This is a quick guide for new volunteers, returning volunteers, and anyone else looking for a simple instruction manual for compliance. This covers Guides, Apprentices, ATAs, and Trip Leaders seeking Guide status. (Maintaining or regaining lapsed TL status is more complicated. Contact Ryan for info on that.)
With the exception of CPR, every item on this list can be completed online!
Become a member of the Sierra Club. If your membership is expired, renew it. Tell Ryan or Malcolm your membership number. We can use the membership number to verify your membership with The Sierra Club. The payment receipt isn't actually useful.
Read & Sign the Sierra Club Outings Volunteer Agreement and the ICO Code of Ethics.
The Outings Volunteer Agreement defines your relationship with The Sierra Club, and includes legal waivers of your rights. Read it carefully.
The ICO Code of Ethics describes appropriate behavior on ICO trips.
You can sign both of these forms electronically. Ask Ryan and he will send you the documents.
If you are over age 18, complete Mandated Reporter Training annually. The training is free, online, and takes only about 40 minutes to complete. If you have California-compliant mandated reporter training from another source (for example, from your job), we can accept that instead.
If you are over age 18, complete a criminal and DMV records check. The records checks are completed online. Ryan can initiate the process.
The criminal records check is continued regularly until stopped.
The DMV records check must be completed every 4 years. It is optional, but required to drive on ICO trips.
Get certified in adult CPR. Note that we cannot accept fully online training. Some portion of the CPR trainings must be in person (such as a skills challenge). We have a list of providers here.
Get certified in Standard First Aid or higher. We have a list of providers here.
That's it! Be sure to send pictures of your certification cards to Ryan or Malcolm. We are required to keep records for ourselves and for the Sierra Club.
If you want more information check out of FAQ, the detailed Compliance Guide, or contact Ryan or Malcolm directly.