This page provides examples of local government volunteer programs in Washington State, including sample policies, application forms, service agreements, and related resources.

Overview

Many cities, counties, and special districts have recognized the advantage of utilizing the skills of its community members in volunteer programs. Such programs can increase the quality and quantity of public services at a minimal cost, and provide an opportunity for citizens to contribute to the betterment of their community, creating a sense of ownership and pride.

Legal References

• 42 U.S.C. Ch. 139 – Volunteer Protection Act of 1997
• 29 C.F.R. 553, Subpart B – Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to Employees of State and Local Governments - Volunteers
  • U.S. Department of Labor Opinion Letter (2006) – Discusses what is "nominal" payment to volunteers under FLSA and what it means to be volunteering either for the "same public entity" or be performing "the same type of services" as a volunteer performs as part of his or her employment
  • Snure Law Office: Memorandum to Fire Districts and Regional Fire Authorities (2019) – Regarding the use of volunteer firefighters and the taxability of the compensation paid to volunteers under FLSA
• RCW 4.24.670 – Liability of volunteers of nonprofit or governmental entities
• RCW 35.21.278 – Contracts with community service organizations for public improvements; for more information see our Competitive Bidding Exemptions page
• RCW 51.12.035 – Volunteers (Industrial Insurance)
• RCW 43.101.200 – (Law Enforcement Personnel Training) Exempts "volunteers" and "reserve officers" from the requirement that law enforcement personnel must complete basic law enforcement training
• Washington Department of Labor and Industries: Minimum Wage Act Applicability, Policy ES.A.1 – See Section 6.d, Exclusions - Volunteers

Examples of Volunteer Programs

• Bellevue Volunteering – Lists volunteer possibilities by category
• Bremerton Volunteer Program – Includes volunteer program policy, scope of services, agreements, time sheets, and application forms
• Clallam County Sheriff's Volunteer Program – Includes application and volunteer handbooks
• Federal Way Volunteering in Federal Way – Includes application form
• Kirkland Volunteer Program – Includes ongoing and one-time volunteer activities in a wide variety of categories and city departments
• Kitsap County Volunteer Services – Lists various volunteer opportunities including serving on county advisory boards
• Lacey Volunteer Opportunities – Information on local and youth volunteer programs
• Lakewood Become a City Volunteer – Includes application form, volunteer handbook, and volunteer services agreement
• Puyallup Volunteer Opportunities – Includes application form, list of volunteer opportunities in different departments, and other local places to volunteer
• Seattle Volunteering and Participating – Extensive information on city and community volunteer needs
• Snohomish County Volunteer Opportunities – Lists volunteer opportunities by program/department

Examples of Volunteer Policies and Manuals

• DuPont Volunteer Rental Points Policy (2011) – Allows organizations performing volunteer service directly benefiting the city (such as litter pickup on city-owned property) to earn points toward the rental of a city facility
• Kennewick Parks and Recreation Volunteer Guidelines (2018)
• Mercer Island Volunteer Policies and Procedures Manual
• Monroe Volunteer Program Policy (2004) – Addresses volunteer safety, liability, placement problems, confidentiality, and other topics
• Poulsbo Fire Department Volunteer Program Policy (2011) – Establishes fire district volunteer program and position classifications; addresses recruitment, assignment, minimum qualifications, reimbursement, background checks, medical examinations, training requirements, and more.
• San Juan County Parks Volunteer Handbook (2017)
• Sultan Volunteer Policy (2009) – Addresses selection process, recruitment of minors, court-ordered community service, city employees as volunteers, orientation, injuries, driving, and other topics; includes application form and agreement for individual volunteer service

Examples of Application and Agreement Forms

• Federal Way Volunteer Application
• Kirkland:
  • Ongoing Volunteer Application
  • One-Time Event Volunteer Service Agreement
• Kitsap County Volunteer Application Form
• Sammamish Parks and Recreation Volunteer Agreement & Release Form
• Seattle Parks and Recreation:
  • Recreation Volunteer Registration and Service Agreement
  • Green Space Volunteer Sign-Up
• Skamania County Facilities and Recreation Department Agreement Regarding Individual Volunteer Service (2008)
• Vancouver Fire Corps Volunteer Application
• Woodinville Agreement for Individual Volunteer Service

Examples of Volunteerism Indicators

• Issaquah Sustainable City Report (2016) – Page on "volunteerism" tracks total volunteer hours over time for the city

Background Checks

• RCW 43.43.830 - .845 – Child/Adult Abuse Information Act
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): Recommended Guidelines for Background Checks (2013)
• Kirkland Request for Criminal History Information Release Form
• Thurston County Parks Applicant Disclosure Form

Recommended Resources

• National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government (NAVPLG) – Association for administrators and managers of local government volunteer programs
• Volunteering in America – Federal website provides data and research related to volunteering in all 50 states
• Independent Sector: Value of Volunteer Time – Provides current estimated value of each volunteer hour; users can also sign up for free data on volunteerism, trends, and the value of volunteers in all 50 states
• ICMA Press: Build a Successful Volunteer Program to Drive Growth and Recovery (2010) – Detailed article on how local governments can use volunteers to stretch their limited resources, especially during challenging economic times
• Fire Corps – National grassroots effort to help fire/EMS departments use volunteers to enhance their services
• Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) – Works to enhance capacity of state and local law enforcement to use volunteers
• ServeWashington – Implements AmeriCorps programs within Washington