Volunteer Policies, Agreement and Release of Liability
Thank you for volunteering with Food For Neighbors (FFN)! Your time and effort help us serve the community, and we appreciate your support. Because safety is important, we ask all volunteers to review and agree to the following terms before participating in any activities.
I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and have the legal authority to sign this agreement. If I am signing on behalf of a minor, I warrant that I have the legal right to do so, and this release is binding upon the minor and me, as well as our heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.
Safety is our priority! Please stay alert, follow instructions, and be cautious while volunteering.
1. Understanding Your Role and Responsibilities
I understand and agree to follow all instructions given by FFN staff and volunteer leadership.
I understand that there will be training and agree to complete all training involved in how to use any equipment needed for my volunteer tasks.
2. Health and Safety Acknowledgment
I confirm that I, and any children accompanying me, are in good health and able to safely participate in volunteer activities.
I am aware that volunteering may involve physical activity, such as moving, stacking, and organizing food; loading vehicles; or participating in food collection and distribution events.
3. Risks and Assumption of Responsibility
I understand that volunteering involves risks, including potential injuries from lifting, carrying, vehicle travel, and working with tools or equipment.
I acknowledge that I am participating at my own risk and that FFN does not guarantee the safety of the event space, any equipment, or volunteer activities.
4. Liability Waiver and Release
I, on behalf of myself and any children accompanying me, release Food For Neighbors, its officers, directors, employees, and representatives from any claims, losses, or damages related to injuries or property damage that may occur while volunteering.
I agree to be responsible for any injuries or damage caused by my failure to follow instructions or act safely.
5. Agreement Not to File Claims Against FFN
I agree not to make any legal claims against Food For Neighbors, its staff, or representatives for any incidents or injuries that may occur while volunteering.
I understand that making such claims would go against FFN’s mission and could affect its ability to continue helping the community.
6. Parental Consent for Related Minors
If I am signing on behalf of a minor child, I confirm that I have legal authority to do so.
I agree to these terms on behalf of myself and my child.
I understand that if a minor (ages 9–15) will be attending the event with an authorized designee (and not their parent or legal guardian), the parent or guardian must complete and submit the Minor Volunteer Participation Form prior to the event.
7. Independent Minor VolunteerParticipation (Ages 16–17)
Food For Neighbors welcomes volunteers ages 16–17 to participate in Red Bag sorting events without a parent or guardian present, provided the following requirements are met:
The volunteer is at least 16 years old on the day of the event.
The volunteer agrees to follow all instructions from Food For Neighbors staff and volunteer leaders during the event.
A parent or legal guardian must electronically sign the Minor Volunteer Participation Form before the event.
8. Volunteer Status
I understand that I am not an agent or employee of Food For Neighbors and will not represent myself as such. I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my actions while participating in volunteer activities.
9. Indemnity
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Food For Neighbors from all claims, losses, damages, and expenses, including legal fees, arising from the use of my vehicle in connection with Food For Neighbors activities, to the extent allowed by applicable law. I also agree and understand that I will be financially responsible for any repairs or other costs that result from driver abuse or any violation of the policies, procedures and requirements listed in this Policy.
10. Severability
If any provision of this waiver is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
Media Consent
I grant Food For Neighbors (FFN), its affiliates, successors, assigns, agents, and licensees, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, distribute, and share my first name, image, voice, and likeness, as well as those of any minors listed as participating with me. This includes all forms of media, now known or developed in the future, for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to advertising, publicity, marketing, training, and editorial content. I understand that FFN has full discretion in how these materials are used and that I waive any right to review or approve them.
I acknowledge that I will receive no compensation for the use of my likeness and that FFN may assign or transfer these rights to third parties without restriction. I waive any claims related to the use of my likeness, including but not limited to rights of privacy, publicity, defamation, or any other personal or proprietary rights. I release, indemnify, and hold harmless FFN, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and any third parties acting under FFN’s authority, from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising from this agreement.
Driving Policies
Thank you to everyone who chooses to drive for FFN in any capacity including (but not limited to) delivering Red Bags, collecting Red Bags, transporting bins, moving food and other items around the community, etc.
1. Introduction:
To ensure a smooth and consistent experience for everyone, only individuals who have agreed to the Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability, Driving Policies, and the Media Consent, may use their personal vehicles for Food For Neighbors activities.
2. Safety Guidelines:
As a Volunteer Driver, I commit to operating my vehicle in a safe and responsible manner, following all traffic laws, and ensuring that all occupants wear seat belts at all times.
To maintain a safe environment, I will never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including certain prescription medications. By signing this agreement, I confirm that I will not take any prescription medication that may affect my ability to drive safely, as indicated on the medication’s warning label or listed as a potential side effect, while volunteering for Food For Neighbors.
Additionally, for the safety of everyone, personal vehicles used for Food For Neighbors activities will not contain illegal substances, flammable materials, firearms, or other hazardous items.
3. Telephone and Device Usage Policy:
Volunteer Drivers must follow all state and local laws regarding distracted driving, including rules about phone use while driving.
To keep everyone safe, Volunteer Drivers are never required to take calls for Food For Neighbors while driving. If you need to make or answer a call, please park in a safe location first. If absolutely necessary, you may use a hands-free device while the vehicle is in motion, as allowed by law. However, for everyone’s safety, texting or emailing while driving is never permitted.
4. Insurance:
I confirm that I have active auto insurance while driving for Food For Neighbors.
Please note that Food For Neighbors does not provide insurance coverage for Volunteer Drivers or their personal vehicles. Additionally, any costs related to vehicle damage, insurance deductibles, or traffic violations incurred while volunteering are the responsibility of the Volunteer Driver.
5. Driver Record:
To ensure the safety of everyone involved, Volunteer Drivers must maintain a valid driver’s license for their state of residence and follow all driving laws wherever they operate their vehicle.
I confirm that I have a safe driving record at the time of volunteering with Food For Neighbors. Specifically, I attest that I have no major violations and no more than two (2) at-fault accidents and/or minor violations within the past three years, as outlined below.
Examples of major violations include:
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Excessive speeding (more than 20 mph over the limit)
• Reckless, negligent, or careless driving
• Any felony, homicide, or manslaughter involving a motor vehicle
• License suspension or revocation due to accidents or moving violations
Examples of minor violations include:
• Speeding (less than 20 mph over the limit)
• Failure to obey traffic signs
• Failure to yield
• Illegal turn
For the safety of Food For Neighbors volunteers and the communities we serve, it’s important that all Volunteer Drivers meet these requirements.
6. Traffic Violations:
If a Volunteer Driver receives a traffic or parking ticket while driving for Food For Neighbors, they are responsible for paying the fine directly. Food For Neighbors cannot cover or reimburse these costs. All traffic violations and parking tickets received while on Food For Neighbors business should be reported to the FFN staff as quickly as possible.
Acknowledgement
I have read and understand the Policies, Agreement and Liability Release and hereby, by way of my electronic signature, agree with all policies, procedures and requirements, and I agree to abide by all said policies, procedures and requirements.
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