Transportation Policy

Transportation Policy for Volunteers of Agape Pamoja

At Agape Pamoja, the safety and well-being of our community members, especially minors, is of utmost importance. This transportation policy outlines the requirements and expectations for volunteers who provide transportation for minors within the Agape Pamoja community. All volunteers are required to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone involved: 

1. Prior Approval for Transportation Volunteers are not permitted to offer or provide transportation to Agape Pamoja minors without prior approval from the Agape Pamoja Executive Team. Unauthorized transportation of minors is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. 

2. Driver Requirements Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and provide a copy to the Agape Pamoja Executive Team prior to transporting minors. Volunteers must pass a background check conducted by Agape Pamoja. Volunteers must have maintained a clean driving record for the past three years, free of any history of DUI, reckless driving, excessive speeding, or other serious traffic violations. Volunteers must follow all state laws regarding operating a motor vehicle. Volunteers must carry valid and current state-mandated auto insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum coverage requirements. Proof of insurance must be provided to Agape Pamoja prior to transporting minors and updated as necessary. Volunteers are responsible for their own insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Agape Pamoja does not provide auto insurance for volunteers driving personal vehicles. 

3. Vehicle Requirements Volunteers must use a vehicle that is: Registered and compliant with state laws. Appropriately maintained and free of safety issues, including functioning brakes, lights, turn signals, and properly inflated tires. Equipped with working seat belts for all passengers. Clean and safe, with no interior hazards. Volunteers are encouraged to report any safety concerns regarding their vehicle to Agape Pamoja before transporting minors. 

4. Seat Belt Usage All passengers, including the driver and minors, must wear working seat belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that seat belts are properly fastened before operating the vehicle. 

5. Seating Arrangements If a volunteer is transporting a minor alone, the minor must sit in a different row than the driver to ensure appropriate boundaries and safeguards. When possible, volunteers should avoid transporting a minor of the opposite sex solo or transporting students 10 years old and under solo. Minors should be seated in age-appropriate seating (e.g., booster seats or car seats) as required by state law. 

6. Drop-Off and Pick-Up Guidelines Minors should only be dropped off at the location communicated by the Agape Pamoja Executive Team. If any exception is needed, it must have prior approval from the Executive Team. If a minor is not picked up for any reason (e.g., the minor was not at the designated pick-up location), this must be immediately communicated to the Executive Team. When possible, volunteers should walk the minor to the front door of their destination. At a minimum, volunteers must visually ensure the minor enters the property safely. 

7. Transportation Restrictions Volunteers must not make detours or unscheduled stops except in the case of an emergency or with Executive Team approval. Volunteers must not transport non-approved passengers under any circumstances. 

8. Reporting and Accountability Any accidents, incidents, or concerns that occur during transportation must be reported to Agape Pamoja immediately. Volunteers are expected to uphold the values and mission of Agape Pamoja by prioritizing the safety and well-being of the minors in their care. 

9. Policy Violations If at any time this policy is broken, the volunteer may be suspended from driving activities and, if necessary, from their volunteer role entirely, at the Executive Team’s discretion. The Agape Pamoja Executive Team will review any violations and determine appropriate actions, which may include retraining, suspension, or termination of volunteer responsibilities. 

This policy is designed to create a safe and respectful environment for all members of the Agape Pamoja community. Thank you for your commitment to serving and protecting our youth! 

Once you have read the above please click the REGISTER button above to complete your electronic signature for your Acknowledgement.