volunteer rights & Code of Responsibility

Coastal Twist Festival is committed to building an organisation that represents the diversity of all communities.

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect while they are volunteering.

Our commitment to diversity means that we are an organisation that embraces difference - everyone's difference and at the same time, we strive to create a space where all volunteers enjoy an environment free from all forms of intimidation, bullying or harassment.

Consistent with respect for ALL human rights, the practice of tolerance does not mean toleration of social injustice or the abandonment or weakening of one's convictions. It means that one is free to adhere to one's own convictions and accepts that others adhere to theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally diverse in their appearance, situation, expression, speech, behavior, gender & sexuality and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are. It also means that one’s views are not to be imposed on others while in our spaces.

Coastal Twist Festival fosters a community environment that is free from bullying, harassment and intimidation. All staff and volunteers must strive for their communications to be accessible to diverse groups and reflect the diversity of all communities, including the use of inclusive language so that it applies to all staff and volunteers. Inclusive language is something we understand everyone has varying degrees of understanding we are here to help with that, this is by no means Utopia, and everyone is on the learning and expansion path & should have the space to be. We have seen enormous growth over the past 2 years in our volunteers and its something we are very proud of, this is the hard yakka - Growth, Change, New found understanding.

If you have previously violated any of our codes of responsibility: (a) Over the last 12 months we will not accept or respond to your application. (b) If its been 12 - 24 months drop us a line , let us know the hows and whys and where your at now and the Board will consider your email and potential opportunity to apply.

Tolerance is respect & acceptance of others and harmony in difference. Acts of intolerance, verbal threat, intimidation or violence verbal or otherwise, aggression directed against any staff, contractor or volunteer will lead to instant removal from any participation (Volunteer, Audience, Artist, Contractor, Partner, Sponsor) with the Coastal Twist Festival all are obstacles to development of individuals and the organisation.

Both volunteers and Coastal Twist Festival have rights and responsibilities. Volunteers are engaged to perform a specific job and the Coastal Twist Festival agrees to provide the volunteer with a worthwhile and rewarding experience. In return, each has the right to some basic expectations of the other.

Organisations have the right to:

Expect loyalty to the organisation and only accept constructive criticism.
Make the decision regarding the best placement of a volunteer.
Expect volunteers to adhere to their job
To select the best volunteer for the job by interviewing and screening all applicants. This might include reference and police checks and, where appropriate, a prohibited employment declaration for roles that involve working directly with children.
Express opinions about poor volunteer effort in a diplomatic way.
Receive as much effort and service from a volunteer as a paid worker, even on a short-term basis.
Expect volunteers to undertake training provided for them and observe safety rules.
descriptions/outlines and the organisation’s code of practice.
Expect clear and open communication from the volunteer.
Negotiate work assignments.
Release volunteers under certain circumstances.

Volunteers have the right to:

Be treated as co-workers. This includes job descriptions, Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Health & Safety, anti-discrimination legislation and organisational grievance processes.
Be asked for their permission before any job-related reference, police or other checks are conducted.
A job or task worthwhile to them, for no more than 16 hours a week on a regular basis in one role.
Know the purpose and “ground rules” of the organisation.
Appropriate orientation and training for the job.
Be kept informed of organisational changes and the reasons for the changes.
A place to work and suitable tools for the job.
Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses.
Be heard and make suggestions.
Personal accident insurance (in place of workers compensation insurance).
A verbal reference or statement of service, if appropriate.

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