Template · People
New volunteer orientation checklist
A checklist for a volunteer's first shift and first month: welcome, safety, policies, the role, who to ask, and a check-in, signed off as you go.
Three editable formats: Word (.docx), Rich Text (.rtf) and plain text (.txt). Reviewed October 21, 2026.
How to use this template
- Download it as a Word file (.docx), which opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages and LibreOffice, or as Rich Text (.rtf) or plain text (.txt). All three are editable.
- Fill in every blank. Blanks are in square brackets, like [ORGANIZATION NAME], and are highlighted in the preview below. Delete any bracketed notes you don't need.
- Make it yours. Check it against your bylaws and your state's rules, and change anything that doesn't fit. Have your board approve it where it says so.
- Printing? Print this page: the printout leaves out the site's menus and shows the template with lines for the blanks.
Use this checklist the first time a new volunteer comes in, and again at their one-month check-in. It makes sure every volunteer hears the same essentials, especially about safety and confidentiality, and that nothing is forgotten on a busy day. Our guide to volunteer management explains why the first few weeks decide whether a volunteer stays; our volunteer handbook template holds the full policies this checklist points to.
How to use it
- Before the first shift, send a welcome message: where to go, what to wear, who will meet them.
- On the first day, go through Parts 1 to 4 with the volunteer. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Tick each item as you cover it.
- After about a month, use Part 5 for a short check-in.
- Keep the signed checklist with the volunteer's records, following your document retention policy.
- Adapt it to the role. A volunteer who drives, handles money or works with children needs more; see our guides to volunteer screening and safeguarding and youth volunteers.
- Keep the unpaid status clear. The Department of Labor describes charity volunteers as people who give their time "not as employees and without contemplation of pay." Don't promise pay or perks that look like wages.
Preview
New volunteer orientation: [VOLUNTEER NAME]
Organization: [ORGANIZATION NAME]
Role: [ROLE TITLE]
First day: [DATE]
Orientation led by: [NAME AND ROLE]
Buddy for the first few shifts: [NAME]
Part 1. Welcome
Part 2. Safety
Part 3. Policies in plain words
Part 4. The role
Part 5. One-month check-in
Date: [DATE]
Notes: [NOTES]
Sign-off
Volunteer: [NAME] Signature: [SIGNATURE] Date: [DATE]
Orientation lead: [NAME] Signature: [SIGNATURE] Date: [DATE]
Template from Golden Hint: goldenhint.org/resources/templates/new-volunteer-orientation-checklist. Reviewed October 21, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Keep going
- GuideGetting the most from a pro bono or volunteer expertA short kickoff, a written scope, a steady rhythm and an honest close: how to work with a volunteer professional so the help lands and the relationship lasts.
- GuideInvolving volunteers under 18How to welcome teenage volunteers safely: parent permission, supervision, keeping volunteering from turning into work, tasks to avoid, transport and photos.
- GuideRecognizing volunteers all yearA simple plan for thanking volunteers in ways they value: everyday thanks, milestones, growth, public credit with consent, and gifts that don't look like pay.
- Founder pathwayRunning day-to-day operationsOpen a bank account, keep simple books, get insured, treat volunteers and workers fairly, protect people's data and adopt the core policies.
Sources
Checked on October 21, 2026. Rules and fees change, so follow the links for the current version.
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