Volunteers of America Chartering Requirements, Standards, and Minimum Expected Practices

Volunteers of America Chartering Requirements, Standards, and Minimum Expected Practices

I Ministry The affiliate is an integral part of the church of Volunteers of America, actively articulating and advancing its ministry of service. This requirement reflects the relationship of the local affiliate and ministers to the Volunteers of America church and its ministry of service. Charter Requirements Charter Requirement 1: The chartered affiliate agrees to accept and promote the articles of the Constitution of Volunteers of America, Inc. and to be part of the Volunteers of America church, its Christian mission and its ministry of service. Standards 1.1 The affiliate articulates the ministry within Volunteers of America so that staff, board and volunteers understand the mission. 1.2 The affiliate fosters support for those who are called to the ministry. 1.3 The affiliate ensures that those we serve have opportunity to worship and pursue spiritual growth. 1.4 The affiliate encourages and supports participation of ministers in ministerial education, continuing education, and National Ecclesiastical Committee ( NEC ) and Council of Ministers activities. 1.5 The affiliate implements NEC policies pertaining to parsonage allowance, ministers personnel policies and self-employment tax reimbursement; provides for timely communication of changes in minister status; and cooperates, when applicable, with NEC grievance procedures. Minimum Expected Practices a) The CEO is a Volunteers of America minister and serves as the lead minister for the local office. He/She may assign ministerial duties to other ministers within the affiliate office or national services locations. b) The affiliate invites involvement (awareness and engagement) in the ministry from staff and volunteers by including information in orientation packets, providing opportunities for continuing education and participating in faith based community activities. c) The affiliate sends all new ministers to training under NEC s direction. d) The affiliate follows the recommendations of NEC for continuing education of ministers. All new ministers are offered the opportunity to attend training both locally and nationally on a rotating basis. e) The local office enforces ecclesiastical policies adopted by the NEC pertaining to ministerial conduct, compensation and related matters. f) The affiliate CEO, or his/her minister designee, will attend a session at the National Conference in which he/she will share successful ministry practices which could be developed in other affiliates. This will be a prescribed topic and may vary from year to year. 2

g) All changes to the status of ministers (retired, disabled, etc.) are communicated to NEC within 60 days. h) The affiliate complies with IRS guidelines and tax policies regarding minister s compensation. Polices regarding minister s compensation are included in the affiliate s personnel policies. i) All new CFOs receive training in minister s parsonage and tax issues from national office accounting staff. All new ministers participate in training regarding ministerial tax issues. Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07 3

II Charter Compliance 4 Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07 All Volunteers of America affiliates operate through a charter agreement with the national organization. Charter Requirements Charter Requirement 2: The chartered affiliate agrees to adhere to charter requirements as they presently exist and as they may be revised from time to time by the Membership Congress. Charter Requirement 3: The chartered affiliate agrees to adhere to standards, consistent with charter requirements, set forth by the Board of Directors of Volunteers of America, Inc. to implement the charter requirements. Further, the chartered affiliate agrees to comply with ecclesiastical standards developed by the National Ecclesiastical Committee and ratified by the Council of Ministers. Charter Requirement 4: The affiliate agrees to submit to Volunteers of America, Inc. program, financial, statistical, audit and other required reports, as scheduled, and submit prompt payment of national administrative fees. The affiliate agrees to participate in the Volunteers of America, Inc. ministers benefit plan. Charter Requirement 5: The chartered affiliate agrees to limit activities to the designated geographic area except when approved by Volunteers of America, Inc. and affected affiliates. Standards 2.1 The affiliate has executed and is in full compliance with the terms of the charter agreement adopted by the Board of Volunteers of America, Inc. 3.1 The affiliate cooperates with the Board of Volunteers of America, Inc. or its designee, and the National Ecclesiastical Committee in the case of ecclesiastical standards, in the review and satisfactory resolution of any apparent reported deficiency in compliance with the adopted or ratified requirements, standards and protocols 4.1 Board of directors, executive committee and audit and finance committee minutes are submitted in a timely manner. 5.1 Program services and fundraising are conducted only within the geographic area designated in the charter agreement, except as otherwise approved in writing by Volunteers of America, Inc. and the affected affiliates. Minimum Expected Practices a) The affiliate is at all times in full compliance with the Charter Requirements. b) The members of the board of directors actively participate in the chartering process. c) Board, executive committee and audit and finance committee minutes are electronically submitted to the national office in a manner consistent with the established timelines. When the document management system is activated, the affiliate submits all required documentation to the documentation management system within 45 days of a request. A complete listing of required documents is sent to each affiliate annually, and updated as needed, by the national office.

d) National administrative fees, risk fund contributions, ministers dues, service or merchandise invoices, scheduled loan payments, contributions to the national pension plan and any other agreed upon payments are paid in full via electronic means initiated by the national office as scheduled in agreement with the affiliate. Payment of administrative fees may be delayed only with advance authorization from the national office. e) The affiliate operates in a transparent manner and fully cooperates with any external or internal investigations. Examples of such investigations include allegations of financial impropriety, hostile workplace, board negligence or other inappropriate business practices that may jeopardize the organization as a whole. f) The affiliate conducts program development and donation solicitation occurs only within the geographic area designated in the charter agreement, and that Internet and other solicitations indicate the geographic area served by the affiliate. g) The affiliate promptly addresses and informs the national office of any issues which may result in material legal action or substantial turmoil at the affiliate; examples may include the closure of a major program, large turnover in senior management staff, or negative media exposure. These types of substantive issues are reflected in affiliate board minutes. 5

III Board of Directors A diverse, voluntary and fully engaged board of directors sets policy, adopts a plan for the affiliate, and recruits and evaluates the chief executive officer. Charter Requirement Charter Requirement 6 : The chartered affiliate agrees to maintain a community-based, diverse, fully functioning board of directors, with a minimum of 12 members, to provide governance of the chartered affiliate. Further, the President/CEO of the chartered affiliate shall be either a commissioned minister of Volunteers of America, Inc. or a constituent member of Volunteers of America, Inc. working towards becoming a commissioned minister. 6 Standards 6.1 The board is representative of the communities and people served. 6.2 The board is well versed in governance practices, actively engaged in governance, and supportive of the affiliate. 6.3 The board membership is comprised of at least twelve individuals; the CEO is the only employee who may serve on the board. 6.4 Directors receive no compensation for their services, except for the CEO. 6.5 The board initiates and oversees a strategic development process that sets strategic direction as guidance to developing approved operating plans and budgets, and monitors plan progress and makes course corrections as necessary. Plans are aligned with the strategic direction of the larger organization and ensure manageable growth and financial sustainability of the affiliate. 6.6 The board provides fiduciary oversight. 6.7 The board adopts and enforces a conflict of interest policy approved by the national organization. 6.8 The board, in conjunction with the national office, employs the CEO. The board is responsible to annually evaluate the CEO s performance using a standardized industry instrument, and when appropriate, commends, counsels, or removes the president/ceo. 6.9 The board sets compensation and benefits for the CEO in accordance with Volunteers of America or other nationally accepted standards, and the board documents the participants, process and determination in the corporate record. 6.10 The board provides leadership for fund development by making individual financial contributions and actively participating in an effective fund development strategy, resulting in balanced and diversified income sources. 6.11 The board engages an independent auditor for an annual independent audit of the affiliate s financial performance. 6.12 The affiliate board periodically evaluates its own performance and the overall performance of the organization, and takes action to strengthen its performance as appropriate. 6.13 The board actively participates in Volunteers of America organization-wide leadership, development and training opportunities.

Minimum Expected Practices: a) The board meets at least four times per year, and a quorum is present at each meeting. b) The board is diverse, having sensitivity to professional, geographic, age, gender and ethnic diversity. c) New members receive orientation to the local and national organization. d) Every board member financially supports Volunteers of America. e) The board formally reviews its performance at least annually, using a standard instrument. Results of the evaluation are shared with the full board and action is taken to strengthen its performance as appropriate. f) The board establishes a search committee, including a member of the national executive team, to recruit and hire a new CEO. g) The board provides financial oversight in a manner that ensures financial stability and exercises responsible stewardship including; adoption of a balanced budget and review of independent auditors reports; monitoring financial performance and taking corrective action in the event of declining performance; and approval of real property and other material transactions. h) The affiliate board reviews legal actions, retains legal counsel as appropriate, and provides oversight of subordinate corporations. i) The board sets expectations for the performance of the CEO and evaluates his/her performance against those expectations using a standardized instrument. j) The board assures that the CEO s compensation and benefits are consistent with compensation and benefits of CEO s serving in similar types of organizations in the locality of the affiliate and that the benefit and compensation information is reported to the full Board of Directors and is recorded in the board minutes. Changes in compensation and benefits for the CEO are documented in corporate records. k) The CEO, if not a commissioned Volunteers of America minister, is enrolled as a constituent member and completes preparation for commissioning within three years. l) Conflict of interest forms are maintained for all board members. m) Board representatives regularly attend Volunteers of America s national and leadership conferences, participate in national task forces, work groups and committees, participate in teleconferences and email correspondence from the local and national office of Volunteers of America. Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07 7

IV Public Image and Education The affiliate promotes a positive image of Volunteers of America and educates the public on its Ministry and services. Charter Requirement Charter Requirement 7: The chartered affiliate agrees to promote a positive image consistent with the national image and participate, as applicable, in public education, and qualified public advocacy activities. Charter Requirement 8: The chartered affiliate agrees to use names, symbols, trademarks and service marks of Volunteers of America, Inc., under and in compliance with a license granted by Volunteers of America, Inc., and adhere to guidelines for their use. Standards 7.1 A board-approved communication/engagement strategy is in place that supports and advances the promotion of a positive image and the branding of Volunteers of America. 7.2 The local office follows the Crisis Management Plan distributed by the National Office. 7.3 Key staff, volunteers, and affiliate board members are oriented to the communications objectives, strategies, and key message points. 7.5 Public policy activities are conducted in compliance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and are consistent with the Volunteers of America mission. Key staff, board and volunteers are oriented on the guidelines for public policy. 7.6 The affiliate maintains awareness of national Volunteers of America s federal public policy activities and statements and coordinates all federal advocacy with the national organization and provides oversight for local public policy activities. 8.1 The affiliate executes and complies with a license agreement with Volunteers of America, Inc. for the affiliate and any subsidiary corporation or related organization and conforms to national identity standards in material produced and disseminated. Minimum Expected Practices a) The affiliate consistently involves both board and staff in the development of materials and the strategies used to promote and brand Volunteers of America. b) The affiliate uses materials that are consistent with the names, symbols, trademarks and service marks, tag lines and messaging required by the national office. Use of names, symbols, trademarks and service marks, tag lines and messaging of Volunteers of America by the affiliate or related organizations, are in accordance with standards and guidelines. Volunteers of America s name and logo, with nationally approved localization, are prominently identified on buildings, vehicles, publications, signage, and stationary. Title to all names, 8

symbols, trademarks and service marks, tag lines and messaging created by and for the affiliate or controlled or related organizations are assigned to the national organization. c) The affiliate conforms to the approved standards published by the national office for signage or any public relations materials for any program operation or facility trademarked name or identity. d) The affiliate maintains a website, publishes at least two newsletters a year, and produces an annual report consistent with the branding protocols provided by the national office. e) The affiliate website links to the national office website. The affiliate website is consistent with the national office website and other Volunteers of America affiliate websites in presentation. The website graphics and functionality will mirror the national office website. f) The affiliate uses the National Crisis Management Plan for dealing with adverse or negative media exposure, including the designation of an official spokesperson and timely notification to the national office. g) The affiliate has an active federal, state and local advocacy program that operates in compliance with the IRS code and the mission of Volunteers of America. h) The affiliate consistently recruits, utilizes and recognizes volunteers within the organization and its programs. Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07 9

V Program Services The affiliate actively develops and delivers human services throughout the assigned geographic area, targeting growth to meet need. The affiliate delivers services using program models that are considered to be best practices. Charter Requirement Charter Requirement 9: The chartered affiliate agrees to develop and conduct program services in the designated geographic area, ensuring that services are high quality, complying with applicable state and local laws and regulations and are consistent with Volunteers of America s mission. Standards 9.1 The affiliate meets licensing and regulatory requirements of all Federal, State and local bodies having jurisdiction over its services. 9.2 All facilities conform to applicable zoning and building codes. Facilities, including housing complexes, provide a safe, well-maintained and secure living environment for the individuals served. 9.3 Program performance standards are adopted; the quality and effectiveness of programs are evaluated and documented in writing; and accreditation is pursued where feasible. 9.4 The affiliate is responsive to current needs and evaluates its own capacity and feasibility of all of its program services to address those needs within Volunteers of America s mission. 9.5 The affiliate fosters collaboration in program services with Volunteers of America entities and other organizations. 10 Minimum Expected Practices: a) The affiliate has a process for internal quality review and monitors trends. Summaries of quality reviews/external and internal audits are reported to the board on an on-going basis. b) The affiliate has a process for consumer satisfaction reviews, and results are reported to the board on at least an annual basis. Trends are analyzed and management implements processes for improvement. c) The affiliate supports program staff participation in Volunteers of America national program networks and training provided by the national office. d) The affiliate strives for funding diversity by pursuing a variety of sustainable, financially sound, program opportunities within the core competencies identified by the local organization. The affiliate considers program development opportunities researched by the national office or other affiliates for replication in their geographic area. e) When program quality standards are not set by external funders, the affiliate develops measurable standards for program performance and a method of insuring compliance.

f) Housing developments/complexes operated and/or managed by the affiliate have the type, variety and amount of services in place that provide for the well being of the tenants. g) Program facilities and housing developments/complexes, owned, operated or managed by the affiliate, provide for the safety and security of the consumers, tenants and/or residents, and preventative maintenance schedules will be in place. h) The CEO shall report to the national office less than satisfactory program ratings, deficient or poor audit findings or threatened loss of contract funding in programs, such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons contracts, Grant and Per diem contracts, HUD continuum or housing or housing tax credits where poor or deficit ratings likely threaten the organization as a whole from further development in these areas. All such ratings require a focused plan for remediation in consultation with the national office. i) Professional/clinical staff are offered on-going training opportunities to maintain and increase their certifications related to their programmatic responsibilities. Key program staff will participate in local and national conferences in order to stay informed regarding best practices in their respective service fields. j) The closure of a significant program will be reflected in local board minutes and discussed by the local board. Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07 11

VI Management and Staff The affiliate employs a diverse workforce and administers fair and equitable human resources practices. The management of the affiliate resides with the chief executive officer, who reports to the Board of Directors. Charter Requirement Charter Requirement 10: The chartered affiliate agrees to maintain personnel policies and practices for an effective and diverse workforce that comply with applicable laws and regulations. Standards 10.1 The affiliate s workforce and its controlled organizations reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. 10.2 The affiliate utilizes a compensation and benefits plan and staff performance evaluation system. 10.3 The affiliate utilizes written personnel and conflict of interest policies that comply with applicable laws and address employment of family members. 10.4 The President/CEO is responsible for ensuring that personnel and volunteers are managed in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and sound personnel and volunteer practices. 10.5 The affiliate encourages professional development for personnel, including participation in Volunteers of America, Inc. conferences and trainings. 10.6 The affiliate ensures that each employee is aware of the supervisory lines of authority and the lines of communication within the organization. 12 Minimum Expected Practices a) The management of the affiliate resides with the full-time CEO who is responsible for the overall management of the affiliate s operations consistent with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and sound operational principles and practices. The CEO reports violations of the labor and employment laws and regulations to the national office. The affiliate has adopted the required whistleblower and record retention policies in the format recommended by the national office. The CEO agrees to appropriately address complaints in a timely manner and report this response to national office. These types of substantive issues will be reflected in affiliate board minutes. b) The affiliate promotes and supports Equal Opportunity for all employees and has a diverse workforce that is reflective of the area where the office is located. This is reviewed yearly through the EEO-1 reporting and an Affirmative Action Program, where appropriate. The affiliate employs a qualified and experienced individual to lead the affiliate s Human Resources department. c) The affiliate assures that the organization has a written set of policies for employees and volunteers that are reviewed and periodically updated that cover all aspects of the affiliate s relationship with its employees and volunteers. These policies must include an anti-nepotism policy and a conflict of interest policy.

d) The affiliate provides unemployment insurance, workers compensation and all other mandatory employment programs as determined by local, state, and federal governments. e) The CEO or designee ensures that the affiliate has a written job description for each position within the affiliate s workforce. These position descriptions include the educational requirements, the day-to-day job duty requirements and seek to define in general terms the physical requirements of the job and the lines of supervision and communication. f) The affiliate utilizes a consistent compensation and benefits system for each job classification. Compensation programs demonstrate internal and external equity. g) The affiliate has established itself as a drug free workplace and has policies and programs in place to maintain that environment. h) The affiliate annually reviews and reports to the Board the status of its work force using the EEO-1 or other work force analysis tools, and utilizes the information to further define or refine employment and hiring practices. i) The affiliate supports management staff participation in Volunteers of America national program networks and training provided by the national office. j) The senior staff completes an annual conflict of interest statement utilizing a format similar to that of the national organization. k) The affiliate sets management metrics, such as tracking turnover, to determine trends. Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07 13

VII Operating Authority The affiliate operates with approved Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, complying with applicable statutes and regulations, and participates with Volunteers of America, Inc. reviews and requests. Charter Requirements Charter Requirement 11: The chartered affiliate agrees to adopt Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws that are approved by the board of directors of Volunteers of America, Inc., and that include the following provisions: a) Identification of the corporation s purpose as performing the Christian mission of the Volunteers of America church. b) The president/ceo of the chartered affiliate shall be either a commissioned minister of Volunteers of America, Inc. or a constituent member of Volunteers of America, Inc. working towards becoming a commissioned minister. c) Identification of the corporation as a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation under state and federal law. d) Voting membership of the corporation to be determined by the corporation as long as a valid charter issued by Volunteers of America, Inc. is maintained. In the event that the board of directors of Volunteers of America, Inc. determines that the charter requirements fail to be met, the voting membership will be the Board of Directors of Volunteers of America, Inc. e) In the event of dissolution of the corporation, the residual assets shall be distributed to Volunteers of America, Inc. or its qualified designee and Volunteers of America, Inc. or its designee shall be appointed as liquidator and/or administrator of the dissolution. f) No amendments or changes to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws can take effect until approved by the board of directors of Volunteers of America, Inc. Charter Requirement 12: The chartered affiliate agrees to comply with all local, state and federal statutes and regulations. Chartered affiliates included in the group exemption of Volunteers of America, Inc. agree to comply with all requirements of the group exemption. Charter Requirement 13: The chartered affiliate agrees to participate in periodic reviews by Volunteers of America, Inc. and provide open access to Volunteers of America, Inc. to all records, programs and facilities, as requested. Charter Requirement 14: The chartered affiliate agrees to establish or have ownership interest in additional corporations or participate in formal partnerships only with approval of Volunteers of America, Inc., either in writing or in accordance with a specific Volunteers of America policy. 14

Standards 11.1 Articles of incorporation and bylaws are adopted by the local board of directors that are consistent with the laws in the state in which it is incorporated and the model articles of incorporation and bylaws of Volunteers of America, Inc. 11.2 Articles of incorporation, as a non-profit corporation, are filed with the secretary of state and other appropriate regulatory bodies. The affiliate will always be incorporated as a nonprofit corporation. 11.3 Articles of incorporation and bylaws and any amendments are approved in advance by the national organization. 11.4 Any interest in Related Organizations shall be established only with the prior, written approval of the national office. Related Organizations are any affiliated or subsidiary corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, joint ventures, auxiliaries or any other legal organization by which the affiliate carries out the activities of Volunteers of America within its chartered jurisdiction. 11.5 The local board of directors governs the affiliate consistent with the articles of incorporation and bylaws. 11.6 The affiliate and Related Organizations are included within Volunteers of America s group tax exemption, where applicable, and separate exemption is sought only with national organization approval. 12.1 The affiliate ensures that its Related Organizations are in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. 12.2 The affiliate ensures that its activities and those of its Related Organizations, where applicable, are consistent with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and the church status of Volunteers of America, Inc. 12.3 The affiliate files annual reports with appropriate regulatory agencies, if required. 14.1 The affiliate participates in periodic reviews for charter compliance by Volunteers of America, Inc. and provides full access to Volunteers of America, Inc. of all records, programs, and facilities of the affiliate and its Related Organizations, as requested and in a timely manner. Minimum Expected Practices a) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are reviewed at least every five years. b) The affiliate operations support the group tax exemption. c) In the issuance or use of any tax-exempt securities or other financial instrument sold to the general public, the affiliate has national office s review and approval of such financing instruments before committing to the proposed financing. d) Advance written national approval is secured for articles and bylaws and any amendments. e) All requested materials are provided to the national office in a timely manner. f) Full access to records, programs and facilities is provided. g) Advance written national approval is secured for any interest in Related Organizations. h) Any allegations of non-compliance with federal or state laws or regulations are reported to the national organization. 15

i) The affiliate complies with section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and Volunteers of America s church status. j) Any unrelated business income is reported to the Internal Revenue Service. k) Annual reports, as required, are filed with regulatory agencies. l) The affiliate ensures that governing documents and operations of such Related Organizations protect the interest of Volunteers of America and remain consistent with established standards. 16 Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07

VIII Community Support and Engagement The affiliate engages the public in support of its services and operates with the highest ethical standards, with transparency and accountability and provides sound agency administration of resources. Charter Requirements Charter Requirement 15: The chartered affiliate agrees to develop corporate resources, provide effective and ethical stewardship, manage financial assets, provide effective recruitment and use of volunteers, and provide sound agency administration of corporate and community resources entrusted to the affiliate. Standards 15.1 The affiliate complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws governing charitable solicitations and with the code of ethical principles and standards of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals. The affiliate establishes and exercises control over fund raising practices and activities that are conducted for its benefit and/or its behalf by staff, volunteers, consultants, and contractors. 15.2 The affiliate develops an annual financial development strategy that supports the overall strategic plan of the affiliate and is consistent with national fund-raising goals. The affiliate adheres to established protocols when soliciting both regional and national corporations and foundations. 15.3 The affiliate ensures accountability to donors and the public by making available upon request annual reports, which include audited financial statements and the pro forma Form 990. All solicitation materials and information representing the affiliate are accurate, direct, factual, truthful and avoid obfuscation. Solicitation materials clearly conform to standards set forth in the licensing agreement for use of the organization s name, symbols, trademarks, properties, and graphics. The affiliate applies a reasonable percentage of public contributions to services described in solicitations and strives to meet donor expectations as set forth by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 15.4 The affiliate engages individuals and organizations in carrying out its mission and services. 15.5 The affiliate actively administers either periodic or ongoing volunteer activities. 15.6 Financial reporting of the corporation, undertaken by professionally qualified staff, is in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States (GAAP), funding source requirements, and local, state and federal laws. 15.7 The affiliate complies to accepted volunteer practices and ethical standards in managing its volunteers. 17

Minimum Expected Practices a) The affiliate s fund raising program meets all local, state or federal laws concerning fund raising. b) Internet fundraising clearly identifies the local service area of the affiliate. c) The affiliate supports public relations, development and volunteer services staff participation in Volunteers of America national program networks and training provided by the national office, and the development staff comply with the ethical standards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. d) The affiliate participates in national corporate partnerships and related programs. e) The affiliate remains financially solvent as measured by its liquidity, profitability, debt, long-term growth, long-term profitability, and diversity of revenue sources. f) An annual audit is completed by an independent certified public account and is reviewed by the full Board of Directors. g) The affiliate publishes its annual report and related documents in multiple media formats. 18 Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07

IX Risk Management The affiliate protects Volunteers of America operations and assets through appropriate risk management activities and sufficient insurance coverage. Charter Requirement Charter Requirement 16: The chartered affiliate agrees to maintain appropriate risk management practices and sufficient insurance to protect the affiliate and Volunteers of America, Inc., from claims arising out of the chartered affiliate s operations. Standards 16.1 The affiliate regularly analyzes program operations, human resources and volunteer management, physical plant maintenance, vehicle operation, charitable solicitations, loss of reputation, loss of key staff or leadership volunteers, loss of key programs and policy actions and manages and/or insures identified risks. 16.2 The affiliate obtains insurance in amounts adequate to protect the affiliate s assets. 16.3 Volunteers of America, Inc. is an additional insured, primary coverage, on all forms of liability coverage and for any property for which Volunteers of America, Inc. holds the title. Minimum Expected Practices a) The affiliate uses a process to identify, analyze, and categorize the severity and frequency of risk involved in program operations, human resources and volunteer services management, physical plant operations and maintenance, vehicle operations, technology applications, communications, loss of reputation, loss of key staff or leadership volunteers, loss of key programs and develops an on-going process to manage the identified risk. b) The affiliate complies with its plans to manage risks. c) The affiliate has a functioning safety program emphasizing risk reduction and risk prevention. d) Risk management assessments and risk management progress reports are shared at least annually with the Board of Directors. e) The affiliate has a process to select insurance coverage that identifies carriers that are rated at least very good by A. M. Best. If an admitted carrier is not available, then the board has specifically authorized use of a non-admitted carrier. f) The affiliate tracks all incidents and manages their resolution to minimize losses. g) The affiliate annually reviews the affiliate s Certificate of Insurance with the agent/ broker and determines need for new or additional coverage. Adopted by the National Board of Directors 2-24-07 19

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