This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) is executed by said minor, a minor child (the “Volunteer”), and the undersigned, the parent having legal custody and/or the legal guardian of the Volunteer (the “Guardian”), in favor of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity (Habitat), an Illinois nonprofit corporation, its directors, officers, employees and agents.
The Volunteer and Guardian desire that the Volunteer work as a volunteer for Habitat and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer. The Volunteer and the Guardian understand that the activities may include constructing and rehabilitating residential buildings working in the Habitat offices and living in housing provided for volunteers of Habitat. The Volunteer and Guardian do hereby freely, voluntarily and without duress execute this Release under the following terms:
Waiver and Release.
Volunteer and Guardian do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Habitat and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from Volunteer’s work for Habitat. Volunteer and Guardian understand that this Release discharges Habitat from any liability or claim that the Volunteer or Guardian may have against Habitat with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death or property damage that may result from Volunteer’s work for Habitat, whether caused by the negligence of Habitat or its officers, directors, employees, or agents or otherwise. Volunteer and Guardian also understand that Habitat does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness.
Medical Treatment.
Volunteer and Guardian do hereby release and forever discharge Habitat from any claim whatsoever that arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer’s work for Habitat or with the decision by any representative or agent of Habitat to exercise the power to consent to medical or dental treatment as such power may be granted and authorized in the Parental Authorization for Treatment of a Minor Child.
Assumption of Risk.
The Volunteer and Guardian understand that the work for Habitat may include activities that may be hazardous to the Volunteer, including, but not limited to, construction, loading and unloading and transportation to and from the work sites. Volunteer and Guardian hereby expressly and specifically assume the risk of injury or harm in these activities and release Habitat from all liability for injury, illness, death or property damage resulting from the activities of the Volunteer’s work for Habitat. I have reviewed the Construction Safety Video or the written Construction Safety Policy. I agree to abide by the Construction Safety Policy and understand that my personal safety is my own responsibility.
Insurance.
The Volunteer and Guardian understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by Habitat in writing; Habitat does not carry or maintain health, medical or disability insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage.
Photographic Release.
Volunteer and Guardian do hereby grant and convey unto Habitat all right, title and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by Habitat during the Volunteer’s work for Habitat, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.
Other.
Volunteer and Guardian expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Illinois, and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Volunteer and Guardian agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.
I KNOW THAT WORKING ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE IS A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ACTIVITY. I STATE that I or my child (under 18) am medically able to work at this event and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a RAHFH agent relative to my ability to safely complete the tasks performed. I also give my full permission for such first aid as deemed necessary to be provided to me or my child on the premises or prior to transport to a hospital for further treatment.
I also understand that at the present time undertaking any type of group activity carries with it the risk of contracting the Corona Virus. I agree to undertake any required safety precautions such as, but not limited to, per-screening, physical distancing and wearing protective gear. However, I assume all risks of being infected by the virus despite the taking of such precautions.
I assume all risks- associated with working on this construction site, including, but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including heat/humidity, traffic and the conditions of the road, and any risks caused by the negligence of the any planning association and each of their officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, the “released parties”), and all such other risks being known and unknown. I acknowledge that such risks could result in loss or damage to my property or personal injury, including permanent disability or death.
Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration of your allowing me to work on the construction site, I forever release indemnify and hold harmless the released parties from and against any and all liability for any and all past, present and future claims, causes of action, demands, rights, damages (both compensatory and punitive) of whatever kind or nature whatsoever (including but not limited to any and all claims based on negligence, other personal tort, contract or any other theory of recovery) which I or anyone claiming through or under me, now has or which may hereafter accrue, on account of or in any way arising out of any and all known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen personal injuries or other damages of whatever kind resulting from my participation in this event, including, but not limited to, carelessness or negligence by the released parties.
I have read the liability waiver and understand the inherent risks with this activity. I understand that I may be photographed, filmed or videotaped at the event. I hereby irrevocably grant permission to all of the released parties, their affiliates, licensees and collaborators to use such images that contain my likeness and/or voice for any legitimate purpose, including commercial advertising. I certify that I am 18 years of age or older. If I am under the age of 18, my parent or legal guardian has consented to my participation in this event and both I and my parent or legal guardian has signed above.
If any provision of this release and waiver shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from this release and waiver and I expressly agree that all remaining provisions of this document will not be rendered void and will remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Volunteer and Guardian have executed this Release as of the day and year first above written.
Volunteer Code of Conduct
Becoming a Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity (RAHFH) volunteer comes with great rewards and responsibilities. Volunteers like you are representatives of RAHFH and our ministry. When you accept a volunteer role with RAHFH, you are committing to act in a way that promotes Habitat’s mission, respects the local community, and ensures the safety of all participants. In addition to complying with all laws, regulations and RAHFH policies, all volunteers are expected to follow the volunteer code of conduct outlined below.
Promote a respectful community: Treat all volunteers, employees, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity. This includes avoiding the use of humiliating, demeaning, offensive, inappropriate, profane, or otherwise insensitive language that fails to respect the dignity of the person. Volunteers are also expected to refrain from engaging in intimidation, physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence toward others. Help promote a welcoming, respectful environment by making efforts to understand and honor the local culture and by following all rules and policies set forth by a Habitat program staff member or supervising volunteer. Use of social media should be governed by the principles of respecting and protecting vulnerable populations while preserving their dignity and privacy. You are discouraged from posting anything on social media that permits beneficiaries from being identified and/or traced.
Respect the human rights of all people and protect beneficiaries and community members from exploitation and abuse. All Habitat volunteers must model behavior consistent with the Habitat for Humanity International Safeguarding Policy which protects staff, beneficiaries, and community members (especially vulnerable adults and children) from exploitation and abuse. Inappropriate physical or sexual relationships with other volunteers is prohibited. This includes verbal, physical, or visual harassment. Under no circumstances, may volunteers engage in sexual activity with a child (a person under the age of 18, regardless of the legal age of consent and local laws), any Habitat staff or beneficiaries, or any community members. This includes not procuring commercial sex acts, even where such activities are permitted by local laws.
Prioritize site safety: Safety rules and guidelines on the volunteer site have been created to keep you and others safe as you volunteer and must be followed. Activities that pose a safety risk to yourself or others should be avoided, i.e., horseplaying. Report any unsafe working conditions to the onsite supervisor.
Uphold a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs, and weapons: The purchase, possession, or use of drugs, alcohol, or weapons is strictly prohibited on RAHFH property and volunteer sites, even if permitted by local laws.
We are a smoke free environment: All RAHFH locations, including home build sites are smoke free environments. Smoking is limited to designated smoking areas.
Follow the gift giving policy: To avoid potential misunderstandings, embarrassment, injured feelings, or jealousy, volunteers are asked not to exchange gifts with Habitat beneficiaries, staff members or community members without consulting Habitat staff. Volunteers may speak with a staff member about appropriate ways to exchange gifts.
Protect ministry assets: Use reasonable care to protect all Habitat for Humanity resources. Stealing, misappropriation or diversion of Habitat for Humanity funds, property, or other assets for personal benefit is not permitted, nor is otherwise engaging in fraudulent activity regarding Habitat for Humanity’s assets, operations, or beneficiaries.
Maintain confidentiality: Build trust with other volunteers and Habitat for Humanity by respecting the confidentiality of volunteers, staff, Habitat beneficiaries, and community members. Unless you receive prior written approval from RAHFH, you will not disclose confidential RAHFH information or confidential information given to you by others.
Speak up! Habitat for Humanity embraces a “see something, say something” culture. If you become aware of potential misconduct, help reinforce our culture of courage and accountability by sharing your concerns with an appropriate Habitat staff or supervising volunteer.
Anti-Theft: Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity has a zero-tolerance policy for theft. Anyone found or suspected of theft from the organization will be dismissed immediately. This included currency, equipment, materials, donated merchandise, and intellectual property. Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity reserves the right to prosecute.
I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to be guided by this volunteer code of conduct.
I commit to helping to safeguard the rights and dignities of all people I encounter during my volunteer service with Habitat.
I understand that I have a responsibility to report any potential misconduct to an appropriate Habitat staff.
I understand that RAHFH has the right to release me from my volunteer position at its discretion. I also understand that I am responsible for any costs that I may incur due to a violation of the code of conduct.
CONSEQUENCES- Failure to comply with the above Code of Conduct requirements will result in a volunteer being sent home and may not allowed back as a volunteer of this affiliate in the future.
I have read and I understand the RAHFH's Code of Conduct. I agree to abide by the rules described above and understand that I may be removed as a volunteer if I violate any of these rules.