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--- en:operating_principles:dtm:staff_handbook [2026/02/11 10:25] – [Flexibility] jpauldietrich
+++ en:operating_principles:dtm:staff_handbook [2026/02/19 08:38] (current) – [1. Mission and Spiritual Foundation] jpauldietrich
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== Desert Tree Ministry (DTM) Staff Handbook ======
+====== Staff Handbook Template ======
 //(Applies to all long-term staff, volunteers, and short-term workers such as student missionaries)//
-===== Mission and Spiritual Foundation =====
+===== 1. Mission and Spiritual Foundation =====
 Desert Tree Ministry exists to support the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church through publishing, training, and practical service.
@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
   * The Spirit of Prophecy
   * The principles of Christian service
-  * The mission and objectives of DTM
+  * The mission and strategic objectives of your project (see [[..:..:sites:start|Sites (Printshop Locations)]]
 Spiritual life is the foundation of all work. Without daily communion with God, ministry becomes ineffective.
-===== Open Communication =====
+===== 2. Open Communication =====
 Healthy teamwork requires honesty and transparency.
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 We prefer early conversation over late correction.
-===== Work Schedule and Hours =====
+===== 3. Work Schedule and Hours =====
 ==== Daily Priorities ====
@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 General guideline (unless otherwise specified by department):
-  * Start: 8:00
+  * Start time:
-  * Midday rest: meal and rest 12:00-13:00
+  * Midday rest and meal
-  * End: 16:00
+  * End time:
   * Friday: Work ends at 12:00 to allow Sabbath preparation
 ==== Flexibility ====
-Mission work sometimes requires:
+Staff should remain cooperative and flexible. Mission work sometimes requires:
   * Occasional schedule adjustments
   * Sometimes working late to finish an urgent project
-Staff should remain cooperative and flexible.
+DTM is also flexible and can adjust your work schedule to accommodate other activities as necessary. Consult with your supervisor for any necessary adjustments. See Absence policy below.
+===== 4. Presence and Absence Policy =====
+==== Acceptable Absences ====
+Absence is permitted for:
+  * Illness or medical care
+  * Family emergency
+  * Approved ministry activity
+  * Approved leave or rest
+  * Official appointments
+==== Procedure ====
+Staff must:
+  - Inform their supervisor as early as possible
+  - Give reason and expected return time
+  - Obtain approval for planned absences
+Unexplained or repeated absences may result in corrective action.
+===== 5. Activities During Work Hours =====
+Work hours are dedicated to ministry responsibilities.
+Expected
+  * Assigned tasks
+  * Department projects on the plan of action
+  * Training
+  * Maintenance and cleaning
+  * Ministry-related study or preparation
+Not Permitted
+  * Personal business unrelated to ministry
+  * Excessive phone or internet use
+  * Private commercial activities
+  * Non-approved side projects
+Short personal needs are acceptable if reasonable and do not affect productivity.
+===== 6. Work Conduct and Responsibility =====
+Staff are expected to:
+  * Take initiative
+  * Observe needs and act without waiting
+  * Care for tools and property
+  * Clean up after themselves daily
+  * Lock containers and buildings
+  * Return borrowed items promptly
+Principle:
+  * If you break it, fix it.
+  * If you lose it, replace it.
+===== 7. Ministry Equipment Management =====
+All equipment belongs to the ministry and is reserved for mission work only.
+==== Borrowing Policy ====
+Not everything may be borrowed. Before borrowing any ministry property:
+  * Obtain permission from the DTM materials manager
+  * Record the loan when required
+  * Use the equipment carefully and responsibly
+  * Return promptly and in good condition
+  * Report any damage immediately
+  * Respect any written policies in place
+==== Includes ====
+  * Tools
+  * Keys
+  * Motos and vehicles
+  * Electronics
+  * Printshop equipment
+  * Ministry supplies
+For motos or vehicles, follow the separate Moto Handbook.
+Failure to respect equipment policies may result in loss of borrowing privileges.
+===== 8. Internal Organization and Discipline =====
+DTM operates as a coordinated team, not as independent workers.
+Each department follows:
+  * Defined responsibilities
+  * Clear leadership
+  * Documented procedures (see DTM Wiki)
+  * Monthly reports and accountability
+  * The DTM Strategic Objectives for principles of organization and teamwork
+Staff are expected to:
+  * Respect leadership decisions
+  * Follow established procedures
+  * Maintain order and cleanliness
+  * Work cooperatively with others
+  * Contribute to unity and a positive spirit
+Disorder, negligence, or persistent non-cooperation harms the mission and will be addressed.
+===== 9. Meals and Health =====
+To maintain clear minds and healthy bodies so that we may give the Lord our best service, staff are encouraged to practice simple, wholesome health habits.
+  * Vegetarian, whole-food diet
+  * Good breakfast and lunch
+  * Light evening meal when necessary
+  * Regular exercise and adequate rest
+==== Meal Provision ====
+DTM provides one simple vegetarian meal each workday in the afternoon, along with:
+  * Charcoal and propane
+  * Stove and kitchen space
+  * Basic vegetarian food supplies
+Staff share meal preparation responsibilities.
+==== Kitchen Policy ====
+The staff kitchen is vegetarian only.
+  * No meat or animal flesh products may be prepared, cooked, or served
+  * Clean the kitchen and utensils after each use
+===== 10. Lifestyle and Christian Standards =====
+We aim to be like a city on a hill whose light cannot be hidden.
+Staff are expected to maintain Biblical standards in:
+  * Modesty
+  * Recreation
+  * Entertainment
+  * Diet
+  * Relationships
+  * Speech and conduct
+Our lives should reflect Christ both inside and outside the workplace.
+===== 11. Entertainment Guidelines =====
+While godly music is good, playing music is not allowed in the work areas during work hours. Here are several reasons:
+  * Be respectful; not everyone has identical music standards.
+  * Much so-called Christian music has worldly standards mixed in.
+  * Sound carries throughout the building. Music can be distracting to yourself and to those around you. Distractions lead to reduced productivity and increased errors.
+In your leisure time, based on Philippians 4:8, choose media that is true, noble, pure, and uplifting.
+Encouraged
+  * Scripture
+  * Spirit of Prophecy
+  * Educational materials relating to the ministry
+  * Sermons and Christian instruction
+Not Permitted
+  * Fiction or novels
+  * Movies or worldly entertainment
+  * Media inconsistent with Christian values
+===== 12. Dress Guidelines =====
+==== Men ====
+  * No jewelry
+  * Shirt and long pants in public
+  * Modest, practical work clothing
+==== Women ====
+  * No jewelry
+  * Modest, loose clothing
+  * Skirts or dresses that cover the knees when sitting
+  * Practical and respectful attire for work activities
+Clothing should reflect simplicity, modesty, and respect for the local culture.
+===== 13. Relationship Guidelines =====
+To protect both personal reputation and the witness of the ministry:
+  * Avoid being alone with the opposite sex after dark unless you are the spouse
+  * Maintain modest and respectful conduct
+All interactions should be Christlike and above reproach.
+===== 14. Safety and Health =====
+==== Malaria ====
+Malaria is a potentially serious disease that requires prompt attention.
+If you experience a fever for more than 12 hours:
+  * Inform leadership immediately
+  * Follow medical advice without delay
+  * Begin treatment as recommended
+See the separate Malaria Prevention document for full protocol.
+===== 15. Community Assistance and Giving =====
+Unplanned giving may unintentionally create dependency or difficulties.
+Before:
+  * Giving money
+  * Paying medical bills
+  * Offering financial assistance
+  * Promising help
+Consult the humanitarian director.
+All aid should be coordinated through the ministry.
+===== 16. Discipline Process =====
+When expectations are not met, the goal is restoration and growth, not punishment.
+Steps normally follow this order:
+  - Verbal reminder
+  - Second verbal reminder
+  - Written warning
+  - Second written warning
+  - Possible dismissal
+Repeated or serious violations may accelerate this process.
+We seek to address problems early, fairly, and redemptively.