Three Steps To Becoming an ICO Volunteer

  1. Attend Volunteer Orientation (Orientations are held at 7:00 pm on the following dates). 

If you plan on attending the Volunteer Orientation please contact Bob Segalla or call (650) 962-1316.

  • February 3, 2009 at BWC (San Jose)
  • August 4, 2009 at BWC (San Jose)
  • May 5, 2009 at the PCC (Palo Alto)
  • November 3, 2009 at the PCC (Palo Alto)
  1. Complete ICO Application, Volunteer Agreement, and Code of Ethics (provided at Orientation).

 

  1. Become a Sierra Club Member!

 

Requirements for Volunteers and Leaders (working with youth):

The following table illustrates the detailed requirements for volunteering, becoming a leader, assisting, and being a guest on an ICO outing.

Requirement

Guest (6)  

Volunteer

Assistant Leader

Leader

Sierra Club Membership

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Signed Volunteer Application

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Signed Code of Ethics

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Signed Volunteer Agreement

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Background check

No

Yes (1)

Yes (1)

Yes (1)

Good driving record (DMV record)

No

Yes (2)

Yes (2)

Yes (2)

Wilderness 1st Aid

No

No

Must be planned

Yes

ICO Leader Training

No

No

Must be planned

Yes

Qualified in skill for trip

No

No

Yes

Yes

Assist on at least two trips

No

No

Must be in process

Yes (3)

Complete Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention training annually

No

No

No

Yes

Lead 'checkout' trip

No

No

No

Yes (4,5)

Notes:

  1. The background check RESULTS are required for all Leaders, Assistants, and Drivers, as well as, any ICO volunteer on an overnight trip. (back to table)
     
  2. A clean DMV driving record is required if you are driving children on an ICO outing. (back to table)
     
  3. You should assist with two different leaders. (back to table)
     
  4. To qualify for overnight, you must lead an evaluated overnight. (back to table)
     
  5. On the checkout trip an ICO Leader will evaluate you. You must demonstrate your ability to organize, and to lead, relate to and keep up with participants. (back to table)
     
  6. To attend an ICO outing as a guest, you must be approved by the trip leader and sign the Participant Liability Waiver and the  ICO Code of Ethics.

Note that Guests are not allowed to attend overnight trips!

If a recommendation has been given, the guest and the trip leader must discuss the responsibilities of an ICO Volunteer. (Guests will be considered volunteers on the outing.) The guest must also have a clear understanding of what it means to be a role model to the youth and what is appropriate conduct with children.

A person can only attend ICO trips as a Guest once!

The purpose of our Guest program is to determine if ICO is a mutual fit for you. If you decide that ICO is something you'd like to pursue, please complete any paperwork needed to meet the requirements to become a Volunteer as soon as possible. (See the Requirements Table above.) You will not be able to attend subsequent outings without fulfilling the Volunteer level requirements. (back to table)

). (back to table)

To Remain an Active ICO Volunteer
(determined on a yearly basis):

Do one of the following:

    1. Serve on a committee, or
    2. Attend two trips per year
    3. Attend two meetings per year.

To Remain an Active ICO Leader
(determined on a yearly basis):

  1. Lead at least two ICO outings per year
  2. Maintain your Sierra Club membership
  3. Maintain your Wilderness First Aid Certification (every 3 years)
  4. Complete Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention training (annually).

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