Rise Thrift Volunteers

Rise Thrift Volunteer Role Description & Policy Guide

Welcome!

Thank you for choosing to volunteer at Rise Thrift. As part of Rise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our local community, your work helps ensure that every dollar raised in the store directly supports our mission. This guide outlines the responsibilities, rules, and policies that apply to all volunteers. Please read carefully before your first shift.

Role Summary

Volunteers at Rise Thrift provide essential support in operating a safe, efficient, and welcoming retail environment. Volunteers may assist with:

• Greet and assist customers in a friendly, respectful manner.
• Organizing, pricing, and stocking donated items.
• Maintaining cleanliness and safety on the sales floor and in storage areas.
• Supporting staff with customer service and donation management.

This role is critical in helping Rise generate funds for our programs and services.

General Requirements

• Volunteer Registration: All volunteers must create an account through the Rise Volunteer Hub and sign in/out for every shift. This ensures accurate recordkeeping and liability coverage.
• Age Requirements:
  • Volunteers under 14 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
  • Volunteers ages 14–17 may volunteer independently with parental consent.
• Special Needs Support: Volunteers requiring accommodations must have a caretaker or aide present during their shift, in accordance with Rise policy.

Appearance & Dress Code

• Closed-toe shoes are required at all times for safety.
• Clothing must be neat, modest, and appropriate for a customer-facing retail environment.
• Aprons, nametags, or safety gear provided by Rise must be worn as directed.

Rules, Policies, & Regulations

Safety & Liability

• Volunteers must follow all safety instructions from staff.
• No running, horseplay, or unsafe handling of merchandise or equipment.
• Notify staff immediately if you see a safety hazard or if an accident occurs.
• Volunteers are not permitted to operate heavy machinery (e.g., forklifts) unless specifically trained and authorized.

Customer Interaction

• Treat every customer, donor, staff member, and fellow volunteer with respect and courtesy.
• Volunteers may not handle refunds, discounts, or cash transactions. Those responsibilities are limited to staff.
• Personal opinions, political or religious discussions, or solicitation are not permitted on the sales floor.

Personal Belongings & Conduct

• No cell phone use is permitted while on the sales floor. Phones may only be used during breaks in designated areas.
• Food and drinks are not allowed on the sales floor. Water bottles may be kept in designated areas only.
• Rise is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings. Volunteers are encouraged to leave valuables at home.

Attendance & Scheduling

• Volunteers are expected to arrive on time and stay for the full duration of their scheduled shift.
• If unable to attend, volunteers must cancel in the Volunteer Hub or notify staff as soon as possible.
• Excessive absences or no-shows may result in loss of volunteer privileges.

1. Confidentiality & Privacy

• Volunteers may not share personal information about customers, donors, or other volunteers.
• Photos, videos, or live streaming inside the store are not permitted without prior staff approval.

1. Compliance & Enforcement

• Volunteers must comply with all Rise policies, including nondiscrimination, harassment, and confidentiality.
• Volunteers who fail to follow policies or engage in misconduct may be asked to leave immediately and may be removed from the volunteer roster.

Physical Demands

This role may require:

• Standing or walking for extended periods (up to 4 hours).
• Lifting, carrying, or moving items up to 25 lbs.
• Bending, reaching, and climbing small step stools.
• Working in environments that may be warm, cold, or dusty, depending on the donation volume.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Hands-on experience in customer service and retail operations.
• Development of organizational, teamwork, and time management skills.
• A chance to give back directly to the community.

Acknowledgment

By volunteering at Rise Thrift, you agree to abide by all rules, policies, and regulations outlined above. You understand that failure to follow these expectations may result in termination of volunteer privileges.