(1) Spellbinders^®  trained volunteers must have successfully completed a Spellbinders^® Certified Training Workshop.

(2) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers must complete and pass a Colrado Bureau of Investigation or other state recognized background check.

(3) All active Spellbinders^® trained volunteers must agree to uphold the Spellbinders^®  Preamble, Purpose and Principles and sign a commitment to comply with these Standards and Guidelines.

(4) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers must ensure that a member of the school/facility staff is present while telling stories to children in schools and institutions to preserve a safe and respectful environment for all. The presence of a school/facility staff member is a state requirement in Colorado and is an issue of legal liability.

(5) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers understand that performance or “platform” storytelling for a large audience is not an appropriate setting for a Spellbinders^® program. Spellbinders^® mission is best fulfilled in small, informal settings.

(6) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers endeavor not only to entertain their audiences, but also to tell stories that are age-appropriate, respectful of the audience, and encourage positive character development and cross-cultural understanding.

(7) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers respect and honor the stories they tell, the sources of their stories, and their responsibility to the art of storytelling.

(8) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers must not discuss religious, political, or sexual matters with their listeners while storytelling or while interacting with audiences as a Spellbinders Storyteller. 

(9) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers should never initiate any close physical contact with the children.

(10) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers understand that they are accountable for their storytelling commitments by either keeping their commitments or making alternative arrangements.

(11) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers take responsibility for continuing education and for seeking feedback and evaluating their own performance as a storyteller. I understand that I may receive continuing education by attending local storyteller organization meetings, Story Circles, Trainer’s Forums, Leadership Academies, and the Spellbinders^® Annual Meeting.

(12) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers share their own experiences and talents with other Spellbinders^® storytellers and are encouraged to participate regularly in monthly meetings of their Licensed Local Storytelling Organization (LLSO).

(13) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers document their storytelling activities and regularly report that data to the designated person in their LLSO.

(14) Spellbinders^® trained volunteers should wear Spellbinders® identification while volunteering as a Spellbinders® Trained Volunteer Storyteller.

(15)  Spellbinders^® Trained Volunteer Storytellers do not charge a fee for storytelling.

(16) Nothing in these Standards and Guidelines shall prohibit Spellbinders^® volunteers from accepting reimbursement for their travel expenses.

(17) Nothing in this document shall prohibit Spellbinders^® Licensed Organizations from accepting donations.