The document provides an introduction and overview of volunteer opportunities at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS). It discusses how volunteering at LSS can help change lives and build community by continuing the work that began 145 years ago. LSS serves nearly 100,000 people annually across Minnesota with over 11,000 volunteers and 2,300 staff. Volunteers have a variety of rights and responsibilities to ensure their contribution is meaningful.
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Volunteer Orientation Draft
1. Welcome to LSS!
A volunteer tutorial
Your voluntary work at LSS is crucial to
changing lives and inspiring hope. Come
journey with us to see how…
2. We’ve been there…
Did know that when you volunteer at LSS, you
contribute to the work and devotion that began 145
years ago?
The work of LSS began in 1865
when Charlotte and Pastor Eric
Norelius volunteered to care for
four orphaned immigrant children
whose parents had died.
3. … and so have you Volunteers have helped shape
the mission, the values, and the
heart of service at LSS
– Adoption Services
– Homeless Youth Programs
– Employment Services
– Disaster Relief
– Personal Support Services
– Older Adult Services
– Refugee Resettlement
– Financial Counseling
– And more
4. Our Mission
Lutheran Social Service
of Minnesota expresses
the love of Christ for all
people through service
that inspires hope,
changes lives, and builds
community.
5. The Impact
Our 2,300 staff and over 11,000 volunteers serve nearly
100,000 people of all ages in each of Minnesota’s 87
counties and in more than 300 communities.
With an annual budget of
$94 million funded from
public, private and charitable
sources, LSS is the state’s
largest, nonprofit social service
organization.
6. Congratulations!!
You just completed the
Introduction to Lutheran
Social Service of
Minnesota section!
Ready to test your volunteer knowledge?
No, take me home Yes! Let’s go!
8. Yes It Can!
In recent years, volunteers are taking on more
work that requires specific skill sets,
qualifications, and experience.
LSS volunteers provide financial leadership,
program direction, musical and artistic
inspiration, and much more.
9. Statement #2
As an LSS Volunteer,
you have rights and
Responsibilities.
Yes No
10. Yes. You have Rights
As a Volunteer it is Your RIGHT:
• To be assigned a meaningful task
• To be oriented, trained and supervised during the duration of your activity
• To ask questions about your task and seek feedback about your performance
• To be treated with respect and kindness at all times by every member of the
organization for which you volunteer
• To offer input and feedback to the organization about the job or task you are
performing in an effort to improve your situation and the needs of volunteers in the
future.
• To be trusted with confidential information which may be necessary to fulfill your
task
• To expect that your time will be used efficiently and effectively
11. Yes. You have Responsibilities
As a Volunteer it is your RESPONSIBILITY
• To follow the rules, policies and procedures of the organization
• To sign any paperwork necessary before volunteer work begins
• To meet time commitments and show up ready to work. Also, be considerate and
give adequate notice if you will be unable to fulfill your responsibilities
• To perform your tasks to the best of your ability
• To accept assignments without complaint but to provide constructive feedback if your
expectations aren't met so that a new assignment may be given if appropriate.
• Do not take on more responsibility than you can handle and don't agree to
commitments that you can't keep
• Respect the confidential nature of issues shared with you in order to complete your
job.
Click here for more
information about the
Volunteer Protection Act
12. Statement #3
Volunteers don’t need a
job description. They
know what they are
doing.
It Sure Helps! No Way
13. It Sure Helps!
Regularly scheduled volunteers and staff
mutually benefit by having a job description that
clearly outlines roles and responsibilities.
It’s always helpful to have a road map to success. Then when you get lost,
you know how to get back on track!
Plus, if you have additional gifts to share that are not part of your position
description, speak up and let your supervisor know!
14. Statement #3
Volunteers can’t do the
same kind of work as
employees. Background
checks and references
are only for paid staff.
Yes No
15. No Way!
Your contribution of time and talent is a true asset not
only to the organization, but to the men, women, and
children you impact.
If your experience with LSS allows you to
work with children, older adults, people
with disabilities, or other “vulnerable
populations” you will be asked to
complete a background check and provide
references. Thank you for your
commitment to the safety and security of those YOU serve.
16. Statement #4
Once you start
volunteering in one area
of service, you cannot
serve in another area.
Variety is the It’s good to
Spice of Life stay in one
place
17. It’s Your Choice!
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is committed to the physical,
emotional, and spiritual needs of thousands of Minnesotans.
We invite you to explore the variety of ways you can get involved!
Most importantly, THANK YOU for your thoughtful and
crucial role in ensuring that ALL people have the opportunity
to live and work in community with dignity, safety, and hope.
18. CONGRATULATIONS!
You have now completed the LSS Volunteers
Go back to Tutorial! Go on to Volunteer
Home Registration
19. Enough about us! Tell us
LSS Volunteer Registration
about YOU!
Please complete the following
information. We value your
contribution and would like to keep you
First Name
in the loop. Click on the following
options if you would like to receive
more information from us. Last Name
Sign me up to receive the Address
LSS Changing Lives
Newsletter
Sign me up to receive
the LSS E-Newsletter
Email Address
Sign me up to receive
ongoing volunteer and
advocacy alerts Special Interests