Updates to the policy and procedures:
Sometimes we need to revisit our policy and procedures. Recently we have been working on members who are continual returning members and the amount of work it takes volunteers to process leaving the program, letters that need written month after month, phone calls discussing the missing volunteer hours, processing returning members, etc. We are all volunteers and our time is valuable. In thinking this through, we have decided that a 2 years is a minimal amount of time for anyone to come back.
Our program is bursting at the seams and we need everyone who is a member to be present and working towards the common goal of helping our fellow members in this amazing program. Many folks find that this program isn't a great fit for various reasons--and that's okay. If you find that this program isn't a fit for your family, we are not offended. We know we have rules and policies that not everyone wants to follow. Our food bank here in Philomath is an amazing resource for anyone who doesn't want to be part of a membership program but still needs the assistance.
Changes have been made to
1.4.3
1.5.3
1.5.4
We wrote 2 new policies as it is helpful to have them in place for members to view:
Policy 25: Leaving the program
1.5.8 Vacation & Membership Holds
You can find the full PDF of the policy and procedures on the upper right hand side of the blog in web view. Here are the changes/additions:
Members who opt to leave the program or are suspended must wait 2 full years from the suspension date or date they leave the program to apply to rejoin.
For instance, you are suspended you will have two years from the suspension date to then re-apply.
If you decide you can no longer do the volunteer hours and leave, you must wait 2 years to re-join the program. Note: if you have a medical issue and need be a temp adoptee, we do that on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the coordinator.
Members who do not shop in the 1-month period of time will be taken off the membership list (as per LBFS rules), must wait at least 1 year to re-apply.
1.5.3. Temporary suspensions for not completing hours will take effect one week after the member is notified of the suspension, allowing the member to shop one last time and make other arrangements for their nutritional needs. The suspension will be for a duration of 30 days. During this time, the member, will have opportunities to complete all of their required hours. If the required hours have not been completed after the 30-day suspension the member will be terminated for 2 years. At the end of the two years, the terminated member may reapply. All people involved are entitled to present their own account in writing or orally within 1 week of the notice of suspension.
1.5.4. If a member violates any written policy, a warning will be issued for the first offense, a 30-day suspension for a second offense allowing the member to shop one last time and make other arrangements for their nutritional needs, and a 2 year termination or a third offense.
Policy 25: Leaving the program
A household is welcome to leave the program at any time. The best way to leave the program is to email either the Coordinator or the Secretary that you would like to leave so we have documentation. We will do our best to remove you from the email list in a timely fashion.
If you leave for any other reasons, missing hours, etc, please see the specific policy for any questions regarding being able to re-join.
1.5.8 Vacation & Membership Holds
We know folks go on vacations and have vacations planned. Please talk to the coordinator or the Secretary about pre-planning a vacation or Membership hold. We will only allow for 1 month to be fully on hold – this means no shopping or volunteering for a calendar month.
