Volunstar Training 1Structure2Specifics3Your Role4Ambassador5Leaders6Team Pink7Standards8Confirm! Your Name* First Last Choose the retreat location you are attending.*Carolina Beach, NCScottsdale, AZSt. John, USVITopsail Island, NCHatteras Island, NCSedona, AZOcean City, MDKey West, FLBlue Ridge, GACosta RicaEmerald Isle, NCOrange Beach, ALGrand Haven, MISE Shoreline, CTManistee, MILake Tahoe, CAOak Island, NCTemecula, CAMyrtle Beach, SCEstes Park, COBuxton, NCCentral Coast, CANew Smyrna Beach, FLRetreat Structure A Little Pink retreat is designed to create fun, memorable activities for families to enjoy each other and new friends. As a VolunSTAR, your job is to ensure the families' safety and well-being while enjoying the moment with them. For 2022 we are excited to share our new retreat scheduling and safety protocols. All changes are based on best practices for the safety of participants, volunteers and community members. Little Pink will follow all local and state mandated protocols of the retreat location and will enforce LP mandated protocols. Your service with us is dependent on your acceptance and agreement with these adjustments. Schedule - Little Pink will utilize the Little Pink App to communicate the schedule to follow during the week with assigned tasks. We will go over your exact schedule in detail on the day you arrive. Come well-rested and be prepared for a busy week! Each retreat week looks different based on the local area resources. Below is a typical day on a retreat: 8:00 am – Morning VolunSTAR Meeting Prepare for the daily activity, according to the schedule Possible activities include beach day, kayaking, pottery making, fishing, SUP, game night, boat ride, ice cream, crafts, etc. Lunch or Dinner with the families (sometimes both) 2:30–5:00 – retreat preparation and maintenance (thank you cards, InKind entry, supply prep, clean up, etc.) 9:00 pm – Evening VolunSTAR meeting What did you learn?Serving with Little Pink is a form of voluntourism – a week of service within a week of vacation – I can plan to relax most of the time with a few activities here and there.* True False False – While this might be vacation time that you are graciously donating, this isn’t a vacation week for you. We strive for some downtime each day and encourage you to take care of yourself. You will have opportunities to experience new things! Please realize that the families are the focus of this week, and we are here to provide respite for them. We have meetings as VolunSTARS 5x a day.* True False False – Your first two days will include more training sessions than the rest of the wee as we train you on processes and standards. Monday – Friday, usually it’s just morning and evening. Your timely presence is required. Coming to the retreat well rested will be the best preparation I can make for the week.* True False True – Definitely True! Everything in the schedule is set in stone.* True False False – Rain, wind, ...life happens and decisions are made on the fly to accommodate activities, meals, etc. Go with the flow and SMILE! Retreat Specifics Housing*All VolunSTARS will stay in a VolunSTAR house(s). You will receive the specific address information from your director before the retreat date. Each VolunSTAR will have his or her own bed unless you are coming with a family member or friend and can share a bed. The VolunSTAR houses vary from year to year and some accommodations are more rustic than others, but all are clean and comfortable. Expect to share bathrooms. Laundry resources will be available. I understand Arrival*Please arrive at the time your director tells you in their email prior to the retreat. You will have a chance to get settled and meet all of the other VolunSTARs. We will enjoy dinner and review the details and expectations for the week. I understand Training*You will receive training both before the retreat and after you arrive. Your Retreat Director will conduct meetings to make sure that you feel prepared and confident to serve the families. I understand Food*Your meals throughout the week will be provided. Lunch and/or dinner will be served as a common meal with the families. Breakfast will be on your own at the house based on the items you requested. If you have unique or special items that you prefer, feel free to bring them with you. I understand Jobs*You will be doing many different tasks throughout the week. There is a certain amount of physical work to the week in which everyone should be able to contribute. Be prepared to do anything you can to make the week amazing. We love proactive and observant VolunSTARS who do what is needed without being asked. I understand Appreciation*One way we show our immediate thanks to our vendors is by writing notes with deliberate thought and intention that convey our gratitude for their contribution. While this may not be your strength, it can be done by using a guide provided by your retreat leaders. I understand Childcare*During the week at all Little Pink activities, we are watching the children for their safety and well-being. This is one of the most important areas in terms of liability for the week. Please understand that your focus and diligence are required to ensure their safety at all times. Your retreat leaders will be deliberate in making specific childcare assignments if needed. You are not available to the families for babysitting away from Little Pink activities. I understand VolunSTAR Donation*If this is your first time volunteering, we suggest a $300 donation to cover your meals, housing, materials, etc. For returning volunteers, we suggest a $100 donation. Individuals donating their vacation property for the week are exempt from the suggested donation. This donation will be due 4 weeks prior to your retreat. I understand How to submit the donation?*There are multiple ways to submit your donation. Create a fundraiser - It is our goal to help spread the word about our organization's mission and the great work that we do. We highly suggest asking friends, family, coworkers and posting on Facebook for donations for your trip. To create a fundraiser page, go to https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/SERVE Mail – Send your donation to Little Pink Houses of Hope, 2442 Tribek Ct., Burlington, NC 27215. Please make sure your name is put into the memo field of the check with the words “Volunteer Donation”. Please advise anyone mailing a check to PUT YOUR NAME in the memo portion of the check. Online – visit www.littlepink.org and click on the button that says, “Donate”. Select the button “Volunteer Sponsorship.” Little Pink will credit your account for any donations made that designate your volunteer sponsorship. All financial donations are tax deductible for the donor. I understand What did you learn?Serving with Little Pink will be all work and no play.* True False False – Are you kidding? We play all week… while we are working! Only retreat participants get to do the fun stuff.* True False False – We always let the families go first; as funding or availability exist, then we may get to share the experience. We will be cooking every meal for the families.* True False False – Be ready to help with the set up and cleanup of meals and cooking as needed. My efforts to serve the families by being engaged and deliberate in the activities will always be appreciated and acknowledged.* True False True – Little Pink greatly appreciates your kindness and generosity by giving a week of your time, energy, and resources to make a difference in our families lives. The gift of YOU is priceless and we hope that you realize our deep gratitude and love. We are available as babysitters anytime the family asks.* True False False – We attend to safety of the children during Little Pink activities, but do not serve as family babysitters during other times. Be prepared to say no if your family asks. Your Role as a VolunSTAR Understanding your role as a VolunSTAR will help you feel confident in serving the participants during the retreat. You are our awesome sauce or our pixie dust in terms of the loving service you offer our families. What is a VolunSTAR? One of the most important things to understand before coming to the retreat is that our volunteer service is about providing what money cannot buy. We believe that if you show up and love on our families and make them feel loved, that will be enough. Not only will families grow in love during our retreat weeks, but will continue their Little Pink connection long after the retreat ends. A VolunSTAR is a volunteer with a little extra...* Shine Sparkle Smiles All of the ABOVE I can be "Ridiculously" present by...* Being engaged with the families Attending all events Staying off my cell phone All of the ABOVE Your main goal is to be "Ridiculously Present" What does that mean? Basically, the Little Pink families attending are the most important things in your world this week. Take time to focus on the person, listen and learn what they have to say. This week will have many logistics and details, but the focus is not on the logistics, it is about the people. You will serve as our liaison for the families and community VolunSTARs are also our eyes and ears for the community. Be aware of what is going on, and help us to serve the community better.You will be assigned a family for the week. Your responsibilities will include: preparing their house prior to their arrival checking with the family daily to assure their needs are met making sure they are welcomed and comfortable at all events sitting with your family during the initial dinner helping with any family emergencies or needs (lock out, etc.) loving them well Your Role as a Little Pink Ambassador Our goal is to foster loving relationships through our words, actions, service, and connections within the communities in which we serve. One way to prepare for sharing about Little Pink is to develop and practice your “T-shirt” speech. What is your ‘elevator’ or ‘T-shirt’ speech? Our very visible T-shirts invite others to ask who we are and what are we doing. Your expression of your love and passion for Little Pink entices them to find out more about LP or possibly make a donation. Points to touch on: pick 2 or 3 easy ones for you to remember Free week-long vacations for breast cancer survivors and their families Non-profit organization – 501(c)(3) registered We serve the whole family – not just the survivor 20 different locations around the country Family heals together and connects with others 8-11 families at each location Supported by the community – through donations Write a draft of your speech below choosing a few key points to touch on, making the last point your personal connection to Little Pink. This personal connection is the hook that draws others into your story about Little Pink. (You can choose more if you like, but keep it short and clear)Your Little Pink T-Shirt Speech!*Before the retreat, you will share your speech with another VolunSTAR or your retreat director. Retreat Leadership The retreat week is led by two amazing volunteers who have been trained by Little Pink to lead you and the families well. Retreat Director As a VolunSTAR, your specific leader is the Retreat Director. Little Pink selects this leader carefully to love and lead you and the families throughout the retreat. Your Retreat Director will contact you before the retreat to get to know you. Please share any talents, abilities, or special ways that you can serve. Responsibilities of the Retreat Director Directs retreat week Makes early contact with families and VolunSTARS Financial manager Makes decisions with coordinator Leads and loves VolunSTARS as they support families Facilitates relationships Retreat CoordinatorThe major planner of the activities and details of the week is the Retreat Coordinator. This person is likely a local person who has worked in the community to secure the meals, activities, and properties for the week. This person works months out to create a special week for the families. Responsibilities of the Retreat Coordinator Local in community –spark for LP promotion Liaison for LP Office Coordinates week – schedule, activities, vendors, meals Leads Team Pink, a local group who supports the Retreat Coordinator by helping both pre and during the retreat Facilitates details What did you learn?No one is the boss of me.* True False False – We all are responsible to others, especially when volunteering to serve on a Little Pink retreat. Leaders can’t lead if others aren’t willing to follow. Please come ready to proactively see how well you can lead by serving. Retreat directors and Retreat Coordinators are essential to the success of a Little Pink retreat.* True False True – Yes, and so are you! Sometimes the most loving thing to do is the hard thing.* True False True – Retreat leaders will sometimes have to speak to behaviors, attitudes, or actions that reflect poorly on Little Pink’s values or are hurtful to the participants’ retreat experience. Please accept correction with the grace and love with which it is intended. Team Pink Some retreat locations have a local team of volunteers who work on the retreat throughout the year, lovingly called Team Pink. They often come alongside the VolunSTARS throughout the retreat week to assist with serving meals, helping with activities, etc. They have greatly invested their time, resources, and love into this retreat, assisting the Retreat Coordinator in planning and preparing for the week. VolunSTAR vs Team Pink - What's the difference?Usually travels to the retreat location* VolunSTAR Team Pink NOPE – Try again! Works only during the retreat week – is assigned and directly serves a family during the retreat* VolunSTAR Team Pink NOPE – Try again! Does not have to be present 24/7 during the retreat week* VolunSTAR Team Pink NOPE – Try again! Required to complete application, training, and background check* VolunSTAR Team Pink Both! NOPE – Try again! Works directly with Retreat Coordinator to plan, prepare and carry out the retreat week plans* VolunSTAR Team Pink NOPE – Try again! Stays at the volunteer accommodations* VolunSTAR Team Pink NOPE – Try again! Works year round within the community as LP ambassadors to develop relationships and donors* VolunSTAR Team Pink NOPE – Try again! Works to make the retreat amazing for participants, community vendors, and everyone involved* VolunSTAR Team Pink Both! NOPE – Try again! Understanding Little Pink Standards Many people apply to be Little Pink VolunSTARs, but not all are gifted to serve in this role. We have high standards and expectations that we require of those who would be in direct contact with our families. Why do these standards mean so much to us? We want to create an atmosphere of loving relationships, hopeful experiences within a nonjudgmental environment for our families. We believe these standards help guide those who serve with us to embrace our expectations. Lets’ review these standards to see the motivations and actions behind being an exceptional VolunSTAR. Why are the standards important? 1. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Maintain a high standard of integrity Honor Little Pink by remembering your conduct reflects well on the organization. Understand that every interaction is a possible first impression. Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 2. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Be flexible and have problem solving and conflict resolution skills Work together to make sure that everything gets done. Participate in training and meetings Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 3. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Handle logistics and implementation of assignments Understand the task or activity. Come with necessary materials and supplies. Offer to help with household care or laundry Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 4. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Be ridiculously present Be flexible and have problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Serve as a community liaison to create awareness of Little Pink’s mission. Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 5. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Watch your assigned child throughout each event or activity Observe water activities with diligence Follow all guidelines given by vendors during activities Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 6. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Embrace the differences in all retreat participants, whether families or retreat support Write thank you notes to those who supply goods or services for the retreat Develop relationships within your interactions, whether families, volunteers, or community donors. Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 7. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Use good communication skills. If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, ask! Use your “filters” to choose words wisely and “keep stuff in the bubble” Be courteous and punctual Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 8. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. For the protection of all family members, staff, volunteers, and visitors, Little Pink prohibits any isolated moments between an adult and another adult or child at any time. Volunteers on retreats or at local events will be identified by wearing their LPHOH name tag or lanyard. All Volunteers will wear LPHOH apparel to all activities. No posting pictures or names on social media. Report any accidents or emergencies Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 9. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Smoking is prohibited for Volunteers at all LPHOH activities. Limit cell phone usage to Little Pink communications while at LPHOH activities and events. Little Pink dress code tries to address the holistic needs of our participants. Honoring this dress code enables us to create an environment of comfort if anyone is experiencing body image issues. We want the focus on their beauty, not ours. Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! 10. Pick the category that best reflects why these standards or expectations are important to Little Pink. Act as an appropriate role model at all times Limit cell phone usage to Little Pink communications while at LPHOH activities and events. Alcohol and Volunteer Policy - All volunteers should remember that they are in service to Little Pink and the community views them as such. It is inappropriate to have a drink in areas where families or community supporters might be present (event, community pool, local restaurant, bar, on the beach, in public, etc.) At no time should volunteers be drinking with any participant. Additionally, no underage drinking is allowed under any circumstances. Categories* LP Ambassador/professionalism Safety/risk management/liability Teamwork Relationships/Valuing People NOPE – Try again! As you can see, there could be multiple answers for several of these standards. At the root of all of them is RELATIONSHIPS – connections made that can forge new friendships, new donations, new volunteers and new opportunities for HOPE. Thank you for giving your time and energy to completing this training. We hope that you feel prepared, informed, and inspired to serve our families with great love and intentions. Any questions will be addressed with a short call before your retreat. You may call or email us with any needed information. I am feeling..* Ready and roaring to go...what's next! A little overwhelmed, but I'm excited to serve! What parts of the week are you most excited about?* What parts of the week are you most nervous about?* What strengths do you bring to share with everyone? If you have any questions or concerns, let us know!You will now be forwarded to the final step to verify you have completed this training! Thank you for your dedication and time.
