Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom

and beautiful exhortation Holy Quran 16|126

Volunteer
Manual
May 1st, 2015

Muslim Group of USA and Canada

VOLUNTEER MANUAL

MUSLIM GROUP OF USA AND CANADA

Volunteer Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Organization: .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Purpose of this Manual .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................... 2
Process of Application ........................................................................................................................................... 3
1.

Sign-Up Sheet............................................................................................................................................ 3

2.

Fill out Application Form .......................................................................................................................... 3

3.

Interview ................................................................................................................................................... 3

4.

Information Session .................................................................................................................................. 3

5.

Orientation ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Rules and provisions .............................................................................................................................................. 3

Frequently asked questions..................................................................................................................................... 4

THE ORGANIZATION:
The Muslim Group of USA and Canada (MG) was founded on November 23, 1977 by a collective of college
students who noted the scarcity of religious leaders equipped with the cultural literacy to nurture the spiritual and
religious needs of Muslims residing in North
America.
During its early years, the Muslim Group
steadily began to establish a regional and
international standing for its efforts to revive
Islams traditions of learning and spirituality
through an ever- expanding network of
educational programs, events, publications and
national conferences. By virtue of these efforts,
the Muslim Group was soon recognized as the
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Volunteer Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

first formal Shia organization to operate within North America.
In 1982, the Muslim Group restructured its operations into five regions that spanned the continental United
Statesand a sixth region that included Canada, thereby optimizing its activities across an expansive network that
encompassed the entire North American region. This restructuring marked a sustained period of productivity and
growth, as the Muslim Group helped establish libraries and Islamic centers throughout numerous Muslim
communities.
In the ensuing years, the extensive variety of the Muslim Groups activities and services would culminate in its
annual conference, to which thousands of faithful Muslims congregated on a yearly basis, joining them with
internationally renowned intellectuals and scholars of the Islamic tradition for an uplifting spiritual experience that
has oft been hailed as a mini-pilgrimage.
The Muslim Group of USA and Canada is an incorporated non-profit independent organization. It is not a
political party and it has no affiliation with any domestic or foreign, private or governmental establishment.

PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL

This manual serves as a guide for Volunteers on their specific roles, responsibilities, expected tasks and outcomes,
and description of tasks assigned by the Muslim Group of USA and Canada as members of this organization, as
well as, motivational information to build trust with the organization.

INTRODUCTION
The selection of volunteers to serve as members of this organization is based on several criteria:

You demonstrate interest in the organization and association.

You have a willingness to serve ; you demonstrate commitment to the organization.

You possess the ability to serve in matters of time and organization support.

You display something of value to contribute knowledge and skill.

You are reliable will assume necessary responsibilities.

You exhibit leadership and communication skills.

You must abide by the MGs set rules and regulations, ensuring you follow every step of the process they
have provided for you as a volunteer.

You will demonstrate good character, appropriate behavior, professionalism, and proper etiquette in all
aspects of your given duty.

You will examine all candidates for volunteering and observe closely.

You will not judge an individual by any background information, opinion, or action.

You will not embark on any individualistic decisions without team leader or executive permission.

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Volunteer Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

PROCESS OF APPLICATION
The following steps outline the way to apply to the organization as a volunteer:

1. Sign-Up Sheet

Ensure you sign up on the sign-up sheet available at the year-end conference.

MG Sign-Up
Sheet.docx

2. Fill out Application Form

Fill out application form located online or on paper. Make sure to provide two completed reference forms from
someone in a leadership/advisory role.

MG Volunteer
Application.docx

3. Interview

A volunteer coordinator will review your application with the executive board. You will be contacted via email (or
phone if preferred) to schedule an interview. The interview will take place either by phone or in person, depending
on availability.

4. Information Session

An information session will be scheduled to occur once a month to help potential volunteers learn more about the
volunteer programs available at the organization. Sessions introduce applicants to the structure of the organization
and the kind of volunteers MG is looking for.

5. Orientation

If applicant has been chosen as a good fit for the organization, an email will be sent (or phone call if preferred) to
schedule an orientation. If an applicant was determined to be unfit for the organization, an email or phone call will
also be made. Orientations cover the policies and procedures of the organization.

RULES AND PROVISIONS

Recruiters are expected to:

Abide by the lofty, moral and religious principles of Islam.

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Volunteer Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

Demonstrate good character, appropriate behavior, professionalism, and proper etiquette in all aspects of
your given duty.

Adhere to Muslim Group of USA and Canadas objectives and principles aimed at creating an appropriate
atmosphere to strengthen cooperation and understanding among Muslim communities.

Be committed to the organizations schedule of events.

Adhere to the agenda set forth by the organization on a timely and orderly manner.

Treat volunteers equally; no discrimination will be allowed, based on race, background, or nationality.

Provide the tasked information from volunteers and any other collected information to the executive
council in an organized manner.

Go about tasks patiently and professionally.

Report any mishaps immediately to the team leader or executive council.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will I know the status of my application?
Once application have been submitted, face-to-face or phone interviews have been made, meeting with executive
members as well, all applicants will receive notification as to whether they are selected to move forward in the
process or not.
I heard that there is a Training workshop, how can I apply?
Application to the training workshop will be fairly easy. All volunteers are encouraged to apply via submitting a
paper application that will be provided to them on day of joining the organization.
Is there an age requirement?
Volunteers above the age of 18 are encouraged to join, however, specific categories for younger volunteers are
available.
How can I become a volunteer leader?
The more involved a volunteer is, the more noticeable they will be to the executive board.
If I still have questions, will I be able to call or contact anyone from the organization?
Volunteers will be assigned volunteer leaders that will ensure all questions and concerns will be answered and met.

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