Volunteer Contract

1.  Volunteer Acknowledgement and Participation. 

I acknowledge that I have voluntarily agreed to serve as a volunteer for Grass Roots Rescue, (“GRR”) a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, whose mission is to save stray, abandoned, shelter, and owner surrender dogs of all breeds and ages by placing them in qualified, caring, lifelong homes.

2. Nature and Scope of Services. 

As a Volunteer I will be contributing my time and effort to various services for GRR. The services will be performed by me as assigned by an officer, director, or another volunteer of GRR. In the course of performing the services, I agree:

To read the Volunteer handbook (if applicable) and complete all required training, orientation and paperwork relating to my volunteer position.

To disclose any physical or psychological limitations to appropriate directors or officers before participating in any activity. Since I may be interacting with dogs and may be lifting, carrying, moving, or otherwise engaging in physical labor, I will be respectful of my own limitations and will inform GRR immediately of such limitations. 

To read and obey all safety rules and regulations. In the interest of the safety of the dogs, the public, and other volunteers I acknowledge that GRR has the right to revoke volunteer privileges of these rules and regulations are not followed.

TO TREAT ALL GRR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, VOLUNTEERS, DOGS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH WHOM I INTERACT WITH KINDNESS AND RESPECT.  I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM VOLUNTEERING FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE DOGS AND NOT FOR ANY PERSONAL GAIN OR TO FURTHER ANY PERSONAL AGENDA.

3. No Compensation 

I agree to provide my services without compensation. I agree that I am not and will not become an employee, agent, contractor or principal of GRR upon execution of this agreement.

4. Responsibility for My Own Acts and Omissions.

I hereby agree to be legally and financially responsible and will indemnify and hold GRR harmless for my own acts and omissions relating to the service I am voluntarily providing to GRR. I acknowledge that I am responsible for providing my own medical, liability, and auto insurance during my volunteer service. I understand that I am not covered by workers’ compensation nor insured by GRR during the performance of my volunteer duties and tasks, including when driving or traveling in a vehicle, or transporting an animal.

5. Assumption of  Risk. 

I am voluntarily participating in the activities of GRR with full knowledge of the risks and dangers involved and hereby agree to accept all risks of injury, death or damage to myself and/or my personal property. As a Volunteer, I may come into contact with and interact with dogs, and such work entails risk of personal injury due. These risks include, but are not limited to, being bitten, tripped and possibly exposed to zoonotic diseases.

6. Photo, Video and Audio Release. 

I understand that as a Volunteer of GRR, I may be recorded on film, video or other electronic recording media. I hereby consent to such recording and the use by GRR of any recorded images or other media recordings of my name and likeness (“A-V Recordings”) for any purpose related to furtherance of the objectives of GRR. In particular, I grant GRR permission to copyright and use, reuse, publish and republish A-V Recordings, for art, advertising, or other purpose.

7. Release. 

As consideration for being permitted by GRR to participate in activities and provide services, I hereby agree that I, my assignees, heirs, guardians, and legal representatives will not make a claim against or sue GRR for injury or damage resulting from my participation in activities and performance of services.

8. Confidentiality. 

During my association with GRR and thereafter, I will keep confidential, refrain from disclosing to others, and use only in the performance of my volunteer duties, all confidential information of GRR that I develop or learn about during the course of my association. I understand that this agreement covers all confidential business and technical information and know-how of GRR which is not generally known to persons outside of GRR and which I have not been specifically authorized to disclose or use. Examples of confidential information include, but are not limited to, information on finances, donors, outreach programs, and information received from others that GRR has agreed to keep confidential.

9. I have read this Release and fully understand that I will relinquish all claims and actions know now or in the future against GRR. I am of legal age and competent to sign this agreement. I am signing this agreement of my own free will without the influence of anyone at GRR.

10.  I acknowledge that this agreement will apply for the entire term of my volunteer relationship starting with the date I first perform volunteer duties for GRR, even if it predates the date of this agreement, and continuing as long as I continue to be a Volunteer and thereafter as is necessary to protect the interests and rights of GRR.