NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge, the parties agree as follows:
1. No Employment or Compensation: Volunteer acknowledges that his/her services rendered in connection with the Volunteer Activities are being donated and that Volunteer is not and will not be entitled to, and Volunteer does not expect, any present or future salary, wages, reimbursement, compensation, or employee benefits as a result of providing such services.
2. Confidentiality: I agree to protect the confidentiality of Homes of Hope clients, volunteers, and employees. Information given to me by a client, volunteer, or staff member will not be given to any agency or person without the expressed written consent of the person or guardian of the person to which the information pertains. Where it is deemed necessary to give an agency, client, or another person the name of any Homes of Hope volunteers, I agree to use the first name only. The release of phone numbers should be cleared by the owner of such numbers or the Director. The general policy is to take a name and phone number and give the message to the intended recipient. I also agree to respect the confidentiality of any agency and its clients I may be working with and agree to follow their established policy and procedures.
3. Code of Conduct: The opportunity to participate in and/or work with Homes of Hope (HOH) organized or sponsored activities that include children and youth is a privilege and honor. Volunteers are to be positive role models. Volunteers are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times. The following Code of Conduct has been established as the foundation for all individuals participating as a volunteer with HOH.
All Homes of Hope program participants are expected to:
- Work with children, youth, caregivers, staff, board members and other volunteers in a cooperative, courteous, respectful manner demonstrating good sportsmanship and behaviors appropriate for a positive role model.
- Accept supervision from HOH staff and cooperate with project or program leaders.
- Maintain open, honest communication with supervisors, staff, caregivers and other volunteers.
- Uphold every individual’s right to dignity, appropriate self-expression and individual development.
- Refrain from verbal or physical abuse of others and report such abuse, if observed. Any actions, such as conviction for child abuse or neglect, violent crimes, unethical behavior, substance abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, mismanagement of HOH funds, or other serious offenses, will not be tolerated.
- Promote the spirit of inclusion and welcome participation of other individuals from all backgrounds. Comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws.
- Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages, use of tobacco products and/or a controlled substance at HOH events and activities. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while in the presence of HOH participants or during HOH programs or activities is not acceptable.
- Inform HOH staff and program supervisors of any incidents that may violate HOH policies.
Violating the Code of Conduct shall be grounds for action up to or including immediate removal from the Homes of Hope activity/program and terminating status as an approved volunteer. Decisions regarding immediate removal, suspension or termination will be made by Homes of Hope personnel with subsequent notification of and consultation with the Executive Director and board president.
4. Grant of Right to Use Image, Audio, and Video: Volunteer acknowledges that one or more of Homes of Hope, its employees, officers, and agents, may cause still photographs, audio recordings, and/or audio-video recordings (collectively, the “Recordings”) to be made of Volunteer’s participation in the Volunteer Activities. Volunteer grants Homes of Hope the right to use the Recordings, including without limitation any Recordings containing Volunteer’s voice, image, picture, portrait or likeness, throughout the world and in perpetuity, but only for purposes of promoting Homes of Hope's nonprofit and/or charitable activities.
5. Release of Homes of Hope: Volunteer acknowledges that the Volunteer Activities include a diverse range of activities that could result in harm or injury to Volunteer, whether physical or mental. Volunteer, on behalf of himself/herself and anyone who obtains any rights from Volunteer, hereby forever releases and discharges Homes of Hope and/or its parents, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, partners, administrators, or the assigns of any of the foregoing (each a “Releasee”), from, and agrees not to sue any of the Releasees for, any kind of liability, claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, or expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and costs) arising out of or in any way related to Volunteer’s participation in the Event and related activities, including without limitation the Volunteer Activities.
6. Signatures: Volunteer agrees further that if Volunteer is under the age of 18, Volunteer’s parent or legal guardian will also sign this Release.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Volunteer and Volunteer’s parent or legal guardian, if Volunteer is under the age of 18, have executed this Acknowledgement, Release, and Waiver to be effective upon signature (type name). By signing this Acknowledgement, Release, and Waiver, Volunteer and Volunteer’s parent or legal guardian, if applicable, acknowledge that he/she/they have read, understand, and voluntarily agree to its terms, including agreeing to abide by the Code of Conduct (3.)