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*2025-26* YES Programs Volunteer, Leader, and Trip Leader Interest

Welcome!


Thank you for being interested in supporting and sharing your time and talents with the YES community as a Volunteer, Leader, or Trip Leader!

Because we are a youth-serving organization, everyone working or volunteering for YES must complete the California Mandated Reporter Training for child abuse and neglect identification and reporting.

Additionally, if you are interested in supporting overnight activities, you'll need to complete a background check.

Instructions on how to complete the training and background check are provided in this form.

If you've already completed the mandated reporter training or the background check, you don't need to do them again.

Thank you,
~The YES Team

YES's Anti-Racist Policy

At YES, we believe that connection to nature and access to safe, affirming spaces where people feel they truly belong is not a privilege — it is a fundamental right. We are committed to cultivating an organization that centers the joy, healing, and liberation of Black people, and we stand firmly against racism and all forms of marginalization — especially those directed at Black people and communities that have historically been pushed to the margins.

The following outlines our shared commitment to fostering an inclusive, safe, and affirming environment, as well as the steps we will take when behaviors do not align with our values and policies.

We recognize that harm can happen, even with the best of intentions. Through ongoing training, reflection, dialogue, and learning, YES is actively working to design and implement anti-racist practices across our organization. We are equally committed to supporting accountability and healing for everyone involved — including staff, volunteers, participants, and partners.

At the same time, we hold a zero-tolerance policy toward individuals who consciously uphold racist values or behaviors, or who — regardless of intent — cause harm and refuse to take responsibility or engage in repair. There is no place at YES for actions or mindsets that perpetuate racism without accountability.
YES Program Values

During YES programming, we invite everyone to uphold the following core values that reflect our commitment to equity, inclusion, and community care:

🧡 Community - Build respectful, cross-cultural, and intergenerational relationships. Disconnect from personal electronics (phones, headphones, games) during group time to be fully present with others.

🛡 Safety - Listen attentively, follow instructions, and take care of yourself—stay hydrated, dress appropriately for outdoor activities, and be mindful of your physical and emotional well-being.

🌱 Discovery - Approach each experience with curiosity. Be open to trying new things and learning from others.

✨ Respect - Use kind, inclusive language. Be mindful of the impact of your words and actions. Welcome people of all races, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

🌍 Nature - Practice Leave No Trace principles. Respect wildlife, plants, and the land. Disconnect from screens and reconnect with the natural world. Clean up after yourself and help protect the spaces we share.
Inappropriate Behaviors During YES Programming

To ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all, the following behaviors are considered unacceptable during YES programming:

Anti-Black Racist Behavior - Use of anti-Black language, stereotypes, or actions that demean Black participants or communities.

Discrimination - Disrespect or exclusion based on race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental ability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status.

Racist Behavior - Comments, jokes, gestures, or actions that demean, target, or stereotype any racial or ethnic group.

Internalized Racism - Harmful statements or actions directed toward one’s own racial or ethnic group that perpetuate stereotypes or reinforce oppression.

Disruptive or Unsafe Behavior - Any verbal, emotional, or physical behavior that disrupts group learning, harms others, or creates an unsafe environment.

Sexual Misconduct - Sexual advances, suggestive comments, or excessive public displays of affection that interfere with group participation and comfort.

Inappropriate Use of Technology - Use of phones, cameras, or other digital devices in spaces where privacy is expected (e.g., restrooms, changing areas). Includes cyberbullying or inappropriate image sharing.

Other Harmful Behaviors - Gossip, violating confidentiality, bullying or hazing, destruction of property, theft, or writing/drawing graffiti.
YES’s Restorative Process

When harmful behaviors occur—such as name-calling, racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination or hate speech—we take them seriously and activate our Restorative Process to ensure accountability, healing, and community safety.

While we are committed to supporting growth and repair, repeated or escalating harm may result in removal from programming.

1. Incident Reporting
When a harmful incident occurs, a YES team member, volunteer, or Trip Leader will document the situation through an incident report. The individuals involved will be informed that a report is being written.
Reports will be reviewed promptly, and a response will be determined based on the nature and severity of the behavior. In some cases, follow-up may occur after the program concludes.

2. Restorative Response and Behavioral Agreement
This may include:

* A facilitated conversation to support understanding, accountability, and repair.
* A Behavioral Improvement Plan created in collaboration with the participant, their parent or guardian (if under 18). The plan will be revisited to assess progress, and additional support will be provided as needed.
* Specific actions for making amends and rebuilding trust in the group.

3. Emergency and Safety Protocols
If a participant is physically injured or requires medical attention, staff will administer first aid, notify a parent or guardian, and contact emergency services (911) if necessary.

4. Disruptive Behavior Management
When moderate disruptive behaviors occur (e.g., repeated interruptions, non-cooperation), the participant will be guided to take a short break from the group to self-regulate and reflect.
They will then have a conversation with a YES team member to process the behavior, explore impacts, and discuss next steps for rejoining the group in a positive way.

This process supports our belief that people can grow from their mistakes when offered support, and accountability—while centering the safety and well-being of our full community.
Zero-Tolerance Policy

To protect the well-being of our community, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy for the following behaviors:

* Intentional racism or upholding of racist values, and refusal to take responsibility for harmful words, actions, or behaviors.
* Criminal acts or physical violence toward any person.
* Possession, use, or distribution of weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs during programming.
Participants who engage in these behaviors will be immediately removed from the program and may be permanently excluded from future YES programs.

In cases involving physical assault or suspected abuse (including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse), YES will notify the appropriate authorities—such as child protective services, licensed mental health professionals, or law enforcement—as required by law and our ethical responsibilities.
1.Acknowledgement of Anti-Racist Program & Zero-Tolerance Policy

I confirm that I have read and understand the expectations outlined in YES’s Anti-Racist Program and Zero-Tolerance Policy.

By signing below, I acknowledge and agree that:

* I will uphold these expectations while participating in YES programming.
* If I engage in behavior that causes harm or violates these expectations, I will participate in YES’s Restorative Process.
* I understand that certain behaviors—such as those falling under YES’s zero-tolerance policy—may result in my immediate removal from programming and this may impact my ability to participate in future programs.

Your First & Last Name:
2.Permission to photograph and videotape: YES Nature to Neighborhoods is a nonprofit organization. Program activities may be photographed, filmed, and/or audio recorded for educational, publicity, or fundraising purposes. Please indicate if you will allow you and your family to appear in recordings, videos, and/or photos without compensation (e.g., as part of brochures, slide shows or program websites).
3.Medical Authorization

I affirm that, to the best of my knowledge, I do not have any medical, emotional, or physical conditions that would prevent my safe participation in YES activities.

In the event of a medical emergency where I am unable to give consent and my designated emergency contact cannot be reached, I authorize YES and its partners to obtain necessary medical care for me. I understand that I am financially responsible for all costs associated with such medical treatment, whether or not covered by insurance.

Your First and Last Name:
4.Assumption of Risk, and Release of Liability

I, the undersigned, listed on this form, acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any risk of injury, illness (including COVID-19), property loss, or other harm that may arise from my participation in YES Nature to Neighborhoods (YES) programs and activities.

While participating in YES activities, I voluntarily assume all risks associated with their involvement, including any physical or outdoor activities that may be strenuous or inherently hazardous. I hereby release, hold harmless, and forever discharge YES, its officers, directors, employees, agents, partners, and their representatives from any and all claims, demands, or liabilities that may arise directly or indirectly from participation in YES programming, regardless of whether such claims result from the negligence of YES or its partners. This release applies to myself, my child(ren), my family members, and our respective heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

This release applies to myself, my child(ren), my family members, and our respective heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

Your First and Last Name: