Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal - Resource Guide & Workbook - Using This Resource Guide & Workbook

Sep 12, 2026

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Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal Resource Guide & Workbook supports community groups, non-profits, and charitable organizations in setting clear volunteer boundaries and planning dismissal when violations occur. It explains what “in-bounds” and “out-of-bounds” behavior means, why boundaries protect clients, volunteers, and the organization, and how to inform volunteers about expectations and consequences. The workbook covers creating, reinforcing, and repairing boundaries, and provides tools for dismissal procedures, incident reporting, dismissal letters, and managing the impact on remaining volunteers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

Using this Resource Guide & Workbook

Volunteer Boundaries

Dimensions & Types of Boundaries

Dismissal

Advanced Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal Resource Guide & Workbook Compiled by Engaging Organizations Department Volunteer Centre of Toronto 344 Bloor St. West, Suite 404 Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3A7 T 416.961.6888 F 416.961.6859 [E](E info@volunteertoronto.ca)[ info@volunteertoronto.ca](E info@volunteertoronto.ca) [volunteertoronto.ca](volunteertoronto.ca) Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal Resource Guide & Workbook Using this Resource Guide & Workbook The Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal resource guide & workbook has been compiled by Volunteer Toronto to help community groups, non-profits and charitable organizations with the basic tools to create effective boundaries and plan for dismissal of volunteers if necessary. Each resource has been selected to give you an idea of the various needs of each step of the process. It is important to remember that these are guidelines informed by best practices; you can adapt them to your situation as needed. Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal Resource Guide & Workbook Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal Resource Guide & Workbook Volunteer boundaries refer to behaviour that is considered “in-bounds” or acceptable, and “out-of-bounds” or unacceptable. They are often understood, unspoken and vital to the success of your volunteer program. Boundaries keep volunteers focused on the role and help protects clients, volunteers and the organization from risk. Sometimes, however, volunteers can break these boundaries – and the consequences could lead to dismissal. This workbook will go in-depth into understanding and creating boundaries, making sure volunteers are informed and dealing with volunteers violating those boundaries. There will also be an analysis of dismissing volunteers, how to do it formally and professionally and how to manage the impact of dismissal on other volunteers. Here are the contents of the workbook: Volunteer Boundaries • Dimensions & Types of Boundaries Page 2 • Creating Boundaries Page 4 • Informing Volunteers Page 6 • Expectations & Consequences Worksheet Page 7 • Violating Boundaries Page 8 • Mending Boundaries Page 10 Dismissal • Dismissal Policy & Procedure Sample Page 11 • Incident Report Template Page 13 • Dismissal Letter to Volunteer Template Page 15 • Dealing with Impact Page 16 Page 1 Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal Resource Guide & Workbook Dimensions & Types of Boundaries For the purpose of this workbook, we’ll look at the “dimensions” and “types” of boundaries. Dimensions are the relationships where boundaries can exist in your program. Types are the actual distinctions of boundaries themselves. Use this chart to get a better understanding of the relationships that form the different dimensions of boundaries, and add your own example boundaries. | Volunteers
and... | Explanation | Examples | | --- | --- | --- | | Clients | Volunteers may be working one-onone with clients, in a group setting, or interacting with different groups of clients depending on the role and work. These boundaries could depend on the level of supervision the volunteer will have when interacting with clients. | • Volunteers cannot form friendships or romantic relationships with clients
• Volunteers cannot tell clients what kind of medical assistance they require
• | | Staff | Volunteers may be managed by staff other than the volunteer manager, or they may interact with different staff in their work in a variety of ways. | • Volunteers cannot connect with staff on social media
• Volunteers cannot take up staff members’ time for non-role-related
reasons • | | Other
Volunteers | In many cases, volunteers will be working with each other on activities, events and programs – sometimes their relationships can extend beyond the work of the organization, and those relationships can become present in their work. | • Volunteers cannot discuss personal matters while on shift
• Volunteers cannot discuss client info

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Volunteer Boundaries & Dismissal resource guide and workbook?

It helps community groups and charitable organizations set effective boundaries and plan for formal dismissal of volunteers if necessary.

How does the workbook define volunteer boundaries and “in-bounds” vs “out-of-bounds” behavior?

Boundaries are behavior considered acceptable or unacceptable, and they are essential to the success of a volunteer program and to reducing risk.

What dismissal-related tools are included in the workbook?

It includes a sample dismissal policy & procedure, an incident report template, a dismissal letter template, and guidance on dealing with the impact on other volunteers.

Sep 12, 2026

Upload by Quinn