Section 5:
Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability
Updated: August 2022
I desire to provide volunteer services to the Books for Keeps Literacy Mentor Program (“BFK Literacy Mentor Program”). I understand that (i) the scope of my relationship with Literacy Mentor Program is limited to a volunteer position and that no compensation is expected in return for services provided by me; that (ii) BFK Literacy Mentor Program will not provide any benefits traditionally associated with employment to me; and that (iii) I am responsible for my own insurance coverage in the event of personal injury or illness as a result of my volunteer services to BFK Literacy Mentor Program.
In consideration for being allowed to participate in BFK Literacy Mentor Program volunteer activities and related activities, including any activities incidental to such participation (collectively referred to as “BFK Literacy Mentor Program Activities”), I hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress execute this Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) under the following terms:
1. Waiver and Release: I agree not to sue and do hereby release, waive, and forever discharge and hold harmless BFK Literacy Mentor Program and its successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees, sub-contractors, sponsors, representatives, agents, and affiliates (collectively, the “Related Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, causes of action, demands, judgments, losses, and/or damages of whatever kind in nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from BFK Literacy Mentor Program Activities, even if caused by ordinary negligence by BFK and/or the Related Parties. I understand that this Release extends to all present and future claims that may be made by me as well as my family, estate, heirs, or assigns for property damage, bodily injury, personal injury, illness and/or wrongful death arising as a result of my participation in BFK Literacy Mentor Program Activities wherever, whenever, or however the same may occur.
2. General Assumption of Risk: I understand that my participation in BFK Literacy Mentor Program Activities involves certain risks, including but not limited to, transportation to and from the location of BFK Literacy Mentor Activities. I hereby expressly and specifically assume all risks associated with my participation in BFK Literacy Mentor Activities, including risks of property damage, bodily injury, personal injury, illness, and/or death. Furthermore, I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless BFK and the Related Parties from and against any and all liabilities, claims, liens, actions, causes of action, demands, judgments, costs or expenses of any nature whatsoever arising from any damage, loss, or injury (including death) caused by me, in whole or in part, or directly associated with my participation in BFK Literacy Mentor Program Activities. Additionally, I understand that BFK and the Related Parties shall not be responsible for loss or theft of personal property, or damage to personal property, associated with my participation in BFK Literacy Mentor Activities, either directly or indirectly.
3. COVID-19 Assumption of Risk: For the avoidance of doubt, I understand that my participation in BFK Literacy Mentor Activities involves risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am aware and affirm that BFK cannot prevent the possibility of my being exposed to COVID-19 while engaging in BFK Literacy Mentor Activities. I am expressly aware of and affirm the potential health risks that may occur if I am exposed to COVID-19, up to and including death. Furthermore, if I am exposed to COVID-19 while engaging in BFK Literacy Mentor Activities, I am aware and affirm that I could expose others, including members of my household. I hereby expressly and specifically assume all risks associated with or resulting from my exposure to or infection with COVID-19 including risks of personal injury, illness, and/or death. I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless BFK and the Related Parties from and against any and all liabilities, claims, liens, actions, causes of action, demands, judgments, costs or expenses of any nature whatsoever arising from any damage, loss, or injury (including death) associated with or resulting from my exposure to or infection with COVID-19, including, but not limited to, claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of any of the Related Parties.
4. Insurance: I understand that BFK and the Related Parties do not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide me with financial or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability benefits or insurance of any kind for my benefit or that of my family, guardians, trustees, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and/or assigns. I expressly waive any such claim for compensation or liability on the part of BFK Literacy Mentor Program and/or the Related Parties.
5. Health Representation and Medical Treatment: I represent that, to the best of my knowledge, I am in good mental and physical condition and suffer no mental or physical impairment that would or should prevent me from participation in BFK Literacy Mentor Program Activities. I hereby release and forever discharge BFK and the Related Parties from any claim whatsoever that arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first-aid treatment or other medical services rendered to me in connection with BFK Literacy Mentor Activities.
6. Other: I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Georgia and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia. I agree that in the event any clause or provision of this Release is deemed invalid, the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Release shall continue in full legal force and effect.
I understand that this document is a contract that grants certain rights to and eliminates the liability of BFK and the Related Parties. I hereby acknowledge that I (i) have carefully read this entire document, (ii) fully understand its contents, (iii) am over the age of 18, (iv) am signing this document willingly and voluntarily without coercion, and (v) intend this document to be legally binding.