Intern and Volunteer Welcome Packet Information to make your experience with us an awesome one! The Arts of Humanity www.theartsofhumanity.org 708-609-7759 info@theartsofhumanity.org #fahfawards 1 P a g e
Table of Contents Welcome Letter..3 About Arts of Humanity. 4 Mission 4 Vision 4 Goals 4 Values.. 4 History... 5 Programs.. 5 Who CARES.. 6 Fashion & Arts Humanity Fete... 7 AofH CARES: Volunteer Campaign.. 7 Working with Us.. 8 Volunteer. 8 Intern.. 8 Team Member.. 8 Code of Conduct.. 9 Getting Started with Us 11 What to Expect/Our Culture. 11 What s Next....12 Contact List. 12 Commitment Form....13 2 P a g e
Dear New Team Member, Welcome to The Arts of Humanity and Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete! We are extremely thrilled that out of the thousands of non-profit organizations, you felt inspired to work with us. Rather you are a volunteer or an intern, we greatly appreciate what you will offer us. I personally want to thank you for using your time to make The Arts of Humanity one of the best non-profit organizations in the Chicagoland area. It s people like you who help inspire others to continue to be the change we need to creatively spread love and unity throughout Illinois and our nation. The Arts of Humanity is a 501 (c) 3 organization that cares about teaching, developing, and recognizing creative humanitarians. We are a fairly new organization, but already, our impact has been phenomenal! Continuing to achieve our mission is contingent upon the diligent efforts and success of our team members, interns, and volunteers. As you go through the contents of this packet, think about how you, your ideas, and your skills will better serve this organization. If you have any questions, you can always get in touch with me. Don t hesitate to call, e-mail, or text me; I am here to help. Keep this packet as your reference. Once you have read it, complete, sign (e-signature, regular, or digital signature is fine), and e-mail the commitment form to our Recruitment Specialist, Jennifer, at jennifer@theartsofhumanity.org. I can t wait to get to know you and I m excited to see how you will advance The Arts of Humanity! Sincerely, Renita Manley-Garrett Renita Manley-Garrett, Executive Director CC: Jennifer Johnson, Recruitment Specialist Zoe Kristen, Associate Director 3 P a g e
About Arts of Humanity A key component to being a humanitarian, someone concerned with or who seeks to promote human welfare, is volunteering. However, it takes more than volunteering to have a true impact. Two things as simple as caring and creativity can have a lasting, memorable impact on those we choose to help, and it is these two qualities that are at the heart of The Arts of Humanity. The Arts of Humanity is a 501(c) (3) organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Specifically, The Arts of Humanity is an organization that cares about teaching, developing, and recognizing creative humanitarians. Those involved in the creative arts create to tell stories, bring people together, arouse feelings, and ignite senses. However, all successful artists know that in order to truly accomplish the aforementioned, they must have the ability to connect with and understand others. Thus, the idea of humanity enters, and the relationship between the two becomes recognizable. It s no wonder why creative individuals are often humanitarians. Their intuitive desire to uplift the human spirit is fulfilled though their works of art. But for many, their desire to advance the human spirit naturally leads to their commitment to advance human welfare. Our Mission Teach, develop, and recognize creative humanitarians. Our Vision A world full of memorable and creative humanitarians. Our Goals 1. Foster participants humanitarian and civic qualities. 2. Provide present and future opportunities to hone humanitarian traits and civic responsibility. 3. Recognize creative humanitarians via an energetic, engaging, and entertaining platform. Our Values Social and Emotional Development/Learning The Arts Humanity 4 P a g e
History It all started with Fashion Fetish Fete, which was inspired by Renita Manley-Garrett s (founder) passion and enthusiasm for the advancement of human welfare via the arts in 2010. Renita s attentiveness to human welfare began at an early age while observing her father suffer from Vietnam Syndrome. She sought to do all she could to help him cope, but his troubles opened her eyes to local and worldwide suffering; thus, Renita knew she would dedicate her time to helping others. A violinist for 9 years, pianist for 5 years, private fashion consultant, and current certified literature teacher, the arts have always been special to Renita. While an emerging fashion consultant in Chicago, she met inspiring industry peers using their talents to help others. Renita realized no one knew about their humanitarian and kind efforts. These amazing individuals were often perceived as superficial. Because of her love for advancing human welfare and the arts, Renita wanted to pay homage to those industry leaders who were using their talents to advance humanity and motivate others to do the same. She was blessed with the idea of putting together a fashion show while honoring fashion entities who used the arts to advance human welfare, thus Fashion Fetish Fete was born. The following year, Renita decided to include all the arts in the awards show and put more focus on humanity. With these changes came a name change: Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete (FAHF). After each show, attendees would inquire about more programming, how they could help, and discussed how youth should be more involved because the show is full of amazing leaders and inspiration. Renita used the feedback of attendees, and her love for teaching, to found The Arts of Humanity. Renita, along with a group of arts, humanity, and academic enthusiasts founded The Arts of Humanity. It became the umbrealla organization for FAHF and other programs dedicated to creative humanitarians. Programs In order to fulfill our goals and address our values, The Arts of Humanity currently has three programs. Who CARES: Teach participants how to become creative humanitarians. Addresses mostly Social and Emotional Learning. Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete ( FAHF): Recognizes creative humanitarians. Addresses the arts and humanity. AofH CARES: Develops humane traits in various artists and arts aficionados. Addresses mostly humanity. 5 P a g e
Who CARES Who CARES was born directly from the success of Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete and the organization s desire to continue inspiring humanity among youth. Participants in Who CARES and Spirit of Beauty showing Valentines cards for patients at Advocate Children's Hospital. Currently, there are many youth volunteer programs. Although volunteering is the go to action for humanitarians and vital to humanity, one must ask: is volunteering alone enough for youth to possess the same amazing characteristics as FAHF honorees? Is volunteering alone enough for youth to become humanitarians and caring citizens? Volunteering alone does not equate to caring, and caring is an essential trait of effective citizens and humanitarians, a trait that FAHF Honorees possess. They re passionate and involved with the lives of the people they serve; they feel their pains, struggles, and happiness. For them, volunteering is only a necessary aspect of their calling as artists and humanitarians. FAHF s Honorees, effective citizens, and humanitarians have consistencies in their character. They re: Creative, Action driven, Respectful/Responsible, Empathetic, and Selfless. Those characteristics abbreviated make the name of The Arts of Humanity s youth program: Who CARES. At Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete (FAHF), recognizing creative humanitarians and providing them with an effective platform is the number one goal. However, The Arts of Humanity has made it their responsibility to not only recognize, but build life long, creative humanitarians. That responsibility is the purpose of Who CARES. Who CARES is The Arts of Humanity's youth program that teaches its participants principle virtues (CARES) of a creative humanitarian. Specifically to The Arts of Humanity, creative humanitarians think of innovative, fun, and engaging ways to support and advance the lives of others. Youth who participate in our program learn how they can activate their individual, creative thinking skills in order to become caring, memorable, daily, and life-long humanitarians. What makes our teaching and curriculum unique is that we incorporate the arts and creative thinking activities. 6 P a g e
Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete is an annual, high quality, awards show that honors humanitarian achievements in the fashion and arts industries. This top-notch production is infused with arts entertainment, performances, and special guest appearances. The purpose of FAHF is to give accolades to creative individuals for their contributions to society. Additionally, this awards show provides encouragement and motivation for others to become volunteers and/or humanitarians. Honorees of the FAHF Humanitarian Awards are individuals who work in fashion, design, arts, music, culinary arts, theater, media, literature, many athletic, and other arts fields that use their talents to complete acts of kindness, volunteer, or to be humanitarians Cece and Melinda accepting Humanitarian Award at the inaugural FAHF( formerly Fashion Fetish Fete). A.of H. CARES: Volunteer Campaign The Arts of Humanity (A. of H.) has always been rooted in continuing its acts of kindness and humanitarian endeavors year round. Immediately following the first Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete Awards Show, A of H began their campaign to serve others and bring together members of the fashion and arts industries for service projects. Some of the many organizations that have benefitted from A of H Cares: Volunteer Campaign include: MGR Foundation Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Bud Billikin Parade Princess Closet Spirit of Beauty, and Future Founders Youth modeling Bella + Sophia at FAHF2013. A of H Cares: Volunteer Campaign works with various entities on their projects which encompass at least one of our organization values. This campaign also brings together entities and supporters of the various arts industries for service projects. 7 P a g e
Working with Us Working with us is an excellent strategy to expand your network in the general arts, academics, social, and civic minded communities. Working with us allows you the opportunity to learn more about what others are doing to advance to human welfare and you too will gain insight into how you can creatively be of service to others. Below are the categories for those who internally assist The Arts of Humanity. Volunteer Volunteering with The Arts of Humanity means you are a making a one-time commitment to assisting with an event, program, or task. Being a volunteer can last anywhere from 2 minutes to 2 hours or 2 days to 2 weeks. It all depends on the capacity and scope of the volunteer task. There are numerous ways to be a one-time volunteer. Intern Interning with The Arts of Humanity means that you are passionate about our values and willing to make a longterm (usually 6 months) commitment to helping us advance the organization internally. Interns learn the ins and outs of The Arts of Humanity, represent The Arts of Humanity at public events and in various mediums, and meet goals weekly to grow our programs. Currently, internships with The Arts of Humanity are unpaid; we encourage students to talk with the appropriate entities about earning credit or fulfilling program/graduation requirements upon completing internships with us. Permanent Team Member Becoming a permanent team members means that you are willing and ready to become an official representative of The Arts of Humanity, with on-going professional responsibilities. You become entrusted with making decisions on behalf of the organization without seeking prior approval. As a Permanent Team Member, you use your professional expertise to advance The Arts of Humanity. You create and lead programs, curriculums, workshops, and oversee volunteers and some interns. Joining our Board of Directors is also another way arts, humanity, and academic enthusiasts can become Permanent Team Members. Contact our recruitment specialist to learn more about working with us. You can also visit our website to learn more about the various ways you can help The Arts of Humanity grow and achieve its goals. 8 P a g e
Organization Code of Conduct 1. Respect the human dignity and protect the civil and legal rights of all organization participants. 2. Grow professionally while with us; we want you to use The Arts of Humanity to leverage your career, but please do so with honesty and integrity. 3. Behavior between The Arts of Humanity volunteers, interns, and team members will be of such character to promote mutual respect and to facilitate the goals of our organization at all times. 4. Statements critical of The Arts of Humanity and those working with us are best made privately, only as these are verifiable and constructive in purpose. We value your feedback, especially if we hear it directly from those working with us. 5. Those working with us will respect the importance of all elements of The Arts of Humanity and work to cultivate a professional cooperation with it. 6. Those working with us will respect and protect the right of The Arts of Humanity to be safe-guarded from criminal activity. 7. Those working with us will act in their official capacity only. 8. When representing The Arts of Humanity, please do not promote partisan political activities and beliefs and please do not promote religious beliefs. 9. If you are ever in a situation where you have to speak publicly as a representative of The Arts of Humanity will clearly distinguish between those that are personal views and those that are statements and positions on behalf of The Arts of Humanity. When possible, do not address the media directly. Send all media inquiries to our Media Coordinator or Executive Director. 10. Those working with us will report to the Executive Director, without reservation, any corrupt or unethical behavior which could affect either a program participant or the integrity of the organization. 11. Those working with us will not discriminate against anyone showing an interest in The Arts of Humanity on the basis of race, sex, creed, or national origin. 12. Those working with us will maintain the integrity of private information; they will neither seek personal data beyond that needed to perform their responsibilities, nor reveal case information to anyone. 13. Those working with us will remain professional and practice ethical decision making in all capacities when representing The Arts of Humanity. 14. Please keep in mind that your reputation is always a reflection of The Arts of Humanity. We ask that you consider us when making social media comments, especially in areas regarding academics, the arts, and humanity. 15. Those working with us will strive to remain proficient and gain new knowledge related to their job functions. 16. Those working with us are prohibited from engaging in any conduct which is criminal in nature or which would bring discredit to or jeopardize The Arts of Humanity. 17. Please do not accept personal gifts and money as a representative of The Arts of Humanity. If someone wishes to make a donation, please inform or connect them with our Associate Director. 9 P a g e
18. Feel free to drink alcohol responsibly at our events if you are 21, over 21, and have a designated driver or a safe way home. You must be able to drink legally and have a safe way home. The Arts of Humanity is not responsible for your actions or the actions of others while you are intoxicated or under the influence. 19. We ask that you do not become intoxicated or be under the influence of drugs while representing The Arts of Humanity. No drugs are allowed at any of our events. 20. When networking diligently and working hard with others, sometimes personalities conflict. If you have conflicts with a team member, remember we are all working toward the same goals. If you have a conflict with someone outside the organization, remain short and professional, and inform a The Arts of Humanity permanent team member quickly. No physical or verbal altercations please. 21. As a simple matter of practice for clarity and protection of The Arts of Humanity and those working with us: no out of pocket costs will be reimbursed unless clearly held in writing and signed by the Executive Director or the Associate Director prior to any purchases for which the volunteer wishes to be reimbursed. 22. Make working with us one of the best and most beneficial experiences of your life! Learn, grow, stay motivated, and have fun. 10 P a g e
Getting Started with Us We want to make your transition to working with us as seamless as possible. Here are a few tips to get you started. 1. Bookmark or favorite the following websites: a. http://www.theartsofhumanity.org b. https://gator3273.hostgator.com:2096/ i. The above website is where you go to use your new e- mail address. Your new e-mail is firstname@theartsofhumanity.org. Your password is firstname1234. You may change your password when you begin using your new e-mail address. NOTE: When you e-mail from your organization e-mail, please change the format to HTML so link and varying fonts work and appear properly. E-Mail addresses is applicable to interns and permanent team members only. 2. If you have a Smart Phone, download the ap GroupMe. Our team uses it daily to keep in touch with each other, share ideas, and have group meetings on the go. 3. Review your job description and review your upcoming tasks. 4. Be sure to like The Arts of Humanity on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our new YouTube Chanel. Feel free to let the world know your involvement with us. We appreciate your advocacy. Ants might gross out many of us, but they know the strength of their numbers and the power of teamwork! What to Expect/ Our Culture Our permanent team members embrace life balance, which is why we try and use any method of communication that is flexible and convenient. We work hard, in a relaxed manner. We expect from each other what we have all agreed to deliver. We practice great and timely communication. We set goals for ourselves, but we do not hound each other about meeting them. We trust each other to meet our goals. We enjoy having a good time, getting to know each other, but most of all, we enjoy upholding, expanding and evolving the effectiveness and brand of The Arts of Humanity. We listen to each other, we expect each other to share ideas and concerns, and we do not seek validation. We seek confirmation that our decisions are well thought out and the best ones for The Arts of Humanity and those who work with us. 11 P a g e L-R: Renita Manley-Garrett, Exec. Dir. and Zoe Kristen, Assoc. Dir. of The Arts of Humanity at #FAHF2014
What s Next? Upon signing and returning the following commitment form, you can expect an e-mail and/or a phone call from our Executive Director or Associate Director welcoming you to The Arts of Humanity. She will directly answer any questions you have and discuss how to get started in your position. At the time, the Executive Director will also inform you about important upcoming dates, scheduled meetings if any, and ideas she has for your involvement with The Arts of Humanity. Contact List Renita Manley-Garrett, Executive Director renita@theartsofhumanity.org 708-609-7759 Jennifer Johnson, Recruitment Specialist jennifer@theartsofhumanity.org 312-217-4341 Zoe Kristen, Associate Director zoe@theartsofhumanity.org 312-221-1166 Pete Hill, Director of Technology petehillphoto@gmail.com 804-690-1358 Jojo Goodman, Event Coordinator joletha@thearsofhumanity.org 773-240-1385 Thank you for joining The Arts of Humanity! 12 P a g e
Commitment Form Theartsofhumanity.org 708-609-7759 info@theartsofhumanity.org Name ( First, Last) Address Mobile Number Best E-Mail Please choose: Volunteer Intern Permanent Team Member Position Title: ( Please write or type the name of you position title) Known allergies Emergency contact information I,, have read and understand the contents of the volunteer packet. I agree that if I am uncertain about the contents of this packet operations of The Arts of Humanity, I will contact a team member before making any decisions. I have received and reviewed my job description and tasks. I commit to fulfilling the obligations of my position with The Arts of Humanity. Volunteer Signature and Date Recruitment Specialist Signature and Date Permanent Team Member, Title, and Date *Digital and e-signatures accepted. 13 P a g e