At Youth Volunteer Corps, we take the health, welfare, and safety of all of our staff, volunteers, communities, and partners seriously. As you know, on March 11, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As we closely monitor daily updates and recommendations from the CDC, we want to share with you the steps we are taking to keep our staff, volunteers, and partners safe.
If anyone in your household is not feeling well, we ask that you stay home to help flatten the curve. YVC encourages you to follow the CDC, DHEC, WHO, and local government recommendations for mitigation. For more information about COVID-19 click here.

Here are some of the precautions YVC is taking this school year to ensure participant safety.

• YVC will be limited to groups of eight (not including staff).
• Masks and Gloves will be provided to participants when needed.
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be available at all times.
• Hand washing will be encouraged and mandatory when changing locations.
• Each YVC event will have a primary leader and appoint a safety team volunteer to help the primary leader. 
  • The safety team volunteer will help to ensure physical distancing and sanitation protocols are met as outlined, including use of masks and gloves where appropriate. They will also assist the primary leader in monitoring proper sanitation of the vans, tools and work sites.

Here are some ways you can volunteer to help our community during these hard times.

1. Make videos or e-cards for the elderly or other at-risk populations that cannot receive visitors; for medical professionals thanking them for their above-and-beyond care for patients; for members of the National Guard who are responding to the Coronavirus; for teachers and parents transitioning to at-home education. 
2. Work with local animal shelters to create adoption flyers for animals. 
3. Conduct virtual tutoring for younger youth.
4. If able, start seeds in your own yard or garden to transplant into a community garden at a later date. 
5. Record a podcast, audio series, or video series featuring conversations between and for youth volunteers.