VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE OF LIABILITY,
CODE OF CONDUCT & ANTI-HARASSMENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I understand that I am volunteering my time freely and without wages, benefits, or other compensation. I acknowledge that I am not an employee of the Organization and that volunteers are generally not covered by workers’ compensation insurance, except as may be required by law or specifically provided by the Organization.
I understand that volunteering in civic engagement activities and public events involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: slips, trips, and falls; exposure to weather conditions; crowd-related hazards; traffic risks; lifting or carrying objects; interactions with members of the public; and exposure to communicable illnesses.
I voluntarily and knowingly assume all risks, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, arising out of or related to my participation as a volunteer, including risks that may arise from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties, except as limited by applicable law.
To the fullest extent permitted by California law, I, on behalf of myself and my heirs, assigns, and personal representatives, release and discharge Refuse Refuse and its directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, event partners, sponsors, and volunteers (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to my volunteer activities, including claims for personal injury, illness, death, or property damage, to the extent caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.
This release does not apply to claims arising from gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, fraud, or violations of statutory duties, or to any liability that cannot be lawfully waived under California law, including California Civil Code §1668.
I understand and acknowledge that California Civil Code §1542 provides:
“A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.”
I expressly waive and relinquish any and all rights and benefits under California Civil Code §1542 and any similar law, to the fullest extent permitted by law, with respect to the release of claims described in this Agreement.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:
● my acts or omissions during volunteer service, or
● my breach of this Agreement,
except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of a Released Party or otherwise prohibited by law.
In the event of injury or illness, I authorize the Organization to provide basic first aid and to seek emergency medical care if reasonably necessary. I understand that I am responsible for any medical costs incurred, unless otherwise required by law.
I understand that travel to and from volunteer activities involves risk. I am responsible for my own transportation arrangements and insurance coverage unless otherwise expressly stated by the Organization.
I acknowledge and agree that:
● Refuse Refuse is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all participants, volunteers, staff, and members of the public.
● Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or exclusionary behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes conduct based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
● I will conduct myself professionally, respectfully, and lawfully at all times while volunteering.
● I will follow the instructions of event leads and staff and comply with all safety guidelines.
● I understand that the Organization may immediately end my volunteer participation if my conduct is unsafe, disruptive, or inconsistent with Refuse Refuse’s values or policies.
I grant Civic Joy Fund the right to photograph, audio-record, and/or video-record me during volunteer activities and to use such materials for lawful nonprofit purposes, including education, outreach, documentation, and promotion, without compensation.
If any provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, and any legal action shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in San Francisco County, California, unless otherwise required by law.
By participating or registering for any Refuse Refuse event, I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Agreement and fully understand its terms. I understand that by participating in a Refuse Refuse volunteer event, I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for ordinary negligence.