square image with two colors of blue in the approximate design of the MN state flag, with the letters MN Speaks in white.

  • Participation Agreement & Irrevocable Deed of Gift

  • If you have questions, please use the "Contact Us" form on www.MNspeaks.com or via our Proton email address: MNspeaks@pm.me

  • This is your story, and it is important to share it only if and when it feels right. 

    If you prefer not to sign, we understand and encourage you to consider recording your story for yourself while the memories are still fresh, then storing it in a secure location so you can revisit it later and decide if, when, and how you’d like to share it.

  • 1. About MN Speaks

    MN Speaks is a community-based oral history project to document and preserve Minnesotans’ lived experiences during Operation Metro Surge in order to safeguard community truths for future generations. Anna Schulte and Katharine McDonald serve as current Project Representatives for MN Speaks. 

    2. Participation & Recording Review

    I understand that:

    • My participation is voluntary.
    • I may decline to answer any question.
    • I may pause or stop the interview at any time.
    • I may choose how I am identified in my recording: full name, partial name, pseudonym, or anonymously.
    • Before the interview is preserved, published, or deposited in an archive, I may request a copy of the recording to review.
    • I may submit written requests for corrections or redactions prior to preservation or publication. MN Speaks will make reasonable efforts to honor those requests before preservation or publication.

    3. Confidentiality

    My interview will remain confidential until it is formally released, published, or deposited in an archive.

    MN Speaks does not offer time-limited sealing or embargo options.

    Once the interview has been released, published, or deposited in an archive following any requested review period, the transfer of rights becomes permanent and withdrawal will no longer be possible.


    4. Irrevocable Deed of Gift (Transfer of Rights)

    I retain the right to use my own interview. By signing this document, I voluntarily and permanently transfer to Anna Schulte and Katharine McDonald, as Project Representatives for MN Speaks, and to any future organization or legal entity established to steward the project, all right, title, and interest — including copyright — in my recorded interview and related materials. The Project Representative may designate collaborators, successors, or affiliated entities for purposes of preservation, administration, publication, or deposit of materials.

    This includes the right and permission to:

    • Record and transcribe my interview
    • Preserve and archive my interview
    • Publish or share my interview in part or in full 
    • Create books, articles, exhibits, podcasts, documentaries, educational materials, artistic works, or other related projects, in any format or medium now known or later developed from my interview
    • Edit my interview for clarity, length, or formatting, provided the meaning or intent of my words is not materially changed
    • Deposit my interview in a public archive or repository, including but not limited to the Minnesota Historical Society, Oral History Metadata Synchronizer, or similar archives, repositories, or digital access systems
    • Allow public access my interview, according to the policies of that archive

    This transfer is irrevocable, meaning it cannot be undone after signing, and is made without expectation of compensation.


    5. Sensitive or Self-Incriminating Information

    I understand that:

    • I am responsible for what I choose to share.
    • MN Speaks representatives do not provide legal advice.
    • MN Speaks representatives do not review interviews for legal risk before release.
    • If I disclose illegal activity or information that could create legal consequences, those statements may become part of the permanent historical record once released.
    • MN Speaks representatives cannot shield or protect me from legal consequences resulting from my voluntary disclosures.

    6. Financial Implications

    I understand that:

    • I will not receive any payment or royalties.
    • If profits are ever generated, the majority will be used to benefit immigrants in Minnesota.

    7. Release of Claims

    To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, discharge, and agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Katharine McDonald and Anna Schulte, as Project Representatives, and any designated collaborators, successors, or assigns, from any and all claims, demands, damages, or causes of action arising out of or related to:

    • My voluntary participation in this interview
    • The recording, preservation, publication, sharing, or archival deposit of my interview
    • The use of my interview as described in this agreement

    This includes, but is not limited to, any claims related to copyright, defamation, invasion of privacy, right of publicity, or any other personal or intellectual property rights.

    This release does not apply to intentional misconduct.

  • Age of Narrator (narrator = person being interviewed)

  • Narrator Signature

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • By signing electronically below, I agree and acknowledge that:

    • I have read and understand this entire agreement.
    • I have had the opportunity to ask questions.
    • I voluntarily agree to the terms described in this document.
    • This agreement includes a permanent transfer of rights and a release of claims.
    • I am signing freely and voluntarily.
    • My electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
    • I am at least 18 years of age.

  • Parent/Guardian Signature 

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • By signing electronically below, I confirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor listed above and have the legal authority to consent on their behalf. I also agree and acknowledge that:

    • I have read and understand this entire agreement.
    • I have had the opportunity to ask questions.
    • I voluntarily agree to the terms described in this document.
    • This agreement includes a permanent transfer of rights and a release of claims.
    • I am signing freely and voluntarily.
    • My electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
    • I have the legal authority to consent on behalf of the minor listed above. 

  • After signing, the "thank you" page will display a link to schedule your 30 minute interview.  

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