Being Respectful on Outreach
It is important to remember that when you are on outreach… you are a guest in the living spaces of those who are without stable shelter in our community. When you approach a camping site or sleeping site please always treat that space as you would want your home treated and approached. This includes:
Do not just barge into a tent or tarped off area. Always announce yourself first by loudly saying “Outreach”.
Ask if anyone is home and do they need anything.
If people respond- tell them that you will wait and meet them where you are- think of it as them answering the door.
Greet them with a smile and a kind word. Ask them their name and then introduce yourself.
Ask how you can help them tonight.
After you get survival items, food, coffee, etc… to them.
Tell them it was good to see them/to meet them and that you hope that they stay safe tonight.
Please do not engage in these activities on outreach:
Picture taking of people, their living arrangements, or selfies of yourself serving on outreach.
If you want to do an advocacy post following outreach about your experiences that is fine but be sure you do not give away sleeping locations, use people’s names, or violate privacy. Use obscure photos for your post that do not give away locations or show individuals. (Examples: Your feet walking in the snow, the frozen ground, the supplies in the outreach van, a cup of coffee, etc… )
Do not use this as a time to sermonize (or hand out evangelism tracks) to those that you meet on outreach. This is a time that we show love… we don’t preach at people about life choices or struggles on outreach.
Be respectful of boundaries for those you serve on outreach and for yourself- do not take people home with you that you meet on outreach. It is not a safe or sustainable practice and when word spreads that shelter was offered to one person and not someone else, it can break down trust and the ability to connect with people in the future.
Do not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on outreach, this is an unsafe situation for you and for those that you are serving.
TCG Volunteer Code of Conduct
Keeping both the volunteers and the individuals that we serve on street outreach safe is of vital importance for our team at The Connecting Grounds.
For that reason, we ask that you please review the following information and print and sign the Code of Conduct Form for our volunteers below. This form must be on file with TCG staff before an individual can volunteer on Street Outreach.