The SPLASH Volunteer/Mentor program serves as a connection with professional
learners and under-resourced youth who are at-risk in a multitude of intersectional spaces.
The Volunteer/Mentor program has been designed to give youth group members an
additional trusted adult, community leader, and networker and to support the needs of our organization
from an ever-expanding perspective. Leadership is defined as an intermediate authority
over the confidentiality and protection of all youth group members, with added
responsibilities of attending trainings and reporting when youth group members may be
further at-risk. Volunteer/Mentors are leaders in the day-to-day function, strategic
planning, and sustainability process of SPLASH Youth of Northern Colorado and can
represent the organization in outside settings when appropriate and beneficial to the
organization.

a. Volunteer/Mentor positions are available to those who apply and continued
participation is voluntary.

b. Volunteer/Mentors do not need to be “out” regarding their identity in any other
environment, although disclosure of their personal identity in SPLASH spaces is suggested, if disclosed, should be held to a professional level when interacting with youth who may have personal questions.

a. Work collaboratively with other adult volunteers, staff, and SPLASH (Youth) Ambassadors to set
goals, develop group plans, guide in skills and evaluate activities or events.

b. Communicate with other adult volunteers, staff, and SPLASH Ambassadors about youth
group members, expectations, responsibilities and issues that may be considered
confidential in nature.

c. Give and receive feedback regarding behavior management, code of conduct, and youth
group participation.

d. Carry out their commitment in partnership with other adult volunteers, staff, and SPLASH
Ambassadors to offer guidance, direction, mentoring and feedback.

e. Treat all SPLASH youth and/or Ambassadors equitably, no matter age, abilities, or identities.

f. Volunteer/Mentors should not participate or perpetuate rumors or negative conversation
about youth group members. When a rumor is heard, they should offer redirection to their
greatest capacity to correct youth behavior, and report it to the SPLASH Director.

g. Volunteer/Mentors should not use their title/power to harm, harass, threaten or intimidate
youth group members.

h. Report immediately to SPLASH staff or Director when any youth group member or Ambassador has
disclosed that they or another person is in harm or considering harming themselves or
another person. If Volunteer/Mentor has completed training on how to report suicide
ideation or MANE (mandated reporter), they should report at their greatest capacity, also reporting to the
appropriate adult volunteer or staff as soon as possible.

i. Volunteer/Mentors are expected to follow SPLASH’s non-discrimination policy:
- SPLASH does not discriminate based on race, culture, ethnicity, language, physical or
emotional (dis)ability, age (youth services are age-restricted), religion or spirituality,
socio-economic status, family status, geographic location, educational status,
immigration status, judicial background, dietary needs, HIV/medical status, sex,
gender identity, gender expression, romantic or sexual orientation.

j. Volunteer/Mentors are expected to follow SPLASH’s SafeSpace policy:
- In all SPLASH spaces youth, volunteers, and staff are expected to respect the
confidentiality, identities, names and pronouns of all participants. What is shared in
SPLASH spaces, stays in those spaces. Everyone should feel safe exploring their own
identities in a space that is respected by all, where mistakes are learning experiences,
and judgment of others is not tolerated. SPLASH spaces may be in-person or online.
The only exception to confidentiality in a SPLASH space is when there is disclosure of
past or present harm or danger regarding oneself and/or another person.

k. Volunteer/Mentors are expected to use the mission statement of SPLASH Youth of
Northern Colorado to guide their interactions in SPLASH spaces or when representing
SPLASH elsewhere:
- To create inclusive, safe, and positive environments for youth who may be at-risk or
need a safe space to be themselves; while providing resources to young people who
may be at-risk or feel disenfranchised due to their gender identity, expression or
sexual orientation. Additionally, contributing support and outreach to the greater
Northern Colorado community regarding our vision of Equality and Equity.

a. Volunteers/Mentors should treat all youth group members equitably with dignity and respect,
honoring individual identities, recognizing lack of privilege or access barriers that may be present, and guiding each group member equitably.

b. Some topics are off limits for some groups, Volunteers/Mentors are expected to follow these guidelines and redirect conversations that run astray from our group norms. Specifics will be provided to you upon interview and orientation.

c. Volunteer/Mentors should dress responsibly for activities or events, representing SPLASH in a professional way. Ensuring that all young people feel comfortable in our spaces.

d. If a Volunteer/Mentor is experiencing difficulties during a youth group setting, they should communicate that to the Director, so they can be released from accountability until their leadership capacity is available again.

a. Volunteer/Mentors are expected to attend at least 1/2 of the youth groups in a calendar
month of any cities, as agreed upon with the Director. Programming is dependent upon Volunteer/Mentor attendance.
b. Volunteer/Mentors should attend as many outside events as they are able to, transportation can be provided to events that are out of our home area.
c. Volunteer/Mentors are not required to attend all activities, however when they commit to attend, they should do their best to, and openly communicate with staff if they are unable to attend with short notice.