Diversity and Inclusivity

Spirit Rock is committed to being a spiritual sanctuary and refuge for all. We value and celebrate diversity, inclusivity and respect for all beings. We ask our volunteers to help us achieve our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals by acknowledging and honoring difference based on race, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, socioeconomic status, education, background, and other social and economic differences.

Our goal as a learning community is to create an environment that is inclusive and welcoming of people from diverse backgrounds. To better reach this goal, we intend to create regular opportunities for volunteers to learn and grow in their capacity to live the values of inclusivity, belonging, and creating a welcoming space for all. More information about our diversity, equity and inclusion goals and initiatives can be found here: spiritrock.org/diversity-initiative

Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s worker’s compensation policy does not cover volunteers. Furthermore, its general liability coverage is limited to those instances where Spirit Rock is at fault. Therefore, volunteers need to know that they are generally not covered by Spirit Rock insurance should they become injured during the course of their volunteer duties. This is especially relevant for those volunteers that work in the kitchen. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all volunteers, and especially kitchen volunteers, have their own health insurance.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AND VOLUNTEER STATUS

1. I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate in the Spirit Rock volunteer program (the “program”) at the premises of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, located at 5000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Woodacre, California. I wish to participate in the program as a volunteer only, and not as an employee or independent contractor of Spirit Rock. I do so for spiritual, humanitarian, and/or public service objectives, and do not intend or expect to be paid for any services I provide to Spirit Rock.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

2. I am aware that participating in this program may involve strenuous physical activities and may include activities that naturally include some risk of harm, such as chopping vegetables. I am voluntarily participating in these activities with full knowledge of the risks involved, and hereby agree to accept any and all risks of harm that may result from these activities.

 

RELEASE

5. As consideration for being permitted by Spirit Rock Meditation Center or one of its affiliates to participate in these activities and use their facilities, I hereby agree that I, my assignees, heirs, distributees, guardians, and legal representatives will not make a claim against, sue or attach the property of Spirit Rock, its affiliates, employees, agents or volunteers or any of its affiliated organizations for injury or damage resulting from acts, howsoever caused, by any employee, agent, or contractor of Spirit Rock, or any of its affiliated organizations, as a result of my participation in this program, except when an employee, agent, or contractor of Spirit Rock or any of its affiliated organizations exhibits gross negligence or intentionally acts in a manner likely to lead to my being harmed. I hereby release Spirit Rock and any of its affiliated organizations from all actions, claims or demands that I, my assigns, heirs, distributees, guardians, and legal representatives now have or may hereafter have for injury or damage resulting from my participation in this program, except when an employee, agent, or contractor of Spirit Rock or any of its affiliated organizations exhibits gross negligence or intentionally acts in a manner likely to lead to my being harmed.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6. Any dispute arising out of participation in this program shall be resolved solely as follows.

• If I have any claim, I shall first attempt to resolve any dispute by negotiation between the claimant and the Executive Director of Spirit Rock, or a designated agent of Spirit Rock. If I have a claim, I shall submit it (the “initial notice”) to the Executive Director of Spirit Rock in writing. Within 15 days after delivery of a written notice of a claim, the Executive Director or designee (“Spirit Rock”) will submit a written response to the claimant. Within 45 days after delivery of the initial notice, Spirit Rock and I shall meet at a mutually acceptable time at a mutually agreeable location in Marin County, California, to attempt to resolve the dispute. Spirit Rock and I shall continue to negotiate in person or by other means to resolve the dispute for up to 120 days after my initial notice.
• If the dispute has not been resolved by negotiation as provided herein within 120 days after delivery of the initial notice of negotiation, Spirit Rock and I shall engage in mediation under the Center for Public Resources (“CPR”) Mediation Procedure. Three mediator candidates will be selected by Spirit Rock. Each mediator candidate will have at least 15 days of residential retreat experience in the vipassana tradition during the two years preceding my claim. I will select the acting mediator from the three mediator candidates. The mediation shall take place in Marin County, California, at a mutually agreeable location or, if we cannot agree, at a location designated by the mediator.
• Any dispute which has not been resolved by such mediation within 120 days after appointment of a mediator shall be finally resolved by arbitration before a single arbitrator in Marin County, California, in accordance with the CPR Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration and the Federal Arbitration Act.

KNOWING AND VOLUNTARY EXECUTION

7.  I have carefully read this agreement and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between me and Spirit Rock Meditation Center and/or its affiliated organizations, and sign it of my own free will.