Volunteer

PMI Syracuse Volunteer Benefits and Expectations

These are the guidelines for social media at PMI Syracuse. If you’re a PMI Syracuse member or volunteer creating or contributing to blogs, wikis, social networks, or any other kind of social media both on and off pmi-syracuse.org—these guidelines are for you. We expect all who participate in social media on behalf of PMI Syracuse to be trained, to understand and to follow these guidelines. These guidelines will continually evolve as new technologies and social networking tools emerge.  This document should be reviewed at least annually.

 

Purpose

The PMI Syracuse Volunteer Benefits and Expectations Policy is meant to ensure all volunteers understand what is required and how their volunteer work benefits them.

 

Expectations

As with any volunteer organization, we believe that your family and your livelihood come first! With that in mind, expectations for our volunteers are as follows:

  • Commitment to the PMI Syracuse chapter’s objectives and priorities
  • Timely and professional fulfillment of your commitments
  • Active participation on teams associated with your commitment.
  • Acknowledgement of and timely response to communications related to your commitment.
  • Regular communication with the project manager associated with your commitment.

Why get involved?

Contributing to chapter activities not only improves the chapter, it also benefits the chapter member in many ways. You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive difference by:

  • Earning Professional Development Units (PDUs)
  • Meeting project managers in the local area
  • Learning new project management skills
  • Enhancing your professional skills (writing, presentation, leadership, etc.)
  • Networking with your peers
  • Maintaining connections with those involved in the chapter
  • Helping those in your community
  • Having a great time by contributing to your areas of interest and expertise

As an additional benefit, all chapter volunteers have access to PMI Learn, PMI Global’s “university without walls” for PMI’s volunteer leaders. Opportunities to volunteer are continuously updated in the PMI Volunteer Relationship Management System (VRMS) accessible at https://vrms.pmi.org/.

How do I get started?

To express your interest and explore the opportunities currently available, log into your PMI account at http://www.pmi.org, then go to the PMI Volunteer Relationship Management System (VRMS) at https://vrms.pmi.org. Locate an opportunity by completing the search criteria, selecting Washington DC Chapter from the drop down box. The more information provided, the better the chance of being matched to a position quickly.

Conflict of Interest

No person who has a conflict of interest with any activity or program of PMI Syracuse Chapter, whether personal, philosophical, or financial shall be accepted or serve as a volunteer with the PMI Syracuse Chapter.

Confidentiality

Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer’s relationship with the PMI Syracuse Chapter or other corrective action. Volunteers will be required review appropriate chapter polices and confirm their review annually.

Tracking Volunteer Hours

Individual volunteers will be responsible for tracking their own hours spent for each activity and submitting the hours as appropriate for PDU credits.

Rights and Responsibilities

Volunteers are viewed as a valuable resource to PMI Syracuse Chapter. Volunteers shall be extended the right to be given meaningful assignments, the right to be treated as equal co-workers, the right to effective supervision, the right to full involvement and participation, and the right to recognition for work done.

In return, volunteers shall agree to actively perform their duties to the best of their abilities and to remain loyal to the goals and procedures of the PMI Syracuse Chapter.

Volunteer Committee Communications

Supervisor volunteers are responsible for maintaining regular communication with the Volunteer Team on the status of volunteers and for the timely provision of all necessary paperwork on the status of the volunteers. The Volunteer Committee should be informed immediately of any substantial change in the work or status of a volunteer and should be consulted in advance before any corrective action is taken.

Representation of the Chapter

Prior to any action or statement, which might significantly affect or obligate PMI Syracuse Chapter, volunteers should seek prior consultation and approval from appropriate staff. These actions may include but are not limited to public statements to the press, coalition or lobbying efforts with other organizations, or any agreements involving contractual or other financial obligations. Volunteers are authorized to act as representatives of the PMI Syracuse Chapter as specifically indicated within their job descriptions and only to the extent of such written specifications.

Service Discretion

PMI Syracuse Chapter accepts the service of all volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the chapter. Volunteers must understand that the PMI Syracuse Chapter may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the chapter.

The volunteer may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to sever the volunteer’s relationship with the PMI Syracuse Chapter. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible to the volunteer’s supervisor.

Resignation

Volunteers may resign from their volunteer service with the chapter at any time. It is requested that volunteers who intend to resign provide advance notice of their departure and a reason for their decision.

Dress Code

As representatives of the PMI Syracuse Chapter, volunteers are responsible for presenting a good image to clients and to the community. Volunteers shall dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of their duties.

How much time is required?

Volunteer opportunities range from short-term commitments (several hours/month) to long-term committee lead roles (Board members/Directors). The PMI Syracuse Chapter has many different opportunities available, and the hours and skills required for each opportunity vary. We have volunteer opportunities to fit everyone’s busy schedule. While the number of positions change, the current list of all positions always will be available in VRMS.

Corrective Action

In appropriate situations, corrective action may be taken following an evaluation. Examples of corrective action include reassignment to a new position, suspension, or dismissal from volunteer service.

Dismissal

Volunteers who do not adhere to the rules and procedures of the chapter or who fail to satisfactorily perform their volunteer assignment are subject to dismissal. No volunteer will be terminated until the volunteer has had an opportunity to discuss the reasons for possible dismissal with supervisor. Prior to dismissal of a volunteer, staff should seek the consultation and assistance of the Vice President.

Reasons for Dismissal

Possible grounds for dismissal may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Gross misconduct or insubordination
  • Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Theft of property or misuse of PMI Syracuse Chapter equipment or materials
  • Abuse or mistreatment of clients or co-workers
  • Failure to abide by PMI Syracuse Chapter by-laws, policies and procedures
  • Failure to meet physical or mental standards of performance
  • Failure to satisfactorily perform assigned duties

Concerns and Grievances

Decisions involving corrective action of a volunteer may be reviewed for appropriateness. If corrective action is taken, the affected volunteer shall be informed of the procedures for expressing their concern or grievance.

PDU Guidelines (from PMI Global)

The Volunteer PDU Guidelines from PMI can be found at https://www.pmi.org/certifications/maintain

Documentation required upon PMI audit/request: If volunteer services letter or certificate from the organization served acknowledging you for leading project tasks or participating as part of a project team. If coaching or mentoring services: evidence supporting your coaching or mentoring arrangement, including notes from and dates of discussion or reading.