Village Care Project (VCP) Volunteer Application Form

Village Care Project (VCP) Volunteer Application Form
VCP TERMS & CONDITIONS WAIVER

for Village Care Project (VCP)

619 E 42nd St, Loveland, CO 80538

https://villagecareproject.com 970-663-7492

Please complete this form in English.

Village Care Project, also referred to as VCP, appreciates the support and participation of volunteers for our work both in the U.S. and in Africa. To facilitate our volunteer orientation and coordination, the following terms & conditions apply to all volunteers, particularly those who register to accompany VCP Staff for overseas trips. Village Care Project will provide travel details and itineraries to volunteers who register for trips and who make the necessary deposit.

Definition of Volunteer: VCP Volunteers are all those who are not board members, staff members, trip leaders, local guides and vendors and who may support VCP with their time, funding, or other support on an overseas project or in the USA on a regular or periodic basis.
Name*

First Name and Middle as used on PassportLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Date*

MonthDayYear
Application Date
Cell Phone Number: We'll use your mobile number to contact you about your application & for emergency purposes.*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Other Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
What is your age? Date of Birth?*
Gender*

MaleFemaleLGBTQ - Illegal in Tanzania, please discuss any concerns with our USA staff
How did you hear about the Village Care Volunteer Project?*

Tell us more about you

Help us get to know you better so we can confirm this project is a good fit for you!
Have you ever volunteered before? If so, please give details of where, when, what organization and what you did as a volunteer. NOTE: Prior volunteering experience is NOT required - Most of our volunteers are first timers and we will show you how to do everything! Like they say in Tanzania, hakuna matata, no worries!*
What interests you about the Village Care Project? What’s your top motivation for volunteering with VCP? What are you hoping for, or expecting on this volunteer trip?*
Can you speak English at a good conversational level? If not, this is probably not a good trip for you.*
What is your nationality? What language(s) do you speak and level of fluency?
LODGING: Quoted prices are based on single occupancy. Single rooms are usually available, but no guarantees at all the locations we travel to. It is rare, however if a lodge is booked up, you may have to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you are traveling with a friend or family member and want to share a room, please let us know how many beds and rooms to book for you. Please explain your situation and what you would like to happen, and we will try to accommodate you.*
Will you be volunteering with a friend, family member or group? If so, please list names, ages, relationship & gender so we can help figure out how many rooms to reserve and who will be in which room? We will do our best to put you together. *
Please share any social media page(s) links you may have that includes a photo of you. Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or Instagram, etc. or type none.*
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of any crime? Please explain what you were convicted of, and the results of that conviction. (Note we reserve the right to do background checks on all volunteer applicants and full rights to accept or refuse the application).*
HEALTH: Dietary concerns? Allergies? Diabetes? Heart condition? Please explain. Do you carry an epi pen or take any prescription medications that our staff should know about to help you in an emergency?*
HEALTH, WELLNESS & FITNESS info: Are you able to climb in & out of 4x4 safari vehicles, walk up/down stairs, take short hikes at villages, walk up uneven paths to get to your room at some of our lodges, and walk on uneven surfaces unassisted? This is a road trip. Some of the roads are pretty remote and ROUGH! Note, if you have leg, back or neck problems, or headaches/migraines, this is probably not a good trip for you. Are you able to handle your own luggage to and from your home airport without assistance? Otherwise, there is nothing really heavy or difficult, we have strong local helpers and luggage people for this. *
HEALTH, WELLNESS & FITNESS PARTICIPATION WAIVER: I have voluntarily chosen to participate in VCP Volunteer Program offered by Village Care Project hereafter VCP. I have answered the questions above to the best of my ability and affirm that my physical condition is good and I have no undeclared conditions that would prevent me from participation. I acknowledge that participation is at my own pace and comfort level and that I may discontinue my participation at any time. Furthermore, I agree to self-determine my exertion through good judgement and to discontinue any activity that exceeds my personal limitations. I understand that by signing this agreement that I hereby waive and release VCP, its Board Members, staff, trip leaders and all relevant employees and vendors in any way from liabilities or demands as a result of injury, loss, accidents, disease or other adverse health conditions as a result of my participation in VCP volunteer project in Tanzania, Africa. I accept that I will be 100% responsible for any costs incurred from quarantine and any associated travel expenses if I become sick with covid or any other illness or injury. I affirm that I have read and understand this document and I wish to participate in VCP volunteer activities.*

I ACCEPT & AGREE
COVID: To enter and leave Tanzania and the USA you are NOT currently required to be fully vaccinated for COVID (this may change at any time). While VCP prefers that everyone be vaccinated, we also do not require vaccinations. For our records, please tell us if you are you vaccinated and have documentation of this? (Note if conditions change in the USA or Tanzania, we reserve the right to require covid vaccinations). Also be aware some airlines and airports may have their own restrictions and requirements to fly with them and have layovers. At Home Covid Test kits: Some people bring 1 -2 personal "at home" Covid test kits in the event they become ill. I understand and accept that if I test positive for Covid, I will need to make arrangements to stay at the current lodge longer on my own. Also, we suggest a 2nd home covid test to check that you have recovered from covid if you want to rejoin our group. I understand and accept that I will be 100% responsible for any costs incurred from quarantine and any associated travel expenses if I become sick with covid or any other illness or injury. Travel Insurance with evacuation and trip cancellation is mandatory. VCP does NOT provide refunds for any reason once the trip has begun, as all our vendors will have been paid for up front.*

YESNOI plan to be by the time we leave
COVID: Realize once in Tanzania, we will probably not see anyone with masks. And we will not be requiring them during our trip. Are you comfortable with this?*

YESNO (this is probably not a good trip for you)
OTHER VACCINATIONS: It is highly recommended that you visit your personal physician, tell them you are traveling to Tanzania and get the doctor and CDC recommended vaccinations for Arusha, Tanzania region. (Note yellow fever is not necessary in this region). Will you be getting these vaccines before we leave?*

YESNOI plan to be by the time we leave
Please provide at least one EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME and PHONE Numbers for you during your trip (please make them aware of your trip). Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home. :*
TRAVEL INSURANCE is mandatory to participate on a VCP trip. We can recommend an affordable emergency health and travel insurance company like World Nomads, however you are free to shop for and select your own. We will require proof of insurance, not entire policy, before we depart.*

YESNOI plan to have this by the time we leave
Tell us about you? Are you a student? Self employed? Employed? Retired? Single, Married? Stay at home person? Do you have kids or pets? Help us get to know you a bit. What do you love to do in your free time? Hobbies? Recreation? *
You will not need any special experience, just a willingness to help. However, do you have any special skills, experience or qualifications that might assist us during this trip? Medical/nursing qualifications? Photographer/Videographer? Writer or Reporter? Translator? Fundraising or event coordinator? Other? Feel free to brag.*
Do you have any comments, concerns or questions for us?*
Please provide your best T Shirt size for a 50/50 cotton poly shirt.*
Refund Policy: Deposit to hold your spot is non-refundable, as it is sent to Africa to hold our reservations.
Exception: If you are not accepted into the VCP Volunteer program, we will refund all deposits you have paid. (Realize, we may have turned other people away who could have come, unless you can find a suitable replacement.)
Refund of final trip cost is available up to 90 days before trip departure, less a $100 processing fee.

If any volunteer must cancel their participation with 90 days notice, a credit for their payments may be applied toward a future trip, minus a $100 processing fee.
Cancellation Policy: If a trip must be cancelled by VCP for any reason, volunteers will be fully refunded as soon as we are able. VCP will accept no liability for any costs incurred by you for anything other than the monies paid to us for the volunteer trip.
Trip Size: We try to keep our trip size small to allow for a more intimate experience for all involved. Currently allowing up to 6 volunteers (VCP reserves the right to change this at any time). (However, if you have a group we can quote this.)

Pets: Sorry, no pets are allowed, including service pets.

Mature young people ages 15-17 are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We must have a parent/guardian permission and waiver signed.

Passport is required: Volunteers should be sure to check their passport a few months ahead to make sure the passport has enough extra pages and that expiration day is at least 6 months before and after your trip. If not, the passport may need to be renewed. PLEASE NOTE, passport renewal can take up to several months unless expedited – allow enough time in either case.

Tanzanian VISA is required: We can assist you with obtaining a VISA online to enter into Tanzania. Current cost is $100. Allow several weeks to process these visas so volunteers should not wait until the last minute and only apply for the visa AFTER you make your flight reservations. DO NOT make your flight reservations until you have written confirmation from VCP.
LODGING & ACCOMODATIONS:
- Accommodations: Volunteers will be housed in comfortable rooms, cottages or safari style canvas tents reserved in advance by VCP and based on what is available in the region we are traveling in.
- You will have your own bed, usually with a mosquito net.
- Each room has a bathroom with a towel, toilet and shower. Hand towels are usually non existent. Toiletries may or may not be provided, please bring some travel size toiletries of your own, just in case. If one or more lodges are short on rooms, you may have to share a (with same sex) room at that location.
- There are usually no lockboxes or safes in rooms so please plan to bring a hipbelt or some way to secure your money and passport. You can also bring a small daypack that zips or purse that zips for valuables. Our vehicles and belongings will be locked when we get out at villages.
- Room Rates for volunteers are per person, in US dollars, and subject to change without prior notice. Solo volunteers are welcome. Volunteers may be matched with same sex roommates only if lodging at the location we visit is full.
- Rates are subject to change without notice. VCP reserves the right to change accommodations as needed based on availability and any other issues that may arise on location.
- All lodges have an open air style restaurant and some will have a bar and/or pool.
- Almost all will provide basic toiletries, however, no guarantees, you should bring small travel size shampoo, conditioner and lotion, etc.
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED IN TRIP COST

INCLUDED in trip cost:

• Airport Transfer fees are included so long as you arrive on the same date as our trip leader. If you make a flight outside of that window you will be responsible for obtaining a taxi at the airport to get to our first night lodging and meeting place unless indicated in the itinerary.
• Lodging
• Meals 3 a day and non-alcoholic beverages
• Travel guides, drivers & village translators
• 2 National Park admissions and entrance fees for mini safari's
• Transportation and gas while in Tanzania in Safari style 4x4 vehicles with roofs that can be opened and closed
• Bottled water in vans plus nonalcoholic beverages at meals like coffee. tea and juice. Currently all lodges are now charging for bottled water at meals. $3 for a large bottle. There are usually one or two free small water bottles in each room for drinking and brushing teeth.
• Local experienced guides, drivers and translators who speak English

---------------------------------------
EXCLUSIONS What is NOT Included in trip cost:

• FLIGHTS: Transportation to/from the destination (international / domestic) -- DO NOT make your flight reservations until you have written confirmation from us that you are accepted into the VCP Volunteer program. If not accepted ALL deposits will be refunded.

• Tips & gratuities: It is good form to give a minimum $1 tip per bag to luggage handlers. Restaurant staff are not typically given tips, the lodge may have a group tip box that all staff share when we leave the lodge.
• Guide Tips: Customary practice is at the end of the trip tips are also paid to each guide & driver by VCP staff member & all volunteers. Typically, $10 a day per person is customary but more or less as you feel appropriate for their help & services. So please allow for guide tips that we will present to them at the end of the 10 day trip.

• Personal Expenses: If you make any purchases at lodges or while traveling, these are extra: (eg. alcoholic drinks, restaurant or bar snacks, phone calls, laundry, shopping & souvenirs, etc.) (volunteers may be required to give the hotel a credit card at check in for any damages, loss or personal expenses).VCP will also need a copy of your credit card. All volunteers accept and grant permission for VCP to use this card, if necessary, for any of your unpaid expenses or damages at lodges, that sometimes happen, to cover these costs.

• Electrical wall plugs of types D and G. You will also want a converter with USB to plug your USB devices into. (see info below) You are accepting all risks for any damages that may occur to your electronics by using their wall outlets.

• Travel and Health Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory to participate on a VCP trip. Volunteers must understand and accept potential risks and hazards as part of volunteering as well as personal responsibility for their general health and safety.

• Tanzanian VISA: We can assist you with obtaining a VISA online to enter into Tanzania. Current cost is $100.

• Doctor visits and immunizations - Volunteers should check with their local doctor, tell them where they are traveling and get their recommendations about COVID plus any other necessary immunizations before entering a country. (Yellow fever is not necessary where we we going in Tanzania, Africa).
PRIVACY and Permission to share your name and email: VCP will not share your email or contact information without your permission (except authorities, if necessary). Are you ok with VCP sharing your name and email with other VCP staff, volunteers and necessary vendors on your trip?

YES, it is ok for VCP to share my name and email with other VCP staff, volunteers and necessary vendors on your trip.NO
If you are in the NOCO region, would you be willing and able to take ONE suitcase on rollers, full of supplies (water filters, solar lanterns or gifts for children/villagers) to Tanzania? We are allowed 2 suitcases of 50 lbs. each. Please let me know. I will get it to you ahead of time, feel free to unpack and repack the supply bag so that you can tell airport security that, yes, you packed the bag.
PROPERTY DAMAGES: Occasionally "accidental stuff" happens. I accept that I will be 100% responsible for paying for any damages that I may incur: damage, loss or accidents within your room, vehicles we travel in, or to other participants property. VCP is authorized to use the Volunteer credit card on file to pay for any damages of the above.*

VCP is authorized to use the Volunteer credit card on file to pay for any damages that I may incur as specified above.
You are acting as a humanitarian goodwill AMBASSADOR: VCP expects all individuals representing this organization to take their role of ambassadors very seriously. VCP is expecting all trip participants to be positive, kind, respectful, considerate, aware and helpful of all team members, local staff, lodging staff and villagers. Volunteers acknowledge that for the safety and the well-being of the TEAM and project that I will act in the best interests of the group to ensure that the trip runs as smoothly as possible. I have read, understand and accept that the VCP Trip Leader has the right and authority to ask any TEAM volunteer(s) to leave the project, for any reason, at their own expense, with no refunds for UNACCEPTABLE behavior during the VCP Project trip including, but not limited to: bullying • excessive foul language • being confrontational • receiving complaints about you from lodges or other Team members • partying too late and/or too loudly • being argumentative, negative, arrogant • being exclusionary • not being willing or able to listen and follow the instructions and guidance of the trip leader or local guides. NOT ALLOWED: excessive use of alcohol / public intoxication • possession or distribution of THC in any form; CBD, marijuana, medical marijuana or cannabis. Note possession of these drugs by a tourist is ILLEGAL in Tanzania and you can end up in jail. Leave it at home. • use or distribution of any kinds of illegal drugs and may include distribution of prescription drugs. • non-consensual sexual advances, verbal or physical abuse • harassment • smoking or vaping around the Team members, in vehicles, restrooms, lodges, restaurants or in tent camps. VCP is basically a non-smoking/non vaping project. • repeated lack of consideration of our group travel schedule. Please bring an alarm clock of some kind to help you. • VCP expects all staff and volunteers to treat everyone we meet including our VCP Team, other volunteers, staff at the lodges and restaurants, people at the villages with respect. Bottom line: VCP volunteers should strive to be inclusive, kind and accepting of everyone regarding sex, race, religion, cultural differences, ethnicity, and political views.*

I have read, understand and accept all the terms and conditions for unacceptable behavior above that might cause the Trip Leader to ask me to leave the volunteer project, at my own expense.
ROADTRIP: Do you have motion sickness, or have problems with your hips, back or neck when you travel on rough roads? Do you get migraines or headaches when you travel on rough roads?

Yes to any of the above, then this is probably not a good trip for you.No, all is good
TRAVEL, HEALTH & EMERGENCY INSURANCE & WAIVER: VCP will do the best we can to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. I understand that by paying my volunteer deposit and submitting this volunteer application I acknowledge that international travel may hold unforeseen dangers and risk that can occur as part of volunteering with VCP. I agree to not legally hold VCP liable for: consequences of terrorist activity, strikes, industrial action, wars, civil strife, road closures, construction, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, missed flights or actions of other volunteers, staff, vendors, or participants on the trip for any other unforeseen emergencies, or any uninsured losses of my health or property. To assist with these risks, VCP requires volunteers to purchase travel, health and emergency insurance in the case of any unforeseen emergency that causes financial or emotion turmoil or distress. I also accept that VCP will not be held liable for: dietary concerns, evacuations, hospital, or ambulance or other medical emergencies including emergency transportation and costs, disease, illness, unforeseen accidents or injuries, problems with lodging, unforeseen or violent encounters with villagers, for any discomfort, delays, accidents or injury, including death, unforeseen or violent encounters with wildlife, reptiles, insects and other dangerous flora and fauna, unsafe drinking water or ice, allergies, quarantine, unforeseen travel expenses or other concerns associated with my health and safety, loss or damage to property, inconvenience, cancellations or delays of public and or private transportation: included but not limited to airline flights, bus, shuttle, taxi, safari vehicles. I understand I am required to obtain my own travel, health and emergency insurance to cover any and all emergencies and costs.*

I understand and agree to waiver any and all claims against Village Care Project and purchase my own travel, health, liability and emergency insurance to cover any and all unforeseen emergencies.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOS & MEDIA: We love it when you and your volunteer team share the project to family and friends! Volunteers may take photos and videos on the trip to share on social media and for their personal social use. VCP appreciates that you help spread the word and explain, whenever possible, that you are/were a volunteer in this humanitarian VillageCareProject.com project. Many thanks! I understand and accept that my image, video and voice may appear, without compensation, in emails, social media, print and other media as shared by VCP, VCP staff, VCP vendors, and your volunteer team members. Commercial use and selling of your photos, videos and sound taken during your VCP project will not be permitted without a signed release. Sharing your photos: We will provide a dropbox link or Whatsapp at the end of the trip. We would appreciate it if you share your photos from the trip to help us market and promote this humanitarian project. Please note we will not be providing any photo credits or compensation, unless specifically requested, as many times cell phones are passed around to our team members. VCP will not be selling your images unless you give us permission to do so to support VCP.*

I have read, understand and accept all the terms and conditions for use of photos, and videos taken during this trip. I understand and accept that my image, video and voice may appear, without compensation, in emails, social media, print and other media as shared by VCP, VCP staff, VCP vendors, and the volunteer team members on your trip.
MODEL RELEASE: PHOTO, VIDEO and SOUND: I understand and accept that VCP and Georgia Evans uses images from these trips for marketing and promotion of the VCP project. For valuable consideration received, I grant to VCP, Village Care Project and Georgia Evans, also hereafter known as VCP Photographer and/or VCP Videographer, the absolute and irrevocable right and unrestricted use and permission of any photographs and/or videos and sound that the above may have taken or may take of me or in which I may be included during the VCP trip: to use, reuse, publish, and republish the photographs and/or videos, including sound, in whole or in part, individually or in connection with other material, in any and all media, including the internet, now or hereafter, to use for marketing, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, and trade, without restriction as to alteration, to promote the VCP. I release and discharge VCP Photographer / Videographer from any and all claims, demands that may arise out of/ or in connection with the use of the photographs and/or videos and sound, including without limitation any and all claims for compensation, libel or violation of any right of publicity or privacy for this usage. This authorization and release shall also inure to the benefit of my heirs, legal representatives, licensees, and my assigns, as well as the person(s) for whom he/she took the photographs and/or videos for perpetuity.*

I have read, understand and consent to this model release
Confidentiality, Non-Compete Clause and Intellectual Property Rights of VCP: Regardless of donations or funding for the project you attend, volunteers acknowledge that they are attending this Village Care Project planned trip strictly as a Volunteer. Each volunteer acknowledges and accepts that any and all VCP information obtained regarding vendors, guides, translators, supplies, villages we visit, and methods of operation is private and confidential. This information may not be used by a volunteer to create similar programs, business programs or similar non-profit programs based on the VCP model and information. All information obtained during a VCP planned trip regarding the project while visiting villages and VCP vendors including, but not limited to, obtaining and purchasing supplies and vendors, assembling and demonstrating water filters, buying, distributing and demonstrating mosquito nets, tarps, and LED solar lights, Village Care Project staff and board members, translators, visiting villagers and other volunteer information is owned and copyright 2017 by the Village Care Project and is strictly prohibited for personal, non-profit or commercial use only without written permission from the VCP board of directors who have voted on this usage and will be considered a breach of copyright laws.*

I have read, understand and agree to this non-compete confidentiality agreement.
Diversity & Respect Policy: VCP has an "acceptance of diversity" policy. Participants in the trip, staff, volunteers, local team members, vendors, villagers, lodging staff and other people we will be meeting, come from many different backgrounds. Lack of respect, during this trip, shown in any way, for another person's differing religion, beliefs, ethnicity, race, sex, culture, political or cultural views, etc. are not tolerated. Our VCP policy is simply to "have respect for all" and VCP expects the volunteers and staff to avoid topics and/or personal opinions that may cause hurt or ill feelings during the VCP trip. The trip leader has the authority to give a warning and then ask any volunteers(s) to leave the group at their own expense and without a refund, if lack of diversity policy is broken.*

I have read, understand and accept the VCP Diversity and Respect policy
SEXUAL IDENTITY & Diversity Special Exception to above: Non-binary, LGBTQ, and other "identities" other than biological identity, etc. face serious legal challenges by Tanzanian law. Public displays of these orientations are ILLEGAL. Please realize it is highly taboo socially to discuss, show affection or be demonstrative in public. VCP staff & volunteers will NOT be discussing or acknowledging LGBTQ, non-binary, transgenders or ANY other sexual identity or lifestyle identity topics while in Africa. While VCP is accepting of different gender & sexual orientations, our VCP policy, when we are in Africa is that VCP staff and ALL volunteers must respect Tanzanian laws. VCP and volunteers will NOT be using any special pronouns, especially around our local African staff, vendors and villagers. Quite simply, if you look like a biological female, you will be referred to as a she/her and if you look like a male, you will be addressed as a he/him and should dress to match. Cross dressing is also ILLEGAL. Tanzanian Legal Penalty: Up to LIFE in prison with fines. If this is a problem for you, this is REALLY not a good trip to go on. VCP and all volunteers must accept local Tanzanian laws. Please discuss with our (accepting, open minded trip leader) over the phone before commitment and deposit.*

I read, understand and accept VCP policies regarding sexual orientations
There are topics that may come up during our trip together. We ask that all personal and private things that you learn about each other stay personal, private and confidential. What happens going, during and returning from Africa stays in Africa!

I have read, understand accept VCP policy regarding confidentiality.
Checklist BEFORE DEPARTURE: you will need to mail or email us the following:
Your Volunteer Application
Signed Terms, & Conditions Waiver
Copy of your Flight details
Copy of your Tanzanian Visa
Emergency Contact Info
Receipt Proof of Emergency Travel Health Insurance (we do not need a copy of entire policy)
Copy of your Passport to enter wildlife management areas
Final Payment of Volunteer Trip Cost

Release of Liability. I attest that I am a legally competent adult and have the right to contract in my own name. I have read this document and fully understand its contents. This release shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns. Sign below if you have read and agree to all the terms, conditions, waivers and conditions above. This authorization and release shall also inure to the benefit of my heirs, legal representatives, licensees, and assigns for perpetuity.*

Yes, I have read and agree to the terms and conditions above
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Village Care Project (VCP) Volunteer Application Form

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