfaction levels, and through fostered relationships with volunteers to maintain their active involvement. For volunteers who demonstrate leadership, WPF staff will conduct follow-up and offer roles with more responsibility.

WPF takes into consideration vulnerable populations by working alongside them and providing supervision by their or PRC staff. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have parental consent, and under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults who volunteer as part of an organization for people with disabilities are accompanied by an organization staff person.