This Participant Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into by and between The Comella Foundation, Inc. ("the Foundation") and the undersigned participant ("Participant").
1. Recitals and Purpose of the Program
The Comella Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to train First Responders and Veterans in small group settings to use simple, easy-to-implement tools to immediately restore nervous system balance, relieve stress and pain, improve job satisfaction, and their overall quality of life. Our vision is a world where First Responders and Veterans have immediate access to natural and body-based tools that reduce stress, relieve pain, and restore resilience. In line with our values, we are committed to providing tailored, preventative wellness programs free of charge.
The "Operation Stress Shield" program, including the "21 Day Pilot Research Program," consists of online and in-person training designed to equip participants with practical wellness strategies. A key component of this pilot program is the collection of Participant's scores from a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Test, both before and after the 21-day program, to measure program efficacy.
Participation in the Operation Stress Shield program is entirely voluntary. By signing this Agreement, Participant acknowledges their understanding of the program's purpose and their voluntary decision to participate.
2. Participant Commitments
As a condition of participation, Participant agrees to the following:
- To give the 21 Day Pilot Research Program their best effort and engage with the material earnestly.
- To actively participate in all required online and in-person training sessions.
- To ask questions when clarification is needed to ensure a full understanding of the techniques and concepts.
- To provide honest and constructive feedback regarding their experience in the program.
- To complete all homework, self-practice assignments, and other assigned tasks to the best of their ability.
- To accurately and timely input their Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Test scores before the start and after the completion of the program as requested by the Foundation.
3. Data Collection and Authorization to Disclose
Participant understands that this program is offered free of charge through the support of sponsors, donors, and grant funders who require data to evaluate program effectiveness.
By signing this Agreement, Participant explicitly consents to the collection of personal information, which may include, but is not limited to, SCBA Test scores, written and verbal feedback, program surveys, attendance records, and other self-reported assessments ("Participant Data").
Participant hereby authorizes The Comella Foundation to use, disclose, and report Participant Data, either in an identifiable or in an aggregated/de-identified format, to current and potential sponsors, donors, and grant funders. The sole purpose of this disclosure is for program evaluation, demonstrating program impact, and securing the necessary funding to continue providing these trainings free of charge to the First Responder and Veteran community.
This authorization is given voluntarily and in writing, pursuant to applicable North Carolina privacy requirements. This authorization shall remain in effect for the duration of the program and for a reasonable reporting period thereafter of three (3) years, or until it is revoked in writing by the Participant. A revocation must be submitted in writing to The Comella Foundation. Participant understands that any such revocation will be prospective only and will not apply to any disclosures the Foundation has already made in reliance on this authorization.
4. Confidentiality of Program Materials
Participant agrees that all program content, training materials, manuals, presentations, techniques, and curriculum provided by the Foundation are the proprietary intellectual property of The Comella Foundation, Inc. Participant agrees not to record (audio or video), reproduce, distribute, share, or create derivative works from the program materials without the prior express written consent of the Foundation.
5. Photo, Video, and Recording Release
Participant consents to being photographed, video recorded, and/or audio recorded during online and in-person program sessions. Participant grants the Foundation the irrevocable right to use these images, videos, and recordings, as well as their likeness and voice, in any and all media, for promotional, educational, fundraising, and reporting purposes. If the Participant does not wish to be photographed or recorded, they must notify the Foundation in writing prior to the start of the program or the specific session.
6. Electronic Signature Consent
The parties agree that this Agreement may be executed electronically. Participant agrees that their electronic signature is the legal equivalent of their manual/handwritten signature on this Agreement and that they consent to be legally bound by its terms and conditions.
7. Governing Law and Severability
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of law principles. If any provision, term, or clause of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected, and they shall remain in full force and effect.
8. Acknowledgment of Understanding
I, the undersigned Participant, acknowledge that I have carefully read this entire Agreement, fully understand its terms, and am signing it freely and voluntarily. I agree to be bound by all terms and conditions herein.
By signing below, I affirm that I have read, understood, and agree to all terms of this Agreement.