Ethical Code of Conduct for RE Volunteers at UUCC
Religious Education (RE) volunteers are all persons who work with children and youth in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia in any capacity. As persons with special responsibilities for the nurturing and care of young people in this church they are expected to maintain an environment of respect and safety. This environment should enable children and youth to develop a positive sense of self and a spirit of independence and responsibility while fostering the spiritual development of both individuals and the community.
All people working with children and youth are expected to treat children and youth with respect:
• not to engage in behavior with children or youth that constitutes verbal, emotional, or physical abuse, this includes behavior or language that is personally threatening or demeaning.
• to neither indulge in sexually harassing behavior or engage in sexual, seductive, or erotic behavior with children or youth.
• not to allow the use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol or any illegal activities among children or youth.
• not to be alone with a child or youth in a closed room, without another child, youth or adult in the immediate vicinity;
• to have never been convicted of child sexual or physical abuse.
• to implement and abide by the church rules and religious education covenant.
Any violations of the ethical code of conduct must be reported immediately to the Director of Religious Education (DRE) or minister. Children and/or parents who are concerned about an adult or youth worker's behavior are encouraged and asked to speak with the DRE or minister immediately.