What are the penatlies of breaking into a secured area of a volunteer organization?

Question

A member of a volunteer organization broke into a secured area. The member claimed they were stocking the outside area with supplies. The member was given one month suspension. Is this reasonable? Some people said that was grounds for termination.

Answer 1

Your question leaves out a lot of details, many of which are important.  Many organizations are small enough such that they don't have policy manuals or written procedures, so common sense has to rule.  For example:  why did this person have to "break in," and are we talking about them damaging something to have to do so?  Did they just decide a door lock was jammed and shoved a door hard, or did they get some bolt cutters and snap off a padlock?  Did the area that was broken into remain at risk?  Did somebody tell them to do what they did - and how much money are we talking about in terms of materials that were at risk?  After all, it could possibly even be considered a crime, couldn't it (was anything missing?  was it done after normal hours?)

Volunteer organizations don't usually suspend folks - after all, most volunteer groups have a tough time getting volunteers to begin with, but when they think they have a "bad apple," it's easier to just get rid of them.  On the other hand, maybe it was an honest mistake.  Either way, somebody with the appropriate authority and responsibility has to make a decision and stand by that decision.

So my answer is - maybe.  Maybe it was too harsh - maybe it wasn't harsh enough.  Tough to tell, based on the little information you provided.

Answer 2

It depends on the policies and procedures of the organization, as well as its culture. Volunteer managers sometimes use their own discretion even in the face of violations of written policies. Perhaps it couldn't be proven absolutely that the volunteer had dishonest intentions. Maybe the organization requires one warning before dismissal.

I hope the volunteer manager at this organization communicates to all volunteers that there is never a good reason to force your way into a secure area. And makes sure the policy manual is clear on this point.