Orientation

As outlined in "Team Leader Role" the first 10 +/- minutes of each shift will consist of a brief orientation session conducted by each Team Leader for his or her team of approximately 8 volunteers. Obviously Team Leaders will have their own styles and ideas on how to deliver the message so this is just a general list, not a script.

BEFORE WORK BEGINS
 

Each volunteer will be asked to sign a waiver at the hospitality area (the blue canopy) and given his/her GPIP button, Team Number and told to gather at their assigned work area prior to the start of the work session, which will be marked by a sign bearing the Team Number. Team Leaders should be at their respective areas to welcome volunteers, make sure they have their GPIP button, and cat-herd as needed. The sign-in area will have pictures of oriental bittersweet and poison ivy for volunteers to look at.

 

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION CHECKLIST

Thank everyone for volunteering.

Introductions:

• Have each team member briefly introduce themselves.
• Make sure everyone has signed the waiver.
• Observe their state of preparation (gloves, safety glasses, etc.), and that they have proper equipment.
• Make note of anyone inexperienced or who may have special needs.

Safety  First:

 

·         Point out location of the first aid table and break area.

·         Work at your own pace, there's no hurry.

·         Take rest breaks and hydrate frequently.

·         Keep a good working distance between yourself and others.

·         Do not try to pull vines down.

·         Check overhead as you move around the work area and avoid working under hanging branches or weakened trees.

·         Avoid multiflora rose unless you are experienced dealing with the thorns.

·         Stay away from poison ivy!

o       Do not touch your face if you have touched poison ivy (assume you have touched poison ivy even if you don't think you did).

o       There is Tecnu at the break area.

o       When you get home use Tecnu again, wash clothing immediately, take a shower, and assume there is poison ivy on your shoes.

·         Ticks: Check for ticks as soon as you can after working.

Plant Identification:

·         Point out poison ivy first. It will be in all work areas so easy to show the team.

·         Identify oriental bittersweet vines (large, small, on trees and in thickets).

·         Point out any beneficial plants marked with ribbon and other plants we want to keep.

Describe The Work To Be Done:

·         Cutting oriental bittersweet vines (demonstrate if possible):

o       Cut about 12" from the ground.

o       Then cut about 5' to 7' from the ground, so about a 5' section of the vine is cut out.

o       Throw the cut sections into pile(s) as determined by the Team Leader for the particular area.

·         Cutting multiflora rose (experienced people with heavy gloves only) as needed to access oriental bittersweet vines.

·         DO NOT CUT beneficial plants marked with pink or green ribbons, ferns, non-invasives.

·         Let people know they don't have to work the whole shift; if they are fatigued or uncomfortable with the work they should feel free to sign out.

·         Stay away from poison ivy!

Questions:

·         Ask if there are any questions.

·         Invite morning volunteers to the afternoon session if they are so inclined.

·         Let volunteers know the Team Leader is there to answer any questions and help make sure it's a good, safe day for everyone.

·         Thank the volunteers again.

·         Ask everyone to sign out and return their buttons when they leave.