Volunteer Application

  • Volunteer Application

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  • Emergency Contact

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  • Volunteer Commitment & Background

  • Skills, Experience, & Interest

  • Waivers & Agreements

    This section of the application is intended to ensure that you have been adequately informed about the potential risks associated with volunteering and that you agree to hold Canines For Change and its representatives blameless for any harm you may encounter while volunteering. Please consider these waivers and agreements carefully as it is a legal document. Please note that you may not volunteer until you have signed and completed all waivers and agreements. Your safety and the well-being of the dogs is of the utmost importance to Canines For Change. 
    • Volunteer Program Fee Acknowledgment 

    • As a condition of participation in the Canines For Change Volunteer Program, volunteers are required to pay a one-time volunteer program fee. The fee is $25 for volunteers age 18 and older and $15 for volunteers under age 18.

      The volunteer program fee supports Canines For Change programming and covers the cost of the official volunteer shirt. Payment may be made via the link provided in the volunteer welcome email or prior to volunteer orientation.

      By submitting this application, the applicant acknowledges and agrees to this requirement and understands that participation in the volunteer program is contingent upon payment of the applicable volunteer program fee.

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    • Tetanus Waiver  

    • Canines For Change believes it is important for all volunteers to have a current tetanus vaccination prior to joining the volunteer team. To emphasize this importance, volunteers are asked to read and sign the following waiver:

      “I understand that, due to the environment in which I will be volunteering, it is important to discuss tetanus vaccination with my physician. I hereby release Canines For Change from any responsibility for accidents or injuries that may occur, and I acknowledge that any decision I make regarding tetanus vaccination is made at my own risk.”

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    • Hold Harmless Agreement  

    • In consideration of Canines For Change accepting my application for participation in its programs, I agree to release and hold harmless Canines For Change from and against any and all losses, damages, claims, liabilities, costs, and expenses of any nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements, arising out of or related to my participation in Canines For Change programs. I acknowledge that there are certain risks inherent in handling dogs, and I knowingly accept those risks. I further understand that if any accident or injury occurs to me or to my children or wards, regardless of severity, I am responsible for completing a Volunteer Injury Report form and for seeking any necessary medical attention using my own medical insurance.

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    • Photography/Videography Policy  

    • Canines For Change requires that permission be granted before I post any photographs or videos related to my volunteer activities. I agree that I will request and obtain such permission prior to posting any photographs or videos. I further agree that Canines For Change may photograph or record video of my participation in this program, and I hereby grant and release all rights to such photographs and videos to Canines For Change for use in its programs, publications, and other lawful purposes, with the understanding that I will not receive compensation for my appearance in such materials.

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    • Conflict of Interest  

    • I shall conduct all activities as a volunteer of Canines For Change in a manner that avoids advancing or protecting my own interests, or the private interests of any individual or entity with whom I have a relationship, where such advancement or protection would be detrimental to the interests or the fundamental mission of Canines For Change. At all times in which I represent, or hold myself out as representing, Canines For Change—including in public settings outside the scope of my volunteer duties—I shall act in a manner that best promotes the interests and mission of Canines For Change.

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    • Confidentiality 

    • As an employee, volunteer, or contractor of Canines For Change, I acknowledge that, in the course of my duties, I may have access to certain information not generally known to the public relating to the business and operations of Canines For Change. Such information may include, without limitation: donor and prospective donor lists; personal information relating to staff, volunteers, Board members, clients, and other individuals associated with Canines For Change; financial information; client-related information; and other data collected by Canines For Change staff and/or volunteers (collectively, “Confidential Information”).

      I acknowledge and agree that this Confidential Information constitutes a valuable, special, and unique asset of Canines For Change and that access to and use of such Confidential Information is limited solely to the performance of my duties. Any other use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of Confidential Information is strictly prohibited.

      I further acknowledge and agree that all Confidential Information, including, without limitation, any information I conceive, create, or develop at any time during my involvement with Canines For Change, whether alone or jointly with others, is and shall remain the exclusive property of Canines For Change. Employees, volunteers, and contractors may not disclose Confidential Information relating to Canines For Change employees, volunteers, clients, customers, or animals without the prior written consent of Canines For Change.

      All Confidential Information is intended solely for the express and specific use permitted under Canines For Change policies and procedures and is considered privileged and confidential to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

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    • Non-Disclosure  

    • I agree that, except as expressly directed by Canines For Change, I will not at any time—whether during or after my involvement with Canines For Change—use or disclose to any person, for any purpose other than the benefit of Canines For Change, any Confidential Information, nor will I permit any person to use, examine, or make copies of any documents, files, data, or other materials containing Confidential Information, whether prepared by me or otherwise coming into my possession or control, without the prior written consent of Canines For Change. Any violation of this agreement may result in termination of my employment, volunteer service, or contractual relationship with Canines For Change.

      Upon termination of my employment, volunteer service, or contractual relationship, or at any time upon request by Canines For Change, I agree to immediately return to Canines For Change or destroy, as directed by Canines For Change, all tangible records in my possession, custody, or control that contain any Confidential Information.

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    • Code of Ethics  

    • As a volunteer representing Canines For Change, your conduct and interactions with staff, other volunteers, and the public are expected to be professional and courteous at all times. By volunteering, you commit to Canines For Change staff and animals to perform, to the best of your abilities, the tasks you have agreed to undertake.

      The Volunteer Code of Ethics outlines the expectations and principles governing Canines For Change volunteers. Any volunteer who engages in unprofessional, dishonest, or disrespectful behavior, or who demonstrates a lack of self-discipline, may be asked to leave the premises. Such conduct may result in termination of volunteer status.

      As a Canines For Change volunteer, I pledge to adhere to the following principles:

      Respect

      • Respect others, even when I may not agree with them.
      • Demonstrate courtesy, sensitivity, consideration, and compassion toward people and dogs.
      • Exercise sound judgment in recognizing the scope of authority of staff and volunteers.

      Safety

      • Keep safety as a top priority in all volunteer activities.
      • Follow all rules and procedures presented during training.
      • Use equipment and supplies only as intended and in a responsible manner.
      • Immediately report all injuries to a staff member.

      Quality

      • Perform all assigned tasks to the best of my ability.
      • Request assistance when needed.
      • Recognize that ongoing training is essential to maintaining safe and effective practices.


      Self-Discipline

      • Recognize my own limitations and those of others.
      • Establish and respect personal boundaries, including my limits with animals and activities.
      • Hold myself accountable for the commitments I undertake.
      • Use my time efficiently and productively.

      Communication

      • Acknowledge that I communicate both verbally and nonverbally.
      • Listen attentively to the needs of others.
      • Inform appropriate personnel of relevant information regarding the dogs and my involvement with the organization.

      Welfare

      • Value my role in the maintenance and growth of the organization.
      • Strive to promote a positive and supportive environment.
      • Respect and support all people and animals.
      • Protect Canines For Change animals at all times.
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    • Volunteer Dress Code Policy  

    • 1. Volunteers are encouraged to wear an official Canines For Change volunteer shirt while volunteering at Canines For Change, particularly during their first few shifts. The volunteer shirt must not be modified in any way, including, but not limited to, cutting sleeves, necklines, or waistlines.

      2. Volunteers are required to wear a name tag during their first few shifts. Name tags are available at the check-in station.

      3. All volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes while volunteering.

      4. Volunteers are encouraged, though not required, to wear long pants to reduce the risk of scratches from canines within the facility.

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  • Volunteer Criminal Background Release Form

    At Canines For Change we value the safety of the dogs and volunteers in our care, as well as the employees and those we serve. In a continuing effort to protect the above, Canines For Change requires that a criminal background check be conducted for volunteers who are 18-years and older, through the Michigan State Police ICHAT System. 
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  • I understand that the information discovered through a background check will only be shared with myself and relevant Canines For Change members, and not others without my consent. I understand that having a criminal history and/or a history of law violations of any type may negate my opportunity to volunteer at Canines For Change. 

    I hereby authorize Canines For Change to utilize this information for the sole purpose of conducting a criminal background check through the Michigan State Police ICHAT System. 

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