Hello everyone,

I am new to this field and CyberVPM, so far it has been very helpful
to hear about some of the issues that you are all facing and have
dealt with, so thank you for the insight!

I am in the process of evaluating our volunteer screening process,
namely for criminal background and driving record checks. We have a
variety of volunteer positions, and in the past, the checks were only
done for a few of the positions, so our organization paid for them.
However we would like to increase the number of background checks,
and so have been discussing the issue of cost for the checks. I
realize that it is pretty typical for volunteer programs to require
the prospective volunteer to pay for their own background or driving
record check as a condition of volunteering. However, I am afraid
that this would end up being a deterrant for prospective volunteers
who may not have the means to do the check. My solution could be as
simple as requiring volunteers to have the check, and letting them
know that we can fund the check if necessary, but I also want to
avoid being taken advantage of. I just thought I would check with you
all and see if anyone had any experience to offer.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!

-Celia

Celia Sucheski
Volunteer Coordinator
American Red Cross
Berks County Chapter
csucheski@...